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“QubiQ nature” 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 30 used here. And the best part is: this aquarium is not only suitable for every scape, but also for every wallet. To learn more about scaping you go to Miroshaki: on the web

Immediately after planting.
After three weeks the plants are taking their place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mickey Paulssen takes on the adventure.

The design of the QubiQ 30 thus gives all freedom in the design of the scape. According to Mickey Paulssen, there are three ground compositions that you can use for the scape.

The triangle is used in this scape. In addition, there is the 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 can help build the layout of plants, the driftwood, the stones and the sand. All the different angles from which you can view the scape have to be kept in mind.

Mickey tells the following about the “QubiQ nature”:

“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.

The tree itself I have composed of two pieces of root wood. These were provided with moss. This gives life and makes the 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.

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.

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”.

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.

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 30 for about eight to ten hours a day. No, that is not expensive. It is only 12 volts.”

Overview of the layout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plant list: The plants are made available by Aquafleur. This company is just like Superfish a division of AquaDistri. Mickey was very pleased with the quality. :

1: The Bolbitis heudelotii is a slow-growing fern with dark green leaves. The leaves have a solid structure. The plant attaches itself to stones or wood and likes to stand in running water. It is an easy plant. Bolbitis heudelotii is a middle zone and background plant and propagates through the division of the rhizome.
2: Anubis nana bonsai A slow-growing plant. The plant is in the “QubiQ nature” in the wood clamped.
3: Vesicularia dubyana Java moss grows in Asia in freshwater. This moss type is green in colour and grows both under and above water. The latter in places where the humidity is high enough. The plant is tied to the wood here and will quickly attach itself to it. It has a fairly large need for light and grows best in a light current.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4: Eleocharis parvula (dwarf needle spikerush) has to form a carpet along the sidewalls and back wall. It is a low grassy plant. It will form a field here in the “QubiQ nature”. Dwarf needle spikerush is an easy plant to keep under the right conditions.
5: Eleocharis accicularis The needle spikerush grows worldwide. The lighter, the smaller this plant remains. It is an easy plant. The max. Height is 5 – 25 cm. In the “QubiQ nature” it will mainly form clumps around the wood.
6: Hemianthus callitrichoides ¨Cuba¨ is one of the smallest aquarium plants. The plant is used here to create lush foreground carpet. The Hemianthus callitrichoides is not an easy plant and sets high demands on CO2 and light. She also needs good plant food in order not to turn yellow. When these requirements are met, they will form a beautiful carpet here and the leaves will produce oxygen in a rapid tempo. The oxygen bubbles stick to the leaves. This gives a very beautiful almost fairytale effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7: Riccia is a floating plant and remains attached to a root or stone when properly attached. Riccia can not become rooted because this plant has no roots. By wrapping the Riccia and the wood several times with a nylon thread, the Riccia remains stuck. Always use a transparent wire. Despite the wrapping, particles of the plant are released after some time. When this happens, sprinkle a little quartz on the Riccia. When Riccia stays underwater for a longer period of time, she loses her buoyancy and becomes an underwater plant.

 

8: Root wood or spiderwood.
9: Colombo Soil Flora Base Pro made in Japan.
10: LED lighting reflection QubiQ 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the box, Superfish manufacturer writes 10 reasons to buy the QubiQ: 

– Modern design for every interior – Slim cable guide system at the rear, to eliminate the cables. – Suitable for goldfish and tropical fish, thanks to the integrated space for an optional heater. – LED lighting, durable, energy-saving and safe. ( volt, 5 Watt, IP64) – Two-tone lighting (white and blue), dimmable in steps.  – Organic filter with Crystal Clear cartridge, for clean and healthy water. – Easy maintenance, just replace the cartridge. – Includes glass cover plate to prevent the fish from jumping. – Available in colours, white and black. – Includes manual for a successful aquarium. Suitable for goldfish and tropical fish.

Also suitable for a beautiful scape. Proof: The “QubiQ nature”, designed by Mickey Paulssen!

aquadistri
aquafleur
superfish

 

Published by HugoJSmal