HILLSTREAM AQUARIUM | Step by step AQUASCAPE nature style | RIVER AQUARIUM | EP1

In this video I will show you step by step aquascape of Hillstream Aquarium (River Aquarium). Main inspiration for this aquarium was nature and the underwater world of fast flowing river or a hillstream. The bottom is covered with gravel and sand. With the placement of hardscape (wood and rocks) I tried to replicate the movement of the water from right to left. This aquarium will be NO CO2 and NO heater. Due to the fact it is NO CO2 aquarium and for sure some of the plants will melt initially; it will take some time and patience for the plants to grow and for the aquarium to look like I imagined. I have added "Filter Start" bacteria and some filter media from my other aquarium to speed up the process of cycling. It will be slowly stocked with fish in the next few episodes.
00:00 Intro
00:34 Tank dimensions and volume
00:53 Hardscape (Sand)
01:44 Hardscape (River boulder)
01:56 Hardscape (Lava pebbles)
02:13 Hardscape (River gravel)
02:36 Hardscape (River wood)
02:48 Creating hardscape
07:29 Final hardscape layout
08:28 Filter
08:48 Stream pump
09:07 Filter spray bar and intake
09:21 Arrival of aquarium plants
10:30 Planting aquarium plants
11:16 Bacteria starter
11:36 Hillstream aquarium explained
Aquarium - 120cmx45cmx30cm (47inx18inx12in)
Optiwhite glass 10mm | Tank Volume 162LTR (43GAL)
Filter - External with pre-filter basket (1000L/H (264GAL/H))
Light - LED Power: 53W | Luminous flux 4800lm
Stream pump - (2000L/H (528GAL/H))
CO2 - NO
Heater - NO
Plants - Bucephalandra wavy green, Anubias barteri nana, Anubias barteri coffeefolia, Cryptocoryne wendtii green, Microsorum pteropus, Vallisneria spiralis
Instagram ➜ / im_aquariums
Music - Epidemic Sound:
Madison York / In Pieces / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
www.epidemicsound.com/track/j...
Peter Sandberg / Dismantle / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
www.epidemicsound.com/track/M...
Martin Landh / Guna / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
www.epidemicsound.com/track/B...

[@IMaqua]

Below are affiliate links of the equipment I use (shipping to ALL EU countries). If you buy anything by clicking on the below links I will receive small commision without additional cost to you. Please note I have not been given any free products in exchange for mentioning them. LED LIGHT 30cm: www.azaqua.nl/en/twinstar-light/twinstar-c-line-iii-300c?aff=19 45cm: www.azaqua.nl/en/lighting/chihiros-aii-series-aii451?aff=19 60cm: www.azaqua.nl/en/lighting/chihiros-aii-series-aii601?aff=19 90cm: www.azaqua.nl/en/lighting/chihiros-aii-series-aii901?aff=19 120cm: www.azaqua.nl/en/lighting/chihiros-aii-series-aii1201?aff=19 FILTER, SKIMMER AND PUMP Oase 75: www.azaqua.nl/en/filters/oase-biostyle-75?aff=19 Corner filter: www.azaqua.nl/en/filters/nano-hoekfilter?aff=19 Skimmer: www.azaqua.nl/en/filters/eheim-skim350?aff=19 Pump: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-pump/oase-optimax-300?aff=19 Wavemaker: www.azaqua.nl/en/stream-pump/oasis-streammax-classic?aff=19 Stainless steel: www.azaqua.nl/en/inflow-outflow/stainless-steel-skimmer-set?aff=19 HEATER Nano: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-heaters/dennerle-nano-thermometer-is-compact?aff=19 SOIL,GRAVEL AND SAND Soil: www.azaqua.nl/en/aqua-soil/aquarium-soil?aff=19 River gravel: www.azaqua.nl/en/cosmetic-sand/plantahunter-gravel-river?aff=19 Rio Xingu gravel: www.azaqua.nl/en/cosmetic-sand/plantahunter-gravel-rio-xingu?aff=19 Sand: www.azaqua.nl/en/cosmetic-sand/aquarium-decoration-sand-1-2mm?aff=19 STONES Round flat rock: www.azaqua.nl/en/stones-per-kg/round-flat-rock?aff=19 Black river boulder: www.azaqua.nl/en/stones-per-kg/black-sky-rock?aff=19 Black seiryu stone: www.azaqua.nl/en/stones-per-kg/dark-seiryu-stones?aff=19 Petrified wood stone: www.azaqua.nl/en/stones-per-kg/petrified-wood-fur?aff=19 Gray mountain stone: www.azaqua.nl/en/stones-per-kg/gray-mountain-stone?aff=19 WOOD Ancient root: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-wood/ancient-root?aff=19 Corbo root: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-wood/corbo-root-m-30-40cm?aff=19 Manzanita wood: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-wood/manzanita-wood-m-40-50cm?aff=19 Spiderwood: www.azaqua.nl/en/aquarium-wood/spiderwood-s-21-30cm?aff=19 FERTILIZERS Micro+K: www.azaqua.nl/en/plant-fertilizer-and-additves/2hr-aquarist-apt-1?aff=19 FOOD Regural: www.azaqua.nl/en/fish-food-aquarium/dr-bassleer-biofish-food-regular?aff=19 Garlic: www.azaqua.nl/en/fish-food-aquarium/drbassleer-biofish-food-garlic?aff=19 MAINTENANCE Gravel vacuum: www.azaqua.nl/en/cleaning/dennerle-nano-soil-cleaner?aff=19 Aquascaping set: www.azaqua.nl/en/tweezers/nano-aquascaping-set?aff=19 Glass scraper: www.azaqua.nl/en/cleaning/window-cleaner?aff=19 VARIOUS Terra tape: www.azaqua.nl/en/necessities/dooa-terra-tape?aff=19 Moss cotton: www.azaqua.nl/en/necessities/moss-cotton-200m?aff=19 Superglue: www.azaqua.nl/en/necessities/superglue?aff=19 Pipette: www.azaqua.nl/en/plant-fertilizer-and-additves/pipette-1ml?aff=19

[@melpi327]

Shame you give a link for everything, but not for the aquarium, which is very beautiful, by the way.

[@IMaqua]

It was a custom made aquarium.

[@FelixRisingOriginal]

beautiful!! a work of art!

[@IMaqua]

Thank you for watching.

[@MountainDewNinja99]

Quality level is outstanding, dude. Great music, nice editing, clearly you love your craft. My only piece of advice would be to work a bit on your opening to make it slightly more captivating, like maybe take shots of your end product?

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for suggestion. Its always nice to hear quality advice. I am still trying to see what works best, but I have definitely been thinking about what you suggested.

[@francisrodriguez3648]

Girl Talks Fish mentioned your channel and had to check it out. The thumbnail of this aquascape she included in her post really caught my eye. I love this scape. Definitely subscribing.

[@IMaqua]

I wanted to try something different with the thumbnail for the video. I think angled aquarium shot is eye catching. Anyway thanks for watching.

[@Scaperoot79]

This is still one of my favorite builds ever. Came back for some inspiration as I get ready to scape my first rimless tank😀

[@IMaqua]

Have fun with it and try not to spend too much money (easier said than done).

[@DucatiFanBoy]

In one word, beautiful.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching.

[@davormikuljan2099]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@IMaqua]

Pozdrav 👍

[@hardystein114]

Gosh , that`s beautitul ! ❤

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@JuanSalazar-xk3lq]

Nice, very, very nice, like!!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks 👍

[@vs_comix]

A beautyful scape! I love it! The music was very fitting and I enjoyed watching the process! :D

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching. I am glad you liked it.

[@Ani_zuzu]

Beautiful scape. Hillstream loaches are a must 😂

[@IMaqua]

It will be a nice home for them.

[@SkullFucker1111]

Looking good 👍🏻

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@Ralphieodb]

Incredible dude! Saw your post on Reddit, had to watch the vid. You have a new sub!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks buddy. I can't wait to add some fish in.

[@Truth-Machine5000]

Liked and subscribed. Girl talks fish sent me.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks 👍

[@hansmaechtle8864]

Awesome! Inspiring!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks Hans. It was an amazing tank to have and look at.

[@sunlounger29]

Perfect!

[@IMaqua]

👍

[@cherellzandell6139]

My kind of eye candy, just so beautiful!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@willwoo2307]

Great vid and scape. Keep it up!!!!!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks 👍

[@chelmsford6774]

One of the best builds ever. Can not wait to watch the update 😃

[@IMaqua]

Glad you like it! This aquarium has many update videos. I will be creating new Hillstream and will publish it in a couple of days. Cheers

[@lonelywolf3209]

👌👌👌

[@IMaqua]

👍

[@SilentMeow9]

This was so relaxing to watch and made me smile. Can't wait to see what kind of fish you add.

[@IMaqua]

Snails are already in. Next episode I will add fish.

[@bethfoort]

Everything about this video is wonderful. The scape, the music, the videography-everything!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for so many compliments ☺

[@stevebatt630]

Beautiful.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@vladimirstojanovic3603]

Absolutely amazing,well done!! The stone is amazing, I love it.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks. Got it from Liquid Nature. Its really nice, black and smooth.

[@anthonykontos7931]

@@IMaquahat was the price of this tank , I’ve been looking everywhere and haven’t found anything cheap. What’s the dimensions of this tank?

[@IMaqua]

Dimensions and volume are in the video description. I don't remember the price exactly because this was a custom made aquarium. I ordered this one (and 4 more with different dimensions) and I think the average price was 250€ per aquarium (shipping not included in the price).

[@rgray83z]

Lovely video editing, surprised you’ve not got more views hopefully the algorithm will get you more from aquascapers around the globe.

[@IMaqua]

Much appreciated! Actually the views are much higher now than at the time I released the video. Slow and steady. Cheers

[@jjsfoo74]

Wow I watched all your videos in one sitting. This scape looks simple but definitely alot of thought was put into it. Congratulations! Subscribed. Looking forward to more builds

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching all. I definitely did put a lot of thought into this build and I am glad it shows.

[@aquariumdelirium]

Next level Wow absolutely stunning

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching.

[@Bashpuppy]

Bin echt gespannt wie sich’s entwickelt. 👍

[@IMaqua]

👍

[@StoffAlmighty]

That's stunning, absolutely stunning! That's not just an aquascape it's a piece of art!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks Chris.

[@majesticcichlids1630]

Beautifully done scape 👏

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@rken100]

wow

[@IMaqua]

New Hillstream will be published on Friday.

[@JJLewin1]

Beautiful design

[@IMaqua]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rken100]

damn cinmetography is amaing

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@emle9207]

Impressively high quality on everything, not to mention the filming! Highly appreciated, instantly subscribed - keep it coming!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for compliments. New video will be out end of this week.

[@nicolegary7567]

Wow. Just wow. This is incredible!!!

[@IMaqua]

I fully agree with you on that. It really looks nice.

[@lorenzospina3174]

I love this scape man 😍.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks Lorenzo. Cant wait to fill it up with fish and shrimps.

[@vyex649]

I really really like your videos, keep up the good work.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for support. More videos coming soon :)

[@naegwut]

Beautiful!!!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks 👍

[@parthgaming0484]

Beautiful full scape, one of the most underrated channel Deserves more recognition Gained a sub😀😀

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for compliments. I think as long as you enjoy what you do recognition comes sooner or later.

[@parthgaming0484]

@@IMaqua agreed

[@TobyCreates]

One of my favorite styles. Awesome tank!

[@IMaqua]

I like it also. Can't wait to put the fish in.

[@davidtheaud9734]

Magnifique réalisation. Et très belle vidéo, très bien faite ! Very good job !

[@IMaqua]

Merci. Thanks.

[@veddevins1232]

It looks incredible and is calming to look at,great work man!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks Ved.

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

Amazing! Let’s get to 4k hours of watch time

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching. 4k will come eventually.

[@aquariumcomeback3841]

One word: awesome!🔥

[@IMaqua]

One word: Thanks 👍

[@HighPriestVaticanAssasin]

looks outstanding. I had a small 20g long that I build a river manifold for, had various hillstreams, panda garra and stiphedon gobys. Was one of my favorite tanks. Only Part I didn't like was waiting for algae and biofilm to grow before introducing them.

[@IMaqua]

Thanks. I think for the next version of Hillstream I will do; I will grow algae on the rocks in a plastic container first and introduce rock with algae into the new aquarium.

[@epsilon.delta.]

Awesome, love it!

[@IMaqua]

Thanks. I hope the fish will like it.

[@spicedad]

Awesome, love it 😍😍😍

[@IMaqua]

Thanks

[@deepershadesofhouse]

Love it!

[@IMaqua]

Can't wait to put some fish in.

[@deepershadesofhouse]

@@IMaqua they'll love it ;)

[@IMaqua]

I hope so :)

[@rajadey4919]

Beautiful layout. Intriguing. What types are those driftwood's?

[@IMaqua]

They are just called driftwood.

[@seththarohour1775]

Loving it! Please keep up the good work! ><

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for the comment I am glad you like the aquarium and the video.

[@fpvlegion]

What a great find, this channel has all the ingredients! Great job, edits, music...

[@IMaqua]

And fish...

[@fpvlegion]

@@IMaqua And water... ;D

[@IMaqua]

...and tomorrow is new video...

[@fpvlegion]

@@IMaqua hmmm, looking forward, im subscribed!

[@afifahzulkefli2647]

Beautiful scape! I have just discovered your channel and I am loving all your videos!

[@IMaqua]

Thank you very much. New video will be out soon.

[@afifahzulkefli2647]

@@IMaqua Can’t wait! I’ve subbed! 💕

[@IMaqua]

Thanks.

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

Just found your channel. The quality of your videos are amazing. Love the soundtracks too😊. I have a question please. Can you make a video on how you maintain your sandy substrate in order to keep it looking so nice and pristine

[@IMaqua]

Thanks. I will think about doing it in the future because so far I have not been doing that kind of videos. So there is a chance I will make it. Regarding sand I don't do anything special, just a gravel vacuum every now and then (every 2-4 weeks) and in some aquariums I don't clean substrate at all.

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

@@IMaqua : Thank you so much

[@IMaqua]

You are welcome.

[@IskaSaint]

Perfect😁👍

[@IMaqua]

Thanks Hendra. I know you like shrimps and I will have some inside this aquarium 👍

[@IskaSaint]

@@IMaqua Wow..i'll be waiting👌

[@IMaqua]

They will be in soon

[@idleheretic7527]

Does the filter floss between rocks have to be replaced occasionally? Also wondering if I should leave those places empty for hillstream loach babies to hide in. Really love your idea and want to do something similar. Fantastic!

[@IMaqua]

There is no need to replace filter floss. I used it also in my other builds and never replaced it. It just servers as a barrier for the substrate not to mix with sand. If you wanna leave them empty go ahead. This aquarium was never imagined as a strict "biotope". If you wanna have Hillstream babies I would definitely go with only rocks and gravel, long light period of at least 12 hours and a lot of algae.

[@idleheretic7527]

@@IMaqua long light period to boost algae growth? Thanks for the reply!

[@IMaqua]

Yes. The longer the better. Breeding tanks for Hillstream loaches have long light period. That way they get a lot of algae that are natural habitat for aufwuchs.

[@danielheckmann3173]

I often times find myself returning to your video and have finally decided to upgrade to a long stream tank for my Hillstreams. I can’t help but wonder where you found that spray bar? I need an attachment to evenly distribute my flow 8-10” wide. The time stamp is 9:12

[@IMaqua]

The spray bar arrived with a filter. The filter is Aquael Ultramax 1000.

[@ChrisRedding1]

I really want to build a 75 river scape like this, but I’m really struggling to find the correct rocks. Any chance you remember where you got these? I’m at the point where I’m going to Lowe’s to test some rocks lol.

[@IMaqua]

These were bought at the aquascaping store in Europe.

[@Someoneonthisplanet1979]

nice looking tank and well done video but not much of a "hill stream" with that little flow

[@IMaqua]

Thanks for watching.

[@chrisbee9164]

Absolutely stunning. I’ve sent an email. Hope you don’t mind 👍👍

[@IMaqua]

Thanks. Will reply tomorrow.

[@PutuWahyuArimbawa]

It's so gorgeous man 🤘🤘and If I could give a suggest for the fish is Redfin Shark & Bala Shark also Cichlid Lemon Fish 🤘🤘

[@IMaqua]

Tanks are small for Bala Sharks butI definitely plan to have dwarf cichlids in one of the tanks.

[@PutuWahyuArimbawa]

@@IMaqua Good to hear..The RedFin Shark is about to contrary your whole Tanks view. I mean The Contrasts Colors 👍👍

[@IMaqua]

@@PutuWahyuArimbawa i like the colours of red fin shark

[@PutuWahyuArimbawa]

@@IMaqua it's nice man. You can see the channel of Pakne Kenzho for your inspiration. Thank you for your sharing 🤘🤘

[@IMaqua]

I think I heard that name somewhere. It definitely sounds familiar.

[@drganesan62]

The smallest stones strewn around could have been in proportion to the big pebbles

[@IMaqua]

Unfortunately these are the only stones I could get.

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

@@IMaqua where did you get these stones, really curious about it. Hope you have link maybe 👍😁

[@IMaqua]

They are made by Dennerle and called "Plantahunter natural gravel".

[@drganesan62]

@@IMaqua great work

[@maggotbrain6340]

Where do you buy large stones like that

[@IMaqua]

This one was bought from an online shop located in Vienna. The shop is called Liquid Nature.

[@tmontana6715]

whats kind of river wood did you used?

[@IMaqua]

The wood was sold to me under the name "Driftwood".

[@jamesmccracken185]

Where did you find the black river boulders? Can't find any similar local to me 🤔

[@IMaqua]

If you are from Europe I got them from Liquid Nature (Vienna). They deliver all around Europe. If you are from US good luck finding the boulders.

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

@@IMaqua found it 😁👌very nice, at last ☺️

[@IMaqua]

You found it in a shop or outside in nature?

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

@@IMaqua liquid nature Vienna 👍

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

@@IMaqua I live in Europe

[@lorenzospina3174]

Sewellia lineolata ?

[@IMaqua]

Psst 🤫 Yes...

[@aamirsuhail3586]

Hi what type of aqua soil did u use 🙂

[@IMaqua]

Aqua soil used was Dennerle Deponit Mix 10in1 and JBL Manado.

[@aamirsuhail3586]

@@IMaqua tq so much ❤️ for replying so fast and with such humblenes

[@piv5262]

Пейзаж отличный.Только зачем пол ролика кисточкой махать.Всё равно же в итоге засыпал всё дно песком.Отходите от скейперских стереотипов и к вам потянутся люди.

[@IMaqua]

Thank you for suggestion. Спасибо.

[@Matthiz]

13 minuten same song is rly annoying. Turned it off

[@IMaqua]

You got a really good solution. Thanks for watching.