Complete Shopping List 90cm Aquascape SGD 2500 Guide: ADA Build
A 90cm aquascape at SGD 2500 is where the build crosses from hobby tank to genuine showpiece — the dimensions allow proper depth perception, the budget supports premium gear across every category, and the long-term running cost stays reasonable. The complete shopping list 90cm aquascape below assumes an ADA-style premium build with pressurised CO2, high-end light and quality substrate. This cart from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park is the same shopping list we walk through with customers committing to a competition-grade scape who want every component dialled in from day one.
Tank and Stand: SGD 600
An ADA Cube Garden 90-P (90x45x45cm, 180 litres) at SGD 380-450 from the aquarium tank range sets the foundation — low-iron glass, ground edges, no rim. Pair with an ADA Wood Cabinet at SGD 750+ if budget stretches, or a sturdy AquaScape Singapore 90cm metal stand at SGD 200-250. Total SGD 600 with the metal stand.
Lighting: SGD 450
The Chihiros WRGB II Pro 90cm at SGD 380-450 covers the footprint with PAR readings of 90-130 µmol/m²/s at substrate level. For a step up, the Twinstar 900EA at SGD 580-680 delivers richer reds in Rotala and Ludwigia. Browse the aquarium light range. Allocate SGD 450 for the Chihiros route.
Filtration: SGD 380
An OASE BioMaster 350 at SGD 480-550 is the premium pick, but the Fluval 407 at SGD 320-380 from the canister filter range covers a 180-litre 90cm tank cleanly with quieter operation than Eheim Classic. Pair with quality bio-media: bottom layer of bio-rings, middle ceramic noodles, top fine wool. Total SGD 380 for the Fluval route, leaving room for the OASE if budget reshuffles.
CO2 System: SGD 200
Pressurised CO2 is essential at this scale. An Aquario Neo dual-stage regulator with bubble counter and solenoid at SGD 100-120, paired with a 2L aluminium cylinder at SGD 80-100 (refills around SGD 18 per fill at most local shops). Add an inline atomiser or Neo Diffuser Pro at SGD 30-40. Browse the CO2 systems range. Total SGD 200.
Substrate: SGD 200
For an ADA build, three 9L bags of ADA Amazonia II Powder at SGD 78-85 each covers the 90cm footprint with proper depth (5-7cm at the back, 2-3cm at the front). Add ADA Power Sand Special M at SGD 35 as the bottom nutrient layer if going full-spec. Total SGD 200 for three bags + power sand basics.
Hardscape: SGD 250
5-8kg of dragon stone or seiryu stone at SGD 25-30/kg gives the rock work — budget SGD 150-180. Add 1-2 large pieces of spider wood or manzanita at SGD 60-100 for the wood feature. Hardscape is the most photographed element of any scape and worth the spend. Total SGD 250.
Plants: SGD 200
A 90cm scape needs 18-25 species across all three depth zones. Carpet (5-6 pots HC Cuba or Monte Carlo): SGD 35-50. Mid-ground (5-7 pots Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, Anubias variants): SGD 60-80. Background (8-10 stem species — Rotala rotundifolia, Rotala macrandra, Ludwigia palustris, Limnophila, Pogostemon): SGD 80-100. Tissue culture works out cheaper per stem than potted but takes longer to mature. Total SGD 200.
Fertiliser, Test and Tools: SGD 120
JBL ProScape NPK + Trace bottles at SGD 60-70 from the aquarium fertiliser range, or alternative Tropica Specialised at SGD 30-40. Add an API liquid test kit at SGD 50-60 and a TDS pen at SGD 15. Stainless steel 30cm scaping tool set: SGD 35-45 from the aquascaping tools range. Total SGD 120.
Heater and Maintenance: SGD 100
A 100W heater at SGD 30-40 (Eheim Jager preferred). Algae scraper SGD 15-25. Magnetic glass cleaner SGD 25-40. Python water-change siphon SGD 35-50. Total SGD 100.
Budget Summary: Where the SGD 2500 Goes
Tally: tank/stand SGD 600, light SGD 450, filter SGD 380, CO2 SGD 200, substrate SGD 200, hardscape SGD 250, plants SGD 200, fertiliser/test/tools SGD 120, heater/maintenance SGD 100 — total SGD 2500 exactly. Where to splurge: light, filter and substrate (decade-long use). Where to save: stand (DIY plywood saves SGD 100), CO2 cylinder (second-hand local refurbishment), tools (basic set first, upgrade later). The build pairs with a quality water conditioner regimen and weekly 30 per cent water changes for showpiece-grade plant health.
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