fshfanatic’s Blog

A few years ago, it was common practice among hobbyist to measure their CO2 injection levels based on a pH/KH CO2 Relationship chart.  Hobbyists would measure the two variables, pH and KH, look at a chart and tah-dah they figured out they are injecting x amount of CO2 ppms in their aquarium. Sounds too easy to be true?  Well it is.

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Tags: KH, PH

Although the root is axial in construction it lacks the leaves of the shoot axis. Generally, roots develop in the soil, but they may also form in the water and in the air. Roots not only absorb water and minerals; they also provide the plants with firm anchorage in the soil. Occasionally the roots take over the function of a storehouse for nutrients.

When a seed germinates, the primary root or radicle (already present in the embryo) develops first. In a number of dicotyledonous plants the main root throws out subsidiary roots; these branch, become fibrous and eventually form the whole root system. Other dicotyledonous plants develop additional, adventitious roots in the axis of the shoot. Most aquarium plants belong to the latter category. The primary root often dies at a later stage. Monocotyledons always have a short-lived primary root which is replaced by adventitious roots. Ferns have adventitious roots only. Continue Reading »

Tags: Plants, roots

A well designed planted aquarium not only looks natural in its artificial environment, but it also stirs up calming  emotions to each of the viewers. It is important to select the most ideal aquatic plant species for your aquascape, and arrange them in a harmonious design which  looks organic and effortless.

Before plants are introduced to the layout, water should be added to the aquarium just to the top of the substrate line. This makes planting easier as plants stay in the substrate better when it is wet. Also, you don’t have to get your whole arm wet! Continue Reading »

Tags: Aquascape, Plants

Living in an apartment or condominium certainly can be advantageous. I’m happy just not having to maintain a lawn! I do, however, yearn for a little slice of my own outdoor area from time to time. With spring fever hitting hard, desire for the outdoors starts to peak! So, what’s one to do living the city life with no outdoor world to call your own? You create it! I’m going to show you how to create your own small water garden, perfect for patios or even a sunlit balcony! Continue Reading »

Tags: Plants, ponds

I am going explain the principle of perspective, a very important consideration to take into account when aquascaping an aquarium. For the purposes of demonstrating these principles I have used photos of my own aquaria. There are a number of ways to give your aquascape perspective.  I will explain how to create depth and perspective  effectively.
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Substrate Positioning

Before you even begin to aquascape the aquarium, you can create a sense of depth and perspective using only the substrate. By sloping the substrate towards the back of the aquarium, you immediately give the impression that the tank is deeper than it really is.

Sand paths through the “centre” of the tank are popular, and can greatly increase the perspective of the aquascape. The path should start out wide at the front of the aquarium, and get progressively narrower the further back it goes. This gives the impression of the path disappearing into the distance. An excellent example can be found in Peter Kirwan’s iwagumi feature in the April 2008 issue. Continue Reading »

Tags: Aquascape, Plants

Greenleafaquariums.com is a great resource for needed planted tank supplies. I have dealt with this individual a few times and the customer service is second to none.

Good prices, fast shipping and great customer service. What more could you ask for?

Over the years dedicated aquatic plant hobbyists developed many different methods to maintain vibrant freshwater flora. After having tried almost all of the popular fertilization techniques, I have finally found one that produces consistently healthy aquatic plants. That fertilization method imparts essential nutrients by using mineralized topsoil as a substrate. Continue Reading »

Written by Roy Deki

There are many places in this world that have spectacular views and re-creating such views in an aquarium is just the first of many challenges for an aquascaper. I find inspiration for my aquascaping from many sources. My current aquascape idea came from a beautiful but rugged place called Big Sur California. The coastline along this majestic place is so spectacular that I just had to try to re-create it in an ADA 60p. This is just one example of how you can get inspiration for your next aquascape. Taking a piece of nature, whether it be a whole mountain range or just a small out-cropping of rocks is a great way to start an aquascape.
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Plant anatomy, or “morphology”, refers to the description of the structure and parts of a plant.  Apart from the few simple mosses, aquatic plants consist of three basic organic parts: axis of the shoot or stem, leaf and root. Stem and leaves may be termed comprehensively as ‘shoot’. Both differentiate from the shoot vegetation cone which they have in common. In this article I am introducing the first part, the stem or axis of the shoot. Continue Reading »