▷ Bonsai Aquarium | All information and details

The challenge of these pools is to recreate a classic Japanese garden as realistically as possible. The name is derived from the bonsai, which is in the center. Bonsai aquariums were originally created by a Japanese supplier.

This is not a conventional pool. Whole forest landscapes can be created in such pools. That depends on the creativity of the aquarist and the available material.

© Andrey Sayfutdinov ID: 401243503 – stock.adobe.com / Bonsai with luminous fish

Basic structure of a bonsai aquarium

The main focus is always on the respective bonsai tree. Well thought-out planning ensures a particularly successful result.

Although some dry or land segments are present, no or only a few creatures are settled there. If animal stock is used, then fish such as various species of tetra, cichlid and catfish are suitable.

Matching vessel

The shape and dimensions of the aquariums depend on the bonsai and the hardscape as well as the ideas of the aquarist. However, flat products are more common. Therefore, these extraordinary aquarium landscapes can also be set up in larger containers.

medium water

In contrast to typical aquariums, the focus in bonsai aquariums is not on the large amount of water. Bonsai aquariums are usually set up in small tanks with a reduced water volume. The nanocubes are more common. The amount of water varies, but does not completely fill the interior. Usually the vessels contain only 1/3 or 1/4 or depending on taste up to 3/4 water.

Selection and types of bonsai in the aquarium

The range of aquarium bonsai is now very broad. There are differences in height and width as well as in the variety.

The smallest bonsai are mostly categorized in the S and M. L, XL and XXL usually include very expansive and tall variants. This is also reflected in the price. The demand for S, M and L bonsai is particularly high. The products in XL and XXL are used less often because the correspondingly dimensioned tanks must be available.

Aqua Bonsai

Of particular interest are the numerous types of bonsai that are grown specifically for the underwater world. If you are looking for a bonsai tree that is most similar to a garden bonsai, you should look around for a so-called aqua bonsai.

Characteristic of the aquarium bonsai is its shape. It has several crowns, which stand out due to a uniform growth direction. Varying types of wood can be recognized on a single aquarium bonsai. The reason for this is that all bonsai trees for aquariums are made up of many individual roots that are glued together to form a whole. That’s how they get on the market. This saves the buyer the tedious task of making the trees themselves.

forest bonsai

A close relative of the normal bonsai is the forest bonsai. These trees are ideal for recreating a forest look.

Forest bonsai consist of a certain number of individual trees, which explains the high purchase price. The dwarf trees are based on a combination of at least two to five individual plants. The large number of delicate knots and the resulting finely structured volume are attractive.

The forest bonsai is not that big in terms of growth. It is perfect for covering with moss and small epiphytic plants. The moss creates the impression of a leafy tree.

dragon bonsai

To give a bonsai aquarium a more imaginative, mystical appearance, dragon bonsai are recommended. These are drawn into a special shape that is comparable to a Z or an S. The larger the growth, the more fine ramifications the trees have.

This results in an idiosyncratic look that makes universal use more difficult. With dragon bonsai, the rest of the hardscape and layout should be carefully matched.

mammoth bonsai

The aquabonsai known as mammoth bonsai are widespread.
In the case of mammoth bonsai, the crown of the tree does not point in an artificially determined direction, but mainly upwards. The crown of the tree is rich in detail and lush and the branches are delicate.

The massive-looking mammoth bonsai gets its name from its thick trunk and amazing girth. Such natural products are placed as individual eye-catchers in the bonsai aquarium. When setting up the tank, the mammoth bonsai serves as a starting point. The rest of the pool equipment is draped around the tree.

In contrast to the aqua bonsai already mentioned, the mammoth bonsai can be brought into shape by pruning the tree. This is a good way to further compact the branches of the crown. The crown of the tree can be made even more impressive with epiphytic plants and/or mosses.

Octopus wood

A bonsai aquarium can also be set up with a so-called octopus wood. Octopus wood or octopus root is an excellent base for creating overhangs or for simulating a tree root in an underwater landscape.

Due to the flattened back, the octopus wood can be placed close to the back wall of the aquarium. This high-quality decorative material can be fixed in the tank in a normal position or upside down.

Aquascaping in the bonsai aquarium with additional features

aquarium stones

The bonsai is not the only element that gives the bonsai aquarium its magical look. Equipment consisting of stones, plants with varying leaves, the substrate and other objects such as twigs turns the pool into an individual work of art.

Stones are processed, among other things, as perforated or dragon stones, as lava stones (can be easily planted) or as slate stones. Mini landscape or Seiryu stones are also popular for miniature landscapes in the bonsai aquarium.

In addition to branches and roots, stones are a popular stylistic device to give the bonsai aquarium a natural overall look. In bonsai aquariums, all types of stones should not be arranged at random.

aquarium roots

Aquarium bonsai are often combined with underwater roots.

Roots should be used sparingly so as not to distract the viewer from the bonsai. Above all, very strong and strong roots should only be used with care and rather sparingly. Otherwise it can easily happen that the light natural look, which is rather filigree due to a bonsai, is impaired. Massive roots quickly distract from the bonsai.

Importance of Epiphytes in Bonsai Aquariums

©lapis2380 – stock.adobe.com – ID: 475625484 with neon tetra

After a sufficient pre-soaking phase, bonsai aquariums can be greened. Lying in the water changes their hue from lighter to darker. Strong epiphytes give the bonsai aquarium its impressive design and a contrast to the bonsai. They green the miniaturized nature refuge and provide a basis for aquatic life and are therefore usually an indispensable accessory.

Epiphytes for greening

Plants such as Hydrocolyte of. tripartita and Micranthemum monte carlo and Hygrophilia pinnatifida. In addition, small Anubias such as Anubien nana bonsai and Anubien barteri as well as Anubien Pangolino and Anubien pinto can be attached.

Epiphytes for colored nuances

Mixing different small-leaved plants creates different shades of green. The leafy appearance can also be imitated with Bulbitis deformis, which strongly resembles an autumnal treetop.

The Alternatera reineckii mini is for lovers of an autumnal, predominantly colored foliage look. The intensively red and extremely bushy growing epiphyte conveys an autumnal image of the bonsai. Grateful plants for a bonsai aquarium are bucephalandria and various mosses.

Mosses in Bonsai Aquarium

Mosses are mainly used for greening of ground areas and for the treetops. Resistant mosses such as java moss, coral or flame moss and fissiden moss are particularly good for tying up. In order to successfully beautify bonsai tree crowns or trunks with the insertion of moss, the first thing to do is to choose the right type of moss.

Types of moss such as Christmas or Weeping moss, which spread out flat, are advantageous. Weeping and Christmas moss, on the other hand, have a drooping effect.
It is best if the moss segments are plucked into small parts and distributed. Then they grow firmly and support the impressive filigree network of trees.

Commercially available moss grids or moss lawns are practical for the aquarium floor. These are only laid out on the ground and grow there.

Ground cover in the bonsai aquarium

Overhanging, deciduous appearing substrate plants or ground covers also work for greening bonsai. The finer the branches of the bonsai, the easier it is to anchor the plants there.

All underwater plants that develop aerial roots are suitable as trimmings for bonsai trees. However, some of these species should be kept small and tufted by pruning. Longer leaves are then removed by clipping. This results in intensive branching.

Possibilities of attaching epiphytic plants

When fixing epiphytes to bonsai, tying is the preferred method. Untying is a complicated technique that only partially represents a permanent solution for water-soluble yarns. Sticking with special adhesives, i.e. underwater glue, has proven particularly useful when applying to the branched treetops.

The adhesive sticks within a short time and is insoluble in water. With a toothpick or match, the substances can be applied with pinpoint accuracy and with extreme precision. If individual glued spots remain visible, they are covered with wood powder.

Fixation of mosses

Water-resistant yarns are used to tie up mosses. Nylon or special cotton yarn types do not unravel and keep the plants in place. The plantlets should not be too firm…