"QubiQ" nature.

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“QubiQ nature” is an adventure of Mickey Paulssen!

For Mickey Paulssen, making a scape is always an adventure that first takes place in her head. An adventure of possibilities and limitations. The used aquarium for example. Its design often limits the creative challenge. This does not apply to the Superfish QubiQ nature aquarium used here. And the best part is: this aquarium is not only suitable for every scape, but also every wallet.

"QubiQ nature" aquarium — After planting

After three weeks the plants are taking their place.

Mickey Paulssen takes on the adventure.

The design of the “QubiQ nature” aquarium gives you all the freedom you want. According to Mickey Paulssen, there are three ground compositions available for the scape.

Mickey uses the triangle in this scape. In addition, there are U-shaped and hilly setups. For the triangle design, all types of triangles can be used. So the equilateral, unequal, even or uneven can and should be used in the layout. They help build the layout of plants, the driftwood, the stones and the sand. All the different angles from which you view the scape have to be kept in mind.

Mickey tells the following about the “QubiQ nature” aquarium:

“I wanted a tree on a hill. I first made a rough outline of that. Such a sketch gives support in setting up the scape. Because I wanted to work in height, I had to make a choice between a high hill with a small tree or a low hill with a tall tree.

At the first choice, the hill soon becomes too massive while a high tree gives more air. So it has become the last. A low hill with a big tree. Because the hill on the left in my sketch was located at the back of the left side, the triangle set up automatically.

Credible tree.

The tree itself I have composed of two pieces of root wood. These were provided with moss. This gives life and makes the “QubiQ nature” aquarium much more natural. Later when the moss grows well, it can be pruned in any desired shape so that a more credible tree is created.

Because there were holes between the pieces of root wood that did not look beautiful or natural, I put an Anubias Bonsai here and there. These were first bound to a stone. The plant should never be put in the ground because of its rhizome. The plant will then rot.

Bolbitis in “QubiQ nature” aquarium

I put Bolbitis behind the tree. This, too, was first bound to a stone for the same reason. On the hill itself, I planted Eleocharis parvula. Once these have formed a field, the roots ensure that the hill does not sag. They then have the same effect as European beachgrass in the dunes. It can not be more natural. At the base of the tree, I planted Eleocharis accicularis. This is simply called needle spikerush. I have run the dwarf shape from the hill at the back. It should not be look planted in the long run because nature is simply erratic.

Stones with Riccia.

To keep it low on the front of the scape I used Hemianthus callittroichides Cuba. Here and there are some stones on which Riccia is bound. Riccia is a floating plant without roots. It must, therefore, be kept in its place. In time they form hills in the landscape which will become “QubiQ nature” aquarium.

My scape is now complete and can grow. Do not forget that this is also a very important phase of the creation process. That is why, for example, I do not plant the ground covers rigidly, but I give them the space to occupy their own place. Also, the moss branches wrapped with moss only get the intended shape during the growth and pruning process.

Adding CO2

I accelerate the growth process by adding plant nutrition and CO2 every day. Once a week I change twenty-five per cent of water to prevent too much nitrite or nitrate from entering the water. This, of course, to exclude algae blooms as much as possible. I turn on the Led lighting of the “QubiQ nature” aquarium for about eight to ten hours a day. No, that is not expensive. It is only 12 volts.”