A Mech Engineer Speaks out of Heart about His Aquatic Incape
Venkata Somaraju G, a Mechanical Engineer by profession, but a true biologist at heart. His childhood passion for the living world bubbles to the surface in his stunning aquascapes. This isn’t just a hobby; it’s a carefully cultivated ecosystem. Obsessed with Gourami, Somaraju’s tanks teem with life, from Powder Blue Dwarf and Pearl Gourami to a vibrant community including Serpae Tetras, Sterba’s Corydoras, Golden Algae Eaters, Kuhli Loaches, Siamese Algae Eaters, Redeye Tetras, and Zebrafish. In a conversation with Naresh Nunna of Neo Science Hub, he speaks out of his heart. Prepare to dive into the intricate world of a man who seamlessly blends engineering precision with a love for aquatic biodiversity.
Aquarium Construction and Design
Can you walk us through the step-by-step process of building your 3-foot aquarium?
Certainly. I provided a detailed walkthrough of constructing the aquarium from the very beginning to how it looks now. The setup involved using soil bags, aquarium soil, beneficial bacteria and rocks for the base. I also adjusted the rocks and added water to get it ready for planting.
What are the exact dimensions of the aquarium, and what is its total volume?
The aquarium’s dimensions are 90 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm, and it has a total volume of 182 litres.
What materials did you use for the aquarium base and why did you choose them?
The base is covered with aquarium soil, soil bags designed by my grandmother. I also introduced additional elements like rocks, beneficial bacteria and root boosters to enhance the aquarium’s ecosystem.
How did you scape the aquarium, and what was your inspiration for the design?
The scaping involved using hole rocks, lava rocks, cosmetic sand and driftwood to make it look better. I designed the aquarium in a reverse stream style with two mountains and forest elements (Every aquascape should have some theme or a story: My aquarium theme is a river stream splitting the mountain in to half and creating a lush green forest on both sides of the river).
What is the reverse stream style, and how did you incorporate it into your design with the mountains and forest elements?
Well, I mentioned the design is in a reverse stream style with two mountains and forest elements, but I don’t go into detail about what a reverse stream style is.
Why did you choose to use hold rocks, lava rocks, and root boosters in the scaping?
I used hole rocks to plant some cryptocoryne on holes as an experiment, epified plants, lava rocks to prevent Aqua soil mixing with cosmetic sand(and it acts as a boundary), lava rocks has more surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and grow which helps the aquarium’s ecosystem and root boosters to improve the plant growth for enhanced aesthetics.
How did you create the lava rock boundaries, and what purpose do they serve?
I installed lava rock’s bonded them with tissue paper & super glue to create a boundaries to prevent the aqua soil from mixing with the cosmetic sand
What type of sand did you use, and how does it help maintain the aquarium’s soil integrity?
I added aqua soil, soil bags for plant growth & cosmetic sand to create the river stream.
Planting and Plant Selection
What types of plants did you initially plant in the aquarium?
Alternanthera Sessilis, Alternanthera sp. Burgundy, Bacopa Caroliniana, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne variants, Echinodorus sp, Hydrocotyle Tripartita, Hygrophila Pinnatifida, Hygrophila Polysperma, Lagenandra Meeboldii, Limnophila, Ludwigia Glandulosa, Rotala Rotundifolia, Staurogyne sp, & some mosses an epified plants.
Can you describe the planting process and how you ensured optimal plant growth?
Stem plants are planted in aquasoil, epified plants (that grows on the surface like rocks and wood) To ensure optimal plant growth we need regularly fertilize as per plant requirements (daily or weekly), Adequate lighting, Replenishing water every week to ensure all elements present in the water will help our aquariums to achieve optimal growth of plants.
What additional filtration methods did you use during the planting phase to maintain water clarity?
I utilized additional filtration to maintain clear water during the planting phase.
Which plants did you choose for their aesthetic appeal and growth compatibility, and why?
I highlighted plants like Alternanthera, Ludwigia, and Hydroptila, chosen to enhance the aquascape which provides me the different colour theme(red, green, brown, orange tone plants) for their aesthetic appeal and growth compatibility.
Can you discuss the different types of aquatic grasses you considered or used?
Echinodorus Tenellus ‘Micro’, Echinodorus Tenellus, Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis, Sagittaria sp…. Mostly used in foreground
What specific variants did you use for aquascaping?
I introduced specific variants like Hygrophila and Limnophila for aquascaping.
How did you address the lighting issues you faced, and what adjustments did you make?
Excess lighting hours will help your aquarium plants grow fast but it also comes with certain challenges like algae issues and melting of plants which will affect the ecosystem of the aquarium, excess light hours causes stress to aquarium fishes, Adequate lighting hours in aquarium, heavily planted tank : 7-10 Hrs/Day, planted tank: 6-8 Hrs/Day, Reduce lightings hrs in summer
What challenges did you encounter with water changes and plant health, and how did you overcome them?
Regular water changes helps us to improve the growth of our aquarium eco system replenishing the lost minerals and essential partials from water, Ground water in Hyderabad is very heard so i opted to use Ro water for my Aquariums, all aquatic plants and most of the aquarium fish do better in Soft water. Regular Pruning of plants can encourage the new growth in plants and also keeps plants healthy and bushy
Why did the plants change colour?
There are some plants which required high nutrition , height lighting, good fertilization & CO2 to pop the original colour of plants & for photosynthesis Sometimes plants change colour when they don’t get enough nutrition and sufficient light. The plant turned a pinkish-brown colour because it was too close to the light.
Which plants did you remove due to heavy growth, and how did this improve the tank’s lighting?
I removed Hygrophila polysperma to improve the aquarium’s appearance and health, which likely helped with lighting.
Why did you choose Cryptocoryne parva and Sagittaria grass, and how did you manage their growth?
I introduced Cryptocoryne parva, which includes smaller carpet plants that enhance the look while allowing for consistent growth. I focused on using Sagittaria grass for a carpet effect in the 3ft aquarium.
How do you ensure a consistent CO2 supply for plant growth, and what type of system do you use?
They are different methods of co2 systems in the market like
- Traditional CO2 Cylinders
- DIY CO2
- liquid co2
I prefer Traditional CO2 Cylinders where direct CO2 is injected in to the aquarium with the help of a diffuser, the diffused CO2 is mixed in water and helps in photosynthetic.
Fish and Aquarium Maintenance
What fish species did you initially introduce, and what others did you add later?
Initially, I introduced sterbai corydoras, siamese algae eaters, followed by other fish species like Neon tetras, raminose tetras . later I added several fish species, including Checkerboard Barbs, odessa barb(Native INDIAN fish) and Blue Rainbows. Over the year, I incorporated leopard danios and veiltail danio for increased variety and activity in the aquarium
What happened to the tetras, and why did only the serpae tetras survive?
Most tetras died, due to heat wave and sudden water parameter changes at rainy season including neon tetras, leaving only serpae tetras. this happen at initial stages of my 3ft aquarium journey
How did the fish’s digging behavior affect the substrate, and what changes did you observe over time?
Upside down catfish started digging though my substrate, at that time the aqua soil got mixed with cosmetic sand later i added some small river pebbles to make it more natural. The initial neat substrate eroded due to fish digging, affecting the tank’s appearance over time. But nature is always asymmetric starting it effected the appearance, later a added nymphaea sp. (red lilly) & tiger lotus which made my aquarium more natural.
What is your regular aquarium maintenance routine, and how often do you perform water changes?
Regular maintenance and water changes are essential for maintaining fish & plant health. Regular water changes and maintenance were conducted every week. Sundays are reserved for aquarium maintenance where i conduct filter cleaning, plant pruning, glass scraping & water changes, later I replenish the water and add required fertilizers and water conditioner to my aquarium , ensuring optimal conditions for the aquarium.
How does the External Canister Filter manage filtration, and what do you do about the bio film?
The external Canister Filter effectively manages filtration & also saves place in your aquarium as its placed outside the aquarium which gives more space for media to filter the aquarium water when compared to the internal filters, bio film is taken care by surface skimmer which is fixed to the intake of canister filter.
Can you explain how you designed your dual-purpose surface skimmer and how it improves water quality?
I used one old internal filter in my aquarium as a surface skimmer, I glued a filter mesh profile from internal filters to the inlet of the pump and added a sponge and installed it in my aquarium inverted, so the inlet will suck all the bio film and plant debris. The surface skimmer collects bio film and plant debris, improving water quality. Regular maintenance helps clear accumulated waste, benefiting fish health.
What are your fish feeding habits, and what type of fish food do you use?
Feeding occurs early in the morning or between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, except on Sundays. I feed them a verity of fish food, I feed live food like blood worms or home cultured Brine shrimp which help natural instinct of fish. I’ve been using Aquarium products India & Intense fish food from India for my fish. I started using Aquarium products India & Intense fish food in June-July 2022 to enhance fish health. Intense & Aquarium products India is an Indian product, promoting local manufacturing for aquarium care.
How do you ensure the health and well-being of your fish?
Regular maintenance, including clearing out debris, enhances the growth of plants and the well-being of fish. Neglecting plant health can lead to degradation and negatively impact the aquarium ecosystem.
What signs of healthy plant growth have you observed, such as new baby shoots?
New baby shoots of Tiger Lotus are emerging, indicating healthy growth. Hydrocotyle and stem plants are also doing well, with small new shoots visible.
How did you address the bacterial bloom you encountered after a water change?
I encountered bacterial bloom after changing water during the rainy season. Regular water change like 20 % every day for next few days or a week, reducing fish feed or introducing some beneficial bacteria to the aquarium water.
Personal Experience and Reflections
What inspired you to start this aquarium project, and what kept you motivated throughout the year?
The aquarium journey has been deeply personal and motivational, highlighting my emotional connection to the hobby.
How has the aquarium journey been personally and emotionally rewarding for you?
The aquarium journey has been deeply personal and motivational.
What have you learned about aquascaping, plant care, and fishkeeping throughout this process?
I’ve learned the importance of regular maintenance for a healthy aquarium ecosystem. I’ve explored different types of plants and decorations to enhance aquascaping, including epiphytic plants and driftwood. I’ve also gained tips on maintaining water quality, fish health, and plant growth.
How has observing the fish provided you with a meditative experience?
Observing the fish provides a meditative experience, enhancing my connection to my aquatic pets. I enjoy spending time by the aquarium , interacting with the fish. In free time i spend my time observing nature, bike riding, photographs & time laps videos, always getting new ideas and inspiration from nature which helps me in my aquascaping.
What are your favourite aquarium products and fish colours, and why?
I express a strong preference for Neon Rainbow fish due to their vibrant colours. I mention using specific aquarium food from India for the last three years to maintain fish health. I started using Aquarium product India & Intense fish food to enhance fish health. Aquarium product India & Intense both are Indian product, promoting local manufacturing for aquarium care.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting their own aquarium?
I would encourage viewers to engage more with the content through longer, cinematic videos capturing the aquarium’s evolution. I’d also emphasize the importance of regular maintenance for a healthy aquarium ecosystem and share tips on maintaining water quality, fish health, and plant growth.
What are your future plans for the aquarium?
The document doesn’t include my future plans for the aquarium.
Would you like to share any tips on maintaining water quality, fish health, and plant growth?
I’ve discussed the importance of regular maintenance for a healthy aquarium ecosystem. I’ve also shared tips on maintaining water quality, fish health, and plant growth throughout the video tutorial.
