How to Set Up a Stunning Planted River Aquarium | Step-by-Step Guide

Join Pete from Riverwood Aquatics as he takes you through the complete process of creating a beautiful planted river aquarium. With a strong hardscape, carefully selected plants, and the right equipment, you can achieve impressive results while providing the perfect environment for your fish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this guide makes it easy to set up a thriving river-themed aquarium.
Equipment Used in This Setup:
Oase ScaperLine 100 Aquarium: A sleek and versatile tank designed for aquascaping.
Chihiros WRGB2 Pro 90 LED: High-performance LED lighting for vibrant plant growth and enhanced aquarium aesthetics.
Oase Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter: Ensures crystal-clear water and stable conditions with integrated heating.
CO2 Art Pro SE Regulator: Precise CO2 control for optimal plant growth.
Tropica Plant Substrate 7L: A nutrient-rich base layer for long-term healthy plants.
UniPac Silver Sand (10-15kg): Natural riverbed aesthetics with soft, neutral tones.
JBL Volcano Mineral 9kg: Provides a porous base for beneficial bacteria and root health.
Plants Used in the River Aquarium:
Littorela uniflora (7 pots): A perfect carpeting plant for natural layouts.
Cryptocoryne parva (1 pot): Ideal for smaller spaces in the aquascape.
Cryptocoryne albida Brown (1 pot): Adds earthy tones for contrast.
Cryptocoryne spiralis Red (1 pot): Adds height and texture to the layout.
Vallisneria spiralis Red (approx. 10 pots): Creates flowing, natural movement in the water.
Hydrocotyle tripartita: Perfect for trailing or creeping growth.
Nymphaea zenkeri: A stunning focal plant with bold leaves.
Why Create a Planted River Aquarium?
A planted river aquarium mimics the natural beauty of river habitats, offering a serene and dynamic environment for your fish. By combining a strong hardscape with carefully chosen plants, you can create a thriving underwater ecosystem that is both visually stunning and easy to maintain.
Shop for Supplies:
Find everything you need for this setup at riverwoodaquatics.co.uk. From tanks to plants, we’ve got you covered!
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#aquarium #plantedaquarium #aquascaping #aquascapingtutorial #riveraquarium #plantsetup #fishkeeping #OaseScaperLine #CO2Art #Tropica #Chihiros #nanoaquarium

[@keganjones2896]

Let's go! Cool scape, go see Peter at Riverwood Aquatics, super knowledgeable and helpful 👌

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much, Kegan 😊😊

[@gordonclarke788]

Like it my val is going crazy have loads of it

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Love it when Vallis gets going!

[@keithtrestrail5003]

Great video I think filter pipes should be at the back of tank but looking good.

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much! I placed the filter pipes at the front to get maximum water circulation. But it may work better at the back with different layouts 🙂

[@kwackytankslap9339]

Love this. I did a riverscape with a mix of vallis and elodea at the back. Mine has got pearl danios and leopard danios. I put in a power head for extra flow, which they seem to love.

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Sounds like a great setup!

[@ajorieb4592]

Love the layout and plant selection. I think some manzanita wood would be a nice addition as well.

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much! Manzanita is a good idea!

[@Drissdefrance]

thank you ! merci pour votre partage d’expérience je suis fan ! :o)

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much! Merci 😊

[@smifyrex]

Brilliant video Pete hopefully do an update video let us see how it gets on..Good to hear your going to be making more video's..

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much, really appreciate it! 😊

[@raybeer5213]

Video's what? Why use an apostrophe for a plural? 🤣

[@JFScapes]

Look forward to seeing these in person buddy! See you in a few weeks 😊

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Fantastic! See you soon! 🙏😊

[@maciejkowalczyk4776]

Amazing work Pete can't wait to see it 🔥🔥

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

Cheers from my fish room channel in Chicago, where I've just subscribed to yours. I'm smitten by the pink-hued river rock. It looks so peaceful and natural, like the river's edge in spring before the plants take over...

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it, and thank you for subscribing!

[@00mitomk]

Looks amazing Pete, Need to pop over soon!

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thanks so much! Be good to see you 😊

[@HITOPAquarium]

Very nice river aquascape, looking forward to more of your aquascape videos,

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much!

[@BenR2410]

Tank looks great! Looking forward to seeing it grow in and the other scapes coming soon!

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it 😊

[@StuScapes]

Some dwarf rainbow's would look great

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

That's a nice idea! Thank you

[@raybeer5213]

Dwarf rainbow's what? Rainbows, plural. Why the apostrophe? 🤣

[@anilmakwana5783]

Great scape, but it think it’s crying out for a large piece of driftwood to connect the 2 groupings. But I might be wrong let’s see in a few weeks.

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you! You could be right, we'll see how it grows in 😊

[@frankschulz3169]

Really nice! ❤

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much!

[@Aquagold.goldysingh1313]

Amazing Setup bro

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@stevesmith6022]

Superb video thank you…

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you very much!

[@raybeer5213]

You're joking, right? Almost as boring as George Farmer.

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

​@raybeer5213 Thanks for the conment 😊

[@darylcavanagh3977]

Nice scape Btw where did you get your fire extinguisher from? I'm looking for a reliable supplier

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Thank you! We sell refilled fire extinguishers. But only for in store collection.

[@thedave7029]

thanks mate

[@omaeve]

I would like to see someone do a link after they plant the tank right underneath the old video week one week two week 10 till you are satisfied with its growth and people can see how it looks each week as it slowly grows

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

That's a really good idea! Thank you!