#11222 Travagliola Farm, Onsola Creek, Tuscany, Italy

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

20 January, 2026

Aquarium decoration

To transform a simple aquarium into an authentic representation of a wild section of the Onsola Stream, the design approach was based on abandoning the geometric principles of traditional aquascaping and instead recreating the “ordered chaos” characteristic of natural ecosystems.

The hardscape faithfully reproduces the geomorphology of the Onsola Torrent. The riverbed is composed of a realistic combination of limestone pebbles, gravel, and sand with different grain sizes, arranged according to natural hydrodynamic processes: larger stones structure the streambed, gravel accumulates in intermediate spaces, and fine sediments settle in lower-flow areas.

The two sides of the aquarium represent a cross-section of the watercourse. The left side recreates the erosional riparian bank, with a network of dark willow roots extending into the water and forming shaded zones where organic debris and fine sediments naturally accumulate. The right side represents the more open and illuminated section of the streambed, where slower currents allow sediment deposition. This area contains fewer woody structures and is dominated by smooth grey pebbles shaped by water movement.

The intentional asymmetry between the complex shaded bank and the open gravel bed reflects the natural habitat structure of the Onsola Torrent, where erosion, current dynamics, and sediment deposition continuously shape the aquatic landscape.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: DIY 20 L filter with a 10,000 L/h pump and aquaponic filtration system.

Fish care

(Low-Tech Management)
Oxygenation and water movement: Strong surface agitation is maintained through the filter system. Oxygen-rich water is essential, especially when temperatures rise above 25°C, as dissolved oxygen levels tend to decrease. In addition, the current encourages active swimming behaviour, helping fish maintain good muscle tone.

Fish:

• Padogobius nigricans (Oxudercidae) – 5
• Alburnus arborella (Leuciscidae) – 25

Mollusc:

• Physa fontinalis (Physidae) – 10

Plant care

Aquaponics: Root pruning is carried out when necessary to control plant growth and maintain system balance.

Aquatic plants:

• Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae) – 15
• Potamogeton nodosus (Potamogetonaceae) – 15

Wetland plants:

• Mentha aquatica (Lamiaceae) – 30
• Phragmites australis (Poaceae) – 10

Water care

Easy.

Dimensions

Length

140 cm

Depth

60 cm

High

50 cm

Volume

420 L