Hydroponic weeping willow bonsai aquascape

[Ronilucas1]

I have a 37 gallon tall aquarium, and I'm thinking about doing a scape that will include tall hairgrass, large smooth stones, driftwood an some wee ping willow branches at the top. These trees will root in just water, and they actually do extremely well. As the branches grow roots you just keep cutting the roots back and shape the tree as you like.
I'm planning on only filling the tank to apps the mid level and building up some kind of bad to hold the tree, and using a light, natural colored sand in the foreground,, with aqua soil in the areas between the stones for the tall hairgrass. Some stem plants and anubius can be added, but I don't want it to get too busy. I'm going to drape a small leaf pothos on the top and sides.
I've grown the willow tree before, so I'm a step ahead on that one!
Any ideas to add?

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Cool idea! I agree with your inclination to keep it uncluttered. You don't want to detract from the bonsai willow. Will this tank have animals as well? Some small nano fish would look amazing playing in the tree roots and stones.

 

[fishorama]

Sounds very cool! I agree w/badger, some little fish would be nice. I can't wait for pics!

 

[Magnum Man]

I actually tried the same a couple years ago, but don't think I had sufficient light... I added more light, and have a few Olive trees going now, over the winter... they seem to be growing faster now that spring is here, with the increased natural light....

Trying something a little different... ( Olive Trees )

I tried some willow Bonsai trees that came in as branch cuttings with no roots, last winter, & I don't think I had enough light... I've since added more light... these plant starts have roots, & I'm going to try them like I plant most of my terrestrial plants in aquariums, these are going into...

www.fishforums.net

 

[Ronilucas1]

I ordered my willow tree cutting. I actually found someone that grew theirs in the aquarium.

 

[Ronilucas1]

Cool idea! I agree with your inclination to keep it uncluttered. You don't want to detract from the bonsai willow. Will this tank have animals as well? Some small nano fish would look amazing playing in the tree roots and stones.

Maybe a group of chili rasboras and pygmy corys?

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Do you know how hard your water is? That can affect what critters you should keep.

 

[BigDog]

That is a very cool idea