Aquascape by Yuri Zhupanov. DIY from design to equipment

Yuri Zhupanov is a master of both art and science when it comes to creating breathtaking aquascapes. Zhupanov’s designs for aquariums are notable for their harmony and elegance. It can be very satisfying to learn from his method if you’re passionate about transforming your aquarium into a living piece of art.

We’ll explore Zhupanov’s techniques for creating stunning aquascapes in this post. Everything you need to know will be covered, from the first design concepts to the specifics of choosing the appropriate equipment. Zhupanov’s do-it-yourself aquarist methods are suitable for novices as well as experienced fish keepers.

We’ll look at how Zhupanov creates dynamic and harmonic underwater landscapes by fusing natural elements with careful design. You’ll receive helpful advice on selecting supplies, positioning plants, and assembling your tank to replicate the aesthetics of natural settings by dissecting his method.

So join us as we explore the mysteries behind Zhupanov’s enthralling aquascapes if you’re keen to add some artistic flair to your aquarium. Prepare to turn your tank into an amazing work of aquatic art.

Description

• Aquarium: 60x28x30, 50l
• Light: Homemade, Two LED-lines of 9w, 6000k, total power ≈ 1300 lm
• Filter: Homemade external 350 l/h, Internal 170 l/h
• Co2: Homemade system on citric acid and soda
• Water: Water supply
• Aquarium water parameters: Ph 7.5; Gh 15; Kh 10

Soil

1. Neutral soil Hagen, 2-4mm
2. Nutrient substrate Aquayer
3. Quartz sand

Fertilizers:

1. Micro+ Aquayer
2. Macro+ Aquayer
3. Potassium + Aquayer (First month after launch)

Plants:

1. Hediotis Salzmanii
2. Java Moss
3. Pogostemon Helferi
4. Anubias Barteri var. Nana Petite
5. Alternanthera mini
6. Bucephalandra sp. Kualakuayan
7. Cryptocoryne Nuri Rosen Maiden
8. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
9. Pistia

Population

1. Rhodostomus
2. SAE
3. Macrobrachium shrimp
4. African clawed frog
5. Red-spotted snail Neretina

We’ll go over Yuri Zhupanov’s do-it-yourself method for creating a gorgeous aquascape in this post, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from coming up with design concepts to choosing the appropriate tools. Zhupanov’s methods provide doable actions and imaginative hints that can assist novices and experienced aquarium owners in transforming their tanks into breathtaking underwater scenes. This guide will give you the knowledge and resources you need to create an aquarium environment that is both visually arresting and harmonious, regardless of whether you’re starting from scratch or hoping to improve an already-existing setup.

Idea and hardscape

I have owned three aquariums in my lifetime. In addition, the first two had capacities of 10 and 12 liters. You are aware that you are not really able to accelerate at this volume.

The idea of a serious project grew more and more obsessional as I became more involved in aquascaping. A trip to Albania was the tipping point.

I was greatly inspired to create an aquascape by the stunning landscapes I saw in Albania.

During the trip, I decided to build a new aquarium, so I started gathering driftwood and stones. About half of the decorations were brought over from Albania by me.

I wasted no time in purchasing an aquarium, additional decorations, and adhesive for the hardscape as soon as I got there.

The hardscape is a gorge covered in driftwood and roots.

Adhesive is used to join all of the decorations. I used cotton wool and super glue to adhere them. I used super glue to attach cotton wool between two decorations. It grips incredibly firmly.

Using stones and driftwood, I constructed several levels and terraces. I used roughly ten tubes of super glue for the adhesive process. The longest part was hardscape, which I worked on for about a month in the evenings.

The stones are securely fastened and do not fall apart because of the strong glue.

Equipment

I made every effort to complete this project entirely by hand.

Does it result in profit? Naturally, no. I could have made enough money while building everything to purchase ADA-branded equipment, right?

Is it worthwhile? Absolutely! Keeping aquariums is, for me, a soul-stirring hobby, akin to meditation. When I see something I’ve created function precisely as I intended, it gives me great satisfaction.

Aquarium design

I had two aquariums, 10 and 12 liters, before this. An African clawed frog survived in the first, while cherry shrimp and multiple nanofish survived in the second. My goal for the new project was to set up an aquarium with fish, shrimp, and a frog in it. Given that the frog is a predator, it was determined to divide the aquarium into two sections by adhering a glass partition to it.

Additionally, the right side of the aquarium is covered with glass to keep the frog from jumping out.

Water can circulate between the two aquarium sections thanks to holes in the partition at the bottom and back walls.

Filtration

I used 2.5 liter cans to create an external filter. I perforated the lid with two large and one small hole. I put wire through the small hole and screwed garden fittings into the larger ones before filling everything with aquarium sealant. Although silicone seals well, mechanical impact can cause it to come off. I used epoxy resin to cover everything on top for dependability. I have an amazing lid that fits over any can.

I fill in spaces with sponges and ceramic rings.

Water is forced into the aquarium by the pump, which is situated at the top of the can. Due to the sealed design, back pressure builds up inside the jar, causing water from the aquarium to enter through the second tube at the bottom, travel through the fillers, and then enter the pump, which forces the water into the aquarium. And after that, you grasp the concept?

The external filter’s inlet and outlet are located on opposing sides of the aquarium’s partition. The water in the aquarium passes through a thick layer of soil due to holes in the partition, which furthers biological filtration.

It was determined to install an internal filter with a fine-pored sponge in the appropriate area of the aquarium to enhance flow and provide mechanical filtration.

Lighting

The lamp is something I also made. It has two 9w LED strips, a body made of a wire box, and legs made of several aluminum tubes from an old cabinet. Everything was painted, glued, and connected by me. Since the wires are inside the aluminum tubes, they are completely hidden.

The lamp worked out nicely. The light has a medium brightness and a total power of about 1300 lumens, which is more than sufficient for this aquarium because of its shallow depth and high hardscape. Every plant that prefers light is found between 10 and 15 centimeters below the water’s surface.

In addition, the aquarium’s background backlight gives the scenery a seemingly "endless" appearance.

I placed a transparent window film on the rear wall. I placed an LED strip that shines upwards behind the film. An angled piece of white organic glass behind the LED strip reflects light into the aquarium.

Light mode

I was able to create a sunrise and sunset in the aquarium because of the background lighting and the two independent timers on the lamps. The main light comes on at 14:00 and burns until 22:00, the background lighting turns off at 22:30, and the main lighting comes on at 13:30, mimicking the sunrise peeking over the horizon.

As a result, the aquarium has nine hours of daylight.

This is how an aquarium’s dawn appears.

Carbon dioxide supply

I designed a soda and citric acid system to supply CO2. About a month and a half’s worth of reagents are needed. The only thing I regret doing myself was creating this system. Purchasing a cylinder would be preferable, and I will do so shortly.

My pressure gauge was faulty and was causing carbon dioxide poisoning. Not much, but there was a steady decline in pressure. Following the second reagent recharge, Aliexpress’s lids developed severe cracks. I’m glad I noticed this because there might have been a big explosion otherwise. I had to place an order for new lids from a man who casts them himself; the plastic is 5 mm thick there.

As a general rule, I strongly advise against building homemade CO2 systems on lemons, especially mash. This isn’t enjoyable, and the dependability could use some improvement.

Launch and life of the aquarium

Approximately three months went by between the beginning of the project and the aquarium’s water filling.

I planted the plants and added water once the hardscape was prepared, completed, completed again, and finally completed. I made the error of not pre-boiling the driftwood for very long. The water turned green tea-colored after a few days.

The aquarium is on the windowsill in this picture, but it will be on the table in the next one. I started it on a windowsill, and naturally, the aquarium moved with me when I moved to a new apartment. It was difficult to move with fish, plants, and water, but that’s a whole other story.

There were no issues other than the yellow water; I changed the water every other day and patiently waited the first month before launching the occupants.

Even though it was +35° outside, I was still able to keep the aquarium’s temperature between +26 and +27° because I had a cooling fan.

Adventures were not lacking. I took a one-week vacation to Bulgaria two weeks after the launch. The cooling fan was evaporating two to three liters of water a day, and I was unable to leave it on. Upon my return from the trip, I was absolutely horrified. Diatomaceous algae covered everything in the aquarium, which had a temperature of +32°. Prior to my departure, I had not noticed any algae at all. The driftwood, plants, and stones were all coated in a thick layer of brown.

Before the aquarium’s launch date of one month, I went and purchased a single Gyrenocheilus fish. In four days, Girik polished everything to a high shine. Although the fish is small, it is a great helper in the battle against fouling, even though I know it is not for this volume. Thankfully, there is someone, and when it grows a little more, I will give it to them in a larger volume.

Since the aquarium has been open for more than three months, everything has stabilized and hardly any algae is present. Since launch, I have not conducted any water tests. Every day, I add 1.5 ml of Micro+ and 1.5 ml of Macro+ Ermolaev (I calculated it with my phone’s Aquayer app).

Aspect	Details
Designer	Yuri Zhupanov
Focus	DIY Aquascape
Design Phase	Planning layout and choosing plants
Equipment Needed	Filter, lighting, substrate, and CO2 system
Key Elements	Balance of hardscape and plants, water quality management
Maintenance Tips	Regular water changes, trimming plants, checking equipment
Common Challenges	Algae growth, plant health issues
Resources	Online forums, instructional videos, local aquarium clubs

The way that Yuri Zhupanov approaches aquascaping demonstrates a combination of imagination and useful expertise that can motivate novices as well as seasoned enthusiasts. Using his own design and equipment, he offers a do-it-yourself approach to creating an amazing underwater scene. Through his emphasis on personal touches and comprehension of the fundamental elements, Zhupanov makes aquascaping an approachable art form for all.

You too can make your aquarium a stunning and useful space by following his advice. Careful planning, selecting the proper fish and plants, and setting up the necessary equipment are all part of the process. Zhupanov’s methods place equal emphasis on the inhabitants of the aquarium’s health and well-being as well as its aesthetic qualities.

Zhupanov offers a useful framework for anyone looking to improve their skills or get started, with his do-it-yourself method. By using these techniques, you can give your aquarium a distinctive and well-balanced personal touch that sets it apart from other parts of your house. You can create a gorgeous aquascape that infuses your room with peace and beauty if you have the patience and creativity to do so.

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