Aquariums: Built a Little Stream Bank in My Studio – 10gal Shallow project

I’ve been working on this shallow tank over the past 7 months and wanted to share it on here cuz none of my friends are in the hobby.

The goal was to create something natural and beautiful using a peace lily and ferns I brought back from my grandmothers garden in FL where she lives in the winter, along with rocks, wood, and gravel I collected from the Mad River in Vermont where she lives in the summer. (Oh, and also some propagations from my best friends spider plant)

Specs:

– 10 gallon UNS shallow tank

– Hardscape mixture of collected and bought

– Lily/ Ferns / Spider plant / Pothos /Anubias / Java moss emersed

– Anubias / Buce / Crypts / Java moss / submerged

– Red root floaters for surface cover

– Tannins from driftwood/Indian almond leaves

– Seachem Tidal 35 HOB filter

– Lominie A20 freshwater light

– Two Sansi Grow lights installed above

Livestock:

– 2 female Sparkling Gouramis

– 1 female Endler

– 12 Pygmy Corys

– 50+ Jade green Neocaridina shrimp

– Mixture of pest snails (welcomed)

My PH sits around 7.5, water is lightly tannin-stained and kept around 75°F.

The focus has been on natural structure, varied flow zones, and giving the fish lots of sight-breaks and hiding options. There are tons of little caves and root filled crevices.

Started keeping fish (by accident) at the end of 2024. Had a few heart breaks at the beginning, but been determined to learn as much as I can and I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of it.

Would love any feedback = )