The Bastion of Minas Tirith
DutchBeginner
The Bastion of Minas Tirith
"Stand firm against the shadow with a tank inspired by the City of Kings. This design utilizes stark white stones arranged in tiers to mimic the levels of Minas Tirith, with a single, skeletal Manzanita branch representing the White Tree of Gondor. Vibrant green carpets and majestic Rainbowfish bring the 'Age of Men' to life in a bright, high-clarity environment that feels both orderly and grand."
Minimum Tank Size
Standard 75g (48x18x21)
Volume
75 gal
Water Parameters
75°F-77°F
7-7 pH
Substrate
White Quartz Sand (Foreground)Active Soil (Hidden in planting terraces)
Hardscape Components
White Texas Holy RockStacked in three rising tiers on the left side of the tank
Manzanita Branch (Bleached/White)Single vertical branch in the center midground (The White Tree)
Fauna Inventory
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Centerpiece
6x
Upper to mid-water column
Zebra Danio
Schooling Fish
15x
Upper water column
Nerite Snail
Invertebrate
10x
Glass and stones
Flora Inventory
Eleocharis Acicularis (Dwarf Hairgrass)
Carpeting
10 pots
Foreground
Hygrophila Polysperma 'Rosanervig'
Stem
4 bunches
Background center
Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'
Stem
4 pots
Midground accent clusters
The Bastion of Minas Tirith
Dutch Aquascape Plan
aquascaping.ai
January 15, 2026
"Stand firm against the shadow with a tank inspired by the City of Kings. This design utilizes stark white stones arranged in tiers to mimic the levels of Minas Tirith, with a single, skeletal Manzanita branch representing the White Tree of Gondor. Vibrant green carpets and majestic Rainbowfish bring the 'Age of Men' to life in a bright, high-clarity environment that feels both orderly and grand."
TankStandard 75g (48x18x21) (75 gal)
Parameters75-77°F • pH 7-7
DifficultyBeginner
Fauna
- 6x Boesemani Rainbowfish
- 15x Zebra Danio
- 10x Nerite Snail
Flora
- 10 pots Eleocharis Acicularis (Dwarf Hairgrass)
- 4 bunches Hygrophila Polysperma 'Rosanervig'
- 4 pots Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'
Shopping List
Tank & Supplies
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 75 Gallon Aquarium- 48x18x21 dimensions for the Gondor theme. | 1 | $200 - $350 | |
| High-output LED Aquarium Light (48 inch)- Provides high intensity for Dwarf Hairgrass and red stems. | 1 | $160 - $250 | |
| Large Canister Filter- Crucial for high clarity in a Dutch style layout. | 1 | $180 - $300 | |
| Surface Skimmer- Maintains a crystal clear surface reflecting the light. | 1 | $30 - $50 | |
| Aquarium Heater (300W)- Keep water consistently between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. | 1 | $35 - $55 | |
| White Quartz Sand- Creates the bright foreground field for the hairgrass. | 40 lbs | $40 - $60 | |
| Active Nutrient Soil- To be placed in tiered sections for heavy root feeders. | 18 Liters | $70 - $100 | |
| Water Conditioner & Startup Bacteria- Essential for cycling the tank safely for fauna. | 1 set | $25 - $40 |
Hardscape
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Texas Holy Rock- Used to build the three tiers of Minas Tirith. | 50 lbs | $100 - $150 | |
| Bleached Manzanita Wood- Represents the skeletal White Tree of Gondor. | 1 centerpiece branch | $45 - $80 |
Flora
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleocharis Acicularis (Dwarf Hairgrass)- Carpeting plant for the Pelennor Fields look. | 10 pots | $70 - $90 | |
| Hygrophila Polysperma 'Rosanervig'- Provides a pale pinkish contrast in the background center. | 4 bunches | $30 - $40 | |
| Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'- Deep red midground clusters for royal accents. | 4 pots | $35 - $50 |
Fauna
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boesemani Rainbowfish- Stunning centerpiece fish for the upper water column. | 6 | $90 - $150 | |
| Zebra Danio- Fast-moving schoolers mimicking scouts. | 15 | $30 - $45 | |
| Nerite Snail- Essential for keeping the white rocks free of algae. | 10 | $30 - $50 |
Setup Guide
The Foundation of the White City
Day 1- Thoroughly rinse the White Texas Holy Rock and White Quartz Sand until the water runs clear.
- Place the Active Soil in mesh bags or concentrated areas where the stem plants and hairgrass will be rooted to prevent mixing with the white sand.
- Stack the Texas Holy Rock on the left side in three distinct rising tiers to simulate the levels of Minas Tirith.
- Secure the white Manzanita branch in the center midground using a small rock or aquarium-safe glue to act as the White Tree.
- Carefully pour the White Quartz Sand around the foreground and the base of the rock tiers for a clean, snowy aesthetic.
Tip: Use a piece of cardboard to separate the soil and sand during placement to keep the colors distinct.
Greenery of the Pelennor
Day 1 (Post-Hardscape)- Mist the substrate with a spray bottle to make planting easier.
- Divide the Eleocharis Acicularis (Dwarf Hairgrass) into small plugs and plant them 1 inch apart across the foreground using aquascaping tweezers.
- Plant the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' in clusters around the base of the white rocks to represent royal banners.
- Group the Hygrophila Polysperma 'Rosanervig' in the background center to create a pink-tinted backdrop for the White Tree.
- Slowly fill the tank with dechlorinated water, pouring over a plastic bag or plate to avoid disturbing the sand.
Tip: Planting the hairgrass in tiny tufts rather than large clumps helps it carpet much faster.
Establishing the Realm
Weeks 1-4- Install the canister filter and high-output lighting; set the light timer for 6 to 8 hours daily.
- Run the surface skimmer to remove any film or floating debris from the Manzanita branch.
- Perform 50% water changes twice a week during the first two weeks to manage the nutrients leaching from the active soil.
- Monitor ammonia and nitrite levels using a test kit; do not add animals until both read 0 ppm.
- Maintain a stable temperature between 75°F and 78°F to accommodate the future Boesemani Rainbowfish.
Tip: If you see white fuzz on the Manzanita branch, don't panic; it is a harmless biofilm that Nerite snails will eventually eat.
The Arrival of the Scouts
Week 5- Once the tank is fully cycled, introduce the 10 Nerite Snails to begin cleaning algae from the white stones.
- Add the 15 Zebra Danios; these 'scouts' are hardy and will help stabilize the biological load.
- Continue weekly 25% water changes to maintain high water clarity.
- Check that the Dwarf Hairgrass is starting to send out runners.
Tip: Ensure your lid is tight; Zebra Danios are active surface swimmers and known jumpers.
The Return of the Kings
Week 6-8- Acclimate the 6 Boesemani Rainbowfish slowly using the drip method to ensure they adjust to the water chemistry.
- Perform the first major trim of the Dwarf Hairgrass to encourage thick, horizontal growth.
- Observe the Hygrophila in the background; if it grows too tall, trim the tops and replant them to increase density.
- Enjoy the completed Bastion of Minas Tirith!
Tip: Feed high-quality flake and frozen foods to bring out the vibrant blue and orange colors in the Rainbowfish.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily
Feeding and Visual Health Check
Feed Boesemani Rainbowfish and Zebra Danios twice daily with a mix of high-quality flakes and frozen foods. Observe fish for signs of stress and ensure the water temperature remains between 75°F and 77°F to accommodate all species.
Surface Skimmer Maintenance
Check the surface skimmer for trapped debris or plant leaves to ensure the water surface remains crystal clear, reflecting the noble purity of Gondor.
Weekly
Water Change and Parameter Testing
Perform a 20-30% water change using a gravel vacuum on the white quartz sand areas. Test pH to ensure it stays between 7.0 and 7.5 to suit the Boesemani Rainbowfish and Nerite Snails.
Dutch Style Pruning
Trim the Dwarf Hairgrass lawn to maintain a neat appearance. Prune the Hygrophila Polysperma and Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' to keep the structured, tiered look of the Minas Tirith levels.
Glass and Hardscape Wipe
Wipe down the interior glass. Use a soft brush to remove any early algae spots on the White Texas Holy Rock to maintain the stark white aesthetic of the city walls.
Monthly
Filter and Media Maintenance
Rinse filter sponges and media in removed tank water to maintain high clarity. Check the impeller for any debris to ensure the high-output filtration system operates at peak efficiency.
Deep Stone and Wood Cleaning
If algae persists on the white stones or the Manzanita branch, gently scrub them with a dedicated toothbrush. Re-position any white sand that has shifted into the active soil areas.
Generated by Fish Advisor AI