Aquascape Debut: Crafting a 70 L / 18.5 gal - so excited!

[ideorium]

Hi everyone,

This will be my first attempt at aquascaping with proper equipment, and I’m excited to enter the aquarium hobby!

I’ve decided to go with the dark start method (I just hope I can stay patient—it's really hard to stare at an empty aquarium when everything is set up! 😅).

For now, please ignore the current hardscape arrangement, as I placed everything quickly to start the cycling process and encourage beneficial bacteria growth. I’ll refine the layout once the dark stage is over. In the meantime, I’m open to any suggestions regarding hardscaping and planting!

Equipment:
Tank: 70L Dennerle White Glass
Lighting: Chihiros WRGB II 45 (10th Edition)
Filter: Fluval 107 Canister Filter
Substrate: Dennerle Scaper’s Soil over Dennerle Deponit Mix Pro
Hardscape: Driftwood and rocks
Heater: Running to help beneficial bacteria grow
Goal:
I want to create a heavily planted low-tech setup with shrimp and fish to follow later. While I’m starting as low-tech, I’m also considering upgrading to high-tech in the future.
and here some pics

 

[ideorium]

Tanks was filled and started on 21.07.2025
Keeping the lights off ( just turned on once to test and take pics) , the filtration and heater always on.
sharing some pics ( - yes I also dont like the standard black tubes, will changed them with nicer ones)

 

[Connswater]

Looking good.

The ribbed black Fluval pipework is very flexible and of course easy to fade out visually with a black back ground. However, mulm does deposit between the ribs over time. But then, with clear pipework diatoms etc., become obvious very quickly and fussy folks clean their tubing regularly. I don't think there is 'win win' solution.