Skapelab

75-Gallon High-Tech Dutch Aquascape (Advanced)

Dutch aquascape example for a 75-gallon tank

A 75-gallon Dutch aquascape planned for a high-tech (pressurised CO₂) setup and a advanced aquarist. It pairs 12 plant species with a 3-group stocking list, with an open, plant-only Dutch-style layout. Everything below is sized to the tank and matched to the advanced skill level.

Generate this exact design in the studio →

Hardscape & layout

This is a Dutch-style layout — no hardscape. Structure comes entirely from terraced rows of contrasting plants.

Substrate

Aqua soil (e.g. ADA Amazonia / UNS Controsoil), built to about 3–4" deep. Active soil buffers soft, slightly acidic water and feeds roots. Slope higher at the back for depth.

Plant list & placement

PlantPlacementQuantityNeedsBuy
Dwarf Hairgrass Mini
Eleocharis sp. 'Mini'
Carpet12 potsLight: medium · CO₂: recommendedBuy at Buce Plant
Pearlweed (Carpet form)
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Carpet12 potsLight: medium · CO₂: recommendedBuy at Buce Plant
Cuphea anagalloidea
Cuphea anagalloidea
Foreground12 potsLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Pearlweed
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Foreground12 potsLight: medium · CO₂: beneficialBuy at Buce Plant
Broadleaf Eusteralis
Pogostemon stellatus
Accent5 plantsLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
Midground5 plantsLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig'
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig'
Midground5 plantsLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Bacopa 'Compact'
Bacopa caroliniana 'Compact'
Midground5 plantsLight: medium · CO₂: beneficialBuy at Buce Plant
Ammannia gracilis
Ammannia gracilis
Background4 bunchesLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Ammannia senegalensis
Ammannia senegalensis
Background4 bunchesLight: high · CO₂: requiredBuy at Buce Plant
Aponogeton ulvaceus
Aponogeton ulvaceus
Background4 bunchesLight: medium · CO₂: beneficialBuy at Buce Plant
Bacopa caroliniana
Bacopa caroliniana
Background4 bunchesLight: low · CO₂: not requiredBuy at Buce Plant

Stocking list

SpeciesSuggested countTypeBuy
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
1Semi_aggressiveBuy at Flip Aquatics
Angelicus / Burmese Loach
Botia kubotai
15PeacefulBuy at Flip Aquatics
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
13InvertebrateBuy at Flip Aquatics

Equipment

CategoryRecommendationPriceBuy
FiltrationOase BioMaster Thermo 350~$280–350Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums
LightingADA Solar RGB 60~$570–680Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums
Co2GreenLeaf Aquarium GLA Regulator + 20lb Cylinder~$400–510Buy at Buce Plant
HeatingOase BioMaster Thermo 600 (integrated)Included with Oase BioMaster Thermo 600 (~$360–450)Buy at Chewy
SubstrateADA Aqua Soil Amazonia II 9L + Powder~$75–98Buy at Buce Plant
FertilizerADA Green Brighty Nitrogen + Step 2~$48–65Buy at Buce Plant
TestkitAPI Freshwater Master Test Kit~$28–42Buy at Aquarium Co-Op
Water treatmentSeachem Prime 500ml~$12–20Buy at Aquarium Co-Op
BacteriaSeachem Stability 250ml~$8–14Buy at Aquarium Co-Op

Care schedule

DailyFeed lightly; a quick glance for anything unusual. Confirm CO₂ is on its timer.
Weekly25–50% water change, dose fertilizers, check the CO₂ drop checker, trim fast growers.
MonthlyRinse filter media in old tank water; test KH, GH, and pH; deep-trim and replant tops.
As neededTop off evaporation with dechlorinated water; spot-clean algae.
Start this build in the Skapelab studio →

Other 75-gallon plans

More Dutch aquascapes