A look at this 200-liter tank is like a stroll through an underwater botanical garden: lush colors, precise plant shapes, and a lively play of shadows. It all began as a consistent Dutch-style aquarium – inspired by the compact "Mini Dutch," but now on a larger scale. As experience grew, so did the courage to remodel: the front-facing Eleocharis lawn gave way to a warm layer of Rio Xingu natural gravel, which draws the eye more strongly to the staggered rows of plants. Thus, a pure Dutch layout has evolved into a Classic Planted layout – still orderly, but with more natural accents. The result: a showcase aquarium that immediately captivates visitors in the Dennerle foyer and demonstrates how to set up and maintain a 200-liter aquarium over the long term.

A feast for the eyes - the emperor tetra!

A close-up of the Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) shimmers emerald-green-blue in the foreground. Black Neons swim in tight formations right next to it, while Fire Tetras flare out with ruby-red flanks. All three species live in peaceful schools, emphasizing the depth effect of the plant garden and underscoring the "classic community aquarium" theme.

Was du für dieses Aquarium brauchst

This display tank is maintained at peak performance with the Dennerle Plant System Set, precisely dosed NPK, and a Soda Stream CO₂ supply – the ideal basis for vigorous growth, lush green leaves, and stable water values.

Deponit Mix Pro Black

From 9,99 € (9,99 € kg)

Dennerle Kristall Quarzkies diamantschwarz#de:grosse_5-kg,en:size_5-kg,fr:taille_5-kg

Aquarium gravel diamond black

From 17,99 € (2,80 € kg)

Natural Gravel Rio Xingu, 2-22 mm

From 7,99 € (15,98 € kg)

Plant Care NPK

From 15,99 € (63,96 € l)

29,99 €

29,99 €

29,99 €

169,99 €

99,99 €

Pflanzplan

In the foreground, a warm layer of Rio Xingu natural gravel replaces the former Eleocharis lawn and serves as a calm stage for the colorful plant ensemble. Directly behind it, severalCryptocoryne wendtii-Variants Accents: the earthy brown tones of the variety'Brown', the delicate pink shimmering leaves of'Fancy Pink'and the fresh green of the compact growing'Tropica'.

Vertical dynamics are provided by three powerfulCryptocoryne spiralis 'Red', whose reddish-brown, ribbon-shaped leaves reach the water surface. In between,Pogostemon helferiwith their jagged rosettes decorative “green sculptures” at medium height, whileMicranthemum umbrosumandMicranthemum glomeratumfill the gaps with dense, light green cushions.

BrightRotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice'brings a spectacular orange to the color spectrum – especially impressive when the shoot tips glow in the backlight. Two majesticEchinodorus grisebachii 'Bleherae'complete the step concept in the background, supported by bushyBacopa caroliniana, whose light green, slightly fragrant shoots form a gentle transition.

Are you excited by the selection?

Then get the right planting package directly from our partner Stoffels at:stoffelsplants.com/classic-planted

Eingerichtets Aquarium mit grünen Pfanzen und Fische.

A garden trimmed for precision

Macro shot of the group of Bacopa, Rotala, and Micranthemum glomeratum. Each plant is trimmed to a rounded shape, the edges perfectly contoured. Fire tetras glow diffusely in the background, while red shrimp nibble between the stems. This image demonstrates the uncompromising pruning discipline that characterizes a well-maintained Dutch aquarium.

Die Pflege

Caring for the "Classic Planted" is classic and straightforward. For the first four to five weeks, we recommend weekly water changes of around 50%. After that, you can reduce the water change intervals to 20–30%. Start with a light duration of about eight hours per day, with a short break in the middle, and gradually increase the time to a maximum of ten hours.

Water change:1 × per week ≈ 25% to maintain balance.
CO₂:continuous addition with ourCarbo Soda M200
Fertilization:DailyPlant System SetIf nitrogen or potassium deficiency is visible, add NPK.
Pruning:Top off stem plants weekly and reposition cuttings; this keeps the image compact and fresh.
Lesson Learned:Design is dynamic – those who boldly remodel often end up with an even more harmonious layout.

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Classic Planted Aquarium

A look at this 200-liter tank is like a walk through an underwater botanical garden: lush colors, precise plant shapes and a lively play of shadows.