Tonina Style planted aquariums is a new style of aquatic gardening which we have been studying for a little while now. The concept of “Tonina Style” is sort of a “Super Dutch” approach to growing certain aquatic plants, especially the Eriocaulon, Tonina and Syngonanthus species which are collectively known as Star Plants or Hoshi-kusa (Japanese for “star plant”). The video above displays an ideal Tonina Style freshwater aquarium using many plants with fine leaves: You’ll find very few plants that have otherwise “normal” leaves such as Ludwigia, Hygrophyla or Rotala, these are mostly absent. Tonina style and star plants can grow under a range of conditions but they truly look their best when cultured under stong light and CO2, good water flow, regular dosing and especially soft water with low general and carbonate hardnesses. Aquascaperz will be keeping Tonina Style planted tanks as a major component of our coverage of the planted aquarium community, continue reading to learn more about the aquarium above.

Tank: 24″ x 24″ x 20″ high, working volume of 37 gallons after substrate

Substrate: Medium sized powersand special, with Aquasoil Amazonia regular type

Filter: Marineland Canister, mid-size

Flow: Vortech MP10, reef crest mode, removed for the video

Light: 150 watt double ended ADA metal halide lamp

CO2: 4 bubbles per second into a DIY reactor fashioned from an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals tap water purifier.

Dosing: All nutrients are provided by the Seachem FLourish line of additives and added daily; 5ml Flourish Trace, 20ml Flourish Excel, 25ml Phosphate, 20ml Potassium, 10ml Nitrate, 15ml of Iron.