Inspired by the sub-tropical lands of North America, this kit features a rich substrate of organic materials, including dried seed pods, magnolia leaves, crushed leaves, and pieces of wood, mimicking the natural matrix found in the Everglades swamps. 
 
Imagine the humid subtropical climate of the Everglades, where the slow-moving river flows and intertwines with marshy swamps and hardwood hammocks, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem. Picture the still waters reflecting the vibrant green of sawgrass and the rustling of cypress trees in the breeze. Here, the substrate is a rich bed of organic materials, from fallen leaves to tiny roots, creating a haven for countless species of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. This is where our Everglades River Kit draws its inspiration, replicating the natural matrix of organic matter and sand found in this sub-tropical landscape.
 
The fallen wood pieces and magnolia leaves in the substrate evoke the forested riverbanks, providing ample shelter for small fish and invertebrates, while the dried seed pods add an interesting texture and visual appeal. The combination of all these elements creates a perfect environment for a wide range of aquatic animals, from small invertebrates to larger fish, to thrive and live in a natural-looking habitat.
 
The Everglades River Kit is the perfect choice for any type of design, providing a natural and authentic look to your aquarium. The carefully selected materials, including dried seed pods, magnolia leaves, crushed leaves, and fallen wood pieces, are all 100% natural and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for your aquatic pets. The Kit does not affect water hardness and is easy to manipulate and spread in your aquarium, making it a convenient choice for any aquarist.
 
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Aquarium:
Ensure that your aquarium is placed on a flat, leveled, and stable surface.
Confirm that you have all the necessary components such as lighting, filtration, and heating systems ready to set up your aquarium.
Now, you are ready to embark on creating your new scape with our all-in-one River Kits.
 
2. Plan Your Design:
Gain inspiration from real-life riverbeds and aquatic ecosystems by studying photographs and conducting research on the specific biotope you want to recreate. You can also find inspiration on our social media platforms.
Take the time to visualize and plan the design of your riverbed, considering the size and layout of your aquarium and the unique features of your chosen biotope.
Research the specific requirements and preferences of the aquatic species you plan to keep in your riverbed to create an optimal environment for their well-being.
Consider the placement of hardscape materials such as stones and wood pieces, imagining how they will interact with the substrate and aquatic plants.
 
3. Spreading the Substrates:
Our Wetland substrate is ready to use. Distribute it in the area where you want your plants to grow, adding a thin layer of approximately 1 cm.
Apply a similar 1 cm layer of the Riverbed substrate mix, covering the base layer. This separation creates distinct areas for nutrient-rich soil and cosmetic substrate, catering to both plant growth and the aesthetics of the biotope.
This 1 cm base layer ensures a secure foundation for your hardscape while protecting the aquarium's glass from scratches.
 
4. Place the Hardscape Materials:
Arrange the hardscape materials, such as stones and wood pieces, in a way that mimics the natural formations found in your chosen biotope.
Feel free to experiment with different hardscape arrangements to achieve your desired aesthetic and create a unique and captivating display.
Keep in mind the visual balance and focal points in your design, ensuring the creation of hiding spots and sheltered areas for your aquatic pets.
Finally, add the Nano Rocks around the larger stones to enhance the naturalistic scape.
 
5. Add the Remaining Substrates:
Once the hardscape is complete, add the remaining Wetland substrate on top of the base layer in the planted area. Aim for a depth of at least 3 cm to provide sufficient space for plant growth. Vary the thickness of the substrate in different areas according to desired aesthetics and plant types.
Finally, add the Riverbed substrate on top of the base layer. The arbitrary distribution of the bag content creates a natural riverbed impression with random densities and content mix, resulting in an easy, fun, and impressive way to create a true slice of nature.
Maintain the lowest thickness by the front glass, aiming for less than 1 cm to achieve the best aesthetics.
 
6. Add Aquatic Plants:
Before planting, moisten the soil to help the substrate settle and create a stable base for your aquatic plants.
Carefully plant the aquatic plants in the substrate, considering their specific growth requirements and compatibility with the chosen biotope.
Arrange the plants in a way that enhances the natural look and complements the overall design of your riverbed.
Atlantic Aquariums offers  a wide selection of aquatic plants. Check out the Plants & Macro-Algae section.
 
7. Fine-Tune the Design:
Step back and assess the overall design of your riverbed, making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired look and functionality.
Consider adding additional decorations such as roots to further enhance the natural aesthetic.
 
8. Fill the Aquarium:
Slowly fill the aquarium with water, pouring it gently onto a hard surface to avoid disturbing the substrate and plants.
Monitor the water level to ensure it is appropriate for the chosen biotope and aquatic pets.
During the initial setup period, the aquarium water may turn cloudy, which is normal. Don't worry, though. Simply turn on the filter, and the cloudiness should disappear within a few hours.
If planting long stem plants, we recomend planting them once the aquarium is almost filled to the desired level. This will alow ease of placement.