PLANTEDAQUARIA

Owning your own planted can be one of the most rewarding hobbies - getting it right first time makes it even more rewarding though! A Beginners Guide Straight to the point By Richard Cale I wanted to write an Ebook that helps away disappointed, slightly frustrated and you won’t go back people who are beginning exactly what (we’ve all been there haven’t we?) In this Ebook I will link to a they should and should not be doing few products and this will help you understand what I write when it comes to planted aquarium. about. I am going to advise on what you need to get you going Since the internet has appeared and with your planted aquarium, what you need to concentrate on now plays a huge role within most of and why it’s useful to do it a certain way. our lives, information has never been The following 9 chapters are a summary of my knowledge easier to find, but the real problem compressed into bite sized pieces which are big enough to stems from the fact that there is so understand and small enough to remember. They are as follows: much information out there and what do you believe? • Fertilisers You could visit forums and ask people for advice and as you • Substrates will find out there are so many opinions but what is the best • Lighting way? This Ebook will delve into the basics of what you should • CO2 and should not do. I’ve been keeping planted for 18 • Conditioners years now and have been helping hobbyists professionally for 10 • years so am in a great position to advise. • Tools of the Trade One of the fundamental aspects of my business is that if • you don’t need a certain product then I won’t recommend it. I want my customers to be happy, I also want them to come back I hope you have enjoyed this ebook - don’t forgot to check and shop again and if I’m really lucky, tell their friends. Nobody out my blog at www.aquaessentials.co.uk/blog feel free to share likes the pushy salesman, or coming away from a shop only to it with any friends you might have. You can also contact me via have been sold something you don’t really need. You will go email by clicking on this link.

1 FERTILISERS

Use the right fertilisers for the right job is key to success. Remember it’s not the fertilisers that cause the algae!

Fertilisers. There are so many fertilisers on the market bottles’. Tropica Specialised Fertiliser supplies nutrients, plants these days, it can be very consuming, so what is the best option? easily run out of in a pressurised CO2 system. Their convenient The main factor to consider is if you are using CO2 or not. If bottles offer a no fuss dosage and it’s extremely effective. Other you are, you’ll need to choose a variety of fertilisers but we’ll brands such as Neutro+ do exactly the same job, come in a come onto that shortly. different dosing bottle and are priced differently too. What you need to look for in a fertiliser is one of two things. But which ever one you decide to choose, it’s important not Is it or is it not suitable for a CO2 tank. Non CO2 tanks will not to be frightened by fertilisers - a common misconception is add any macro nutrients (, and potassium). adding fertilisers cause algae - this is not the case. In the past These macros which although are essential for plants will be in when algae develops (and I regularly hear this), people stop sufficient quantities in your tap water. So buying a fertiliser with fertilising. They decide nutrients are causing the problem. Sadly macros will just cause you problems. Some excellent fertilisers this just simply isn’t true. Starving your plants of nutrients, for non CO2 tanks are Seachem Flourish, Tropica Premium having a filter which doesn’t move enough water each hour, Fertiliser, Easy Life Profito and Neutro T. Those of you already lighting on for excess periods, insufficient weekly water changes using or are considering using CO2 it’s important to choose and fluctuating CO2 levels causes algae. your fertilisers carefully because you may need more than one By making sure you do not limit the nutrients in your bottle, depending on the brand you have chosen. When buying aquarium, you provide your plants with what they need, and as fertilisers it is important to stick with one brand - by mixing a result they repay you by looking great and growing fast. I’ve them it can cause more trouble than it is worth so decide on one also read strange concepts such as giving plants a midday break you like and stick with it. from lighting which is a load of rubbish! It makes no difference With a brand such as Seachem which is very popular with to plants, and in fact algae can respond far quicker than plants hobbyists, you are given the option of using a variety of anyway because the are much smaller and more adaptable.It’s fertilisers to give complete control over the important nutrients really as simple as that but it’s over complicated in general which are essential for solid growth. The individual because there’s too much of the wrong information online in nutrients they provide are trace, phosphorus, , iron and forums etc. The last point I want to made is dosages - I potassium. By using their range you can add as much or as little recommend daily dose so your plants receive a steady stream of as you need according to what your plants require. nutrients. If your bottle says weekly, try dividing that amount by For some hobbyists, they are looking to reduce the number seven and then dose it on a daily basis. I suspect your results will of bottles to dose to make life a little simpler. This is the primary be much better as long as you dose enough of it. Any sign of reason why some manufacturers have designed ‘all in one deficiencies, then up your dose by 25%. 2 GRAVEL/

Choosing the best substrate can take a lot of out of setting up any planted aquarium. It does all the hard work for you and can provide a ‘cushion’ in cases of overdosing fertilisers.

Most plants need a type of gravel or substrate to grow in. them thereby providing plants with all the goodness they need It’s required to anchor plants down and in some cases to from day one. This is the major advantage over gravels. provide nutrients to the roots of plants. It’s also used Substrates are produced in different colours and each will aesthetically so when you look at your aquarium - it looks nice! have a different effect on the water. On the whole most tend to Below I summerise what the difference between gravels and lower the pH levels, along with KH (carbonate hardness) and substrates and what the difference is. GH (general hardness). This makes them ideal for using in Gravel. There are hundreds of different types of gravels planted aquariums as plants prefer slightly acidic water available to hobbyists and similarly the same with substrates but conditions where the pH is just under 7 (6.8 is perfect). what is the difference between the two? Gravels are very much Substrates rarely require topping which means that once what you expect them to be. Rock particles which have a you place them in your aquarium, you won’t need anything else diameter of 3-25mm - if you’re wanting to use it for your on the base - typical examples of this are Eco Complete, planted aquarium, the ideal size is 3-5mm. Any smaller than Seachem Flourite or Colombo Flora-Base. Plants can be this (i.e. if you use ) and you can get pockets of anaerobic planted directly into the substrate with relative ease. The areas where there’s insufficient water flow. picture above demonstrates this perfectly - the dark coloured Gravels come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but contain no substrate (Colombo Flora-Base) has been used and plants nutrients; some need washing and some will only need rinsing become established quickly, grow rapidly, healthily with no depending on the instructions. Some will effect your water algae. parameters (such as pH). On the whole I recommend you opt If you already have your chosen gravel you may want to for natural gravels - one which hasn’t been dyed in any way. consider a substrate base that you can add under it. Very Unipac does a great selection of natural gravels. recently Tropica have created their own product for this Be careful with gravels that look natural but are in fact purpose called Tropica Plant Growth Substrate which allows coloured . Whilst they are safe for use within planted hobbyists to add a layer of nutrients under their gravel. The aquariums, fish which burrow or that skim along the gravel like only snag is that you have to make sure all your gravel and will ware their barbels down. Natural gravels will not water is removed before adding it, otherwise it will cloud your have that sort of effect. You can see our range of gravels here. water and cause far too many problems! There are other Substrates. A substrate is very similar to a gravel but brands available and these too need to be added prior to any there is one fundamental difference and that is the nutrient water or gravel. If you wanted help choosing which one was content. Substrates have minerals and nutrients embedded in right for you, call us on 01363 774 787.

3 LIGHTING

Lighting should be kept to moderate levels when beginning your first planted aquarium.

With the vast choice in lighting, it can be difficult to know opposite end of the spectrum, are 18000K which is a very bright exactly what sort of lighting you should choose. This section white. This light output will grow your plants just as well as explains all and sifts through any confusion. lower K tubes but it can give the appearance of your tank It is generally accepted that T8 and T5 tubes are the most looking very washed out. So this is why if you aim for lights with standard type of lighting in aquariums at the moment but LED a K of about 8000k - you will achieve a colour that is just about lighting has become to creep into the market. T8 indicates the in the middle and normally the most pleasing to the eye. You can tube diameter which in this case is one inch. If you use T5 lights, mix and match lights without any problems too so don’t rule that the diameter is 5/12”. The most popular brand is Arcadia. If out. All T8s and T5s need replacing every 12 months - you you buy a Juwel tank for example, the chances are you have 2 x won’t notice the light output dropping but your plants will. T5 tubes and you’re able to swap these lights over should you LED lighting is the most exciting lighting available at the wish. moment and in the future, all lighting will be LED in my But what are the key points to look out for with lighting? opinions. They are extremely cheap to run, and the average The first point is make sure it is suitable for planted aquariums - lifespan is 5 years - compare this to T8s and T5 lighting and you this will be apparent from the description on the packaging. can see why they have shot to fame. They are cool to touch, Quite often manufacturers will have wonderful graphics on the extremely bright and have superb effects on plants. I’ve used packaging which should catch your eye. But the next question is them for a couple of years now and would never turn back. I just which one should you buy? love the guarantee and the fact that they use almost little or no Before I explain more about which lighting to choose, it’s electricity and this is a major factor for the future. important to understand more about lighting. All light has Lighting Duration. An average tank needs approximately colour and the colour of light is measured in eight hours of light per day in one session (do not split the Kelvin, so when you see a description which states it has a lighting hours - this does not hinder algae growth incase you are particular K value (kelvin) it is referring to the colour of the light wondering). Having your lights on longer than eight hours is not output. A low K rating would be 2500 and a high would be necessary. It’s also worth putting your lights on a timer and have 18000. It is recommended that you aim for about 8000 K as this them come on when you’re at home to make the most out of it. provides a pleasant colour output. But this is not to say that the When your tank is very new and plants are settling in, I lower K and higher K won’t grow your plants (on the contrary), recommend only six hours of illumination for the first month, 7 it’s simply their light output is less desirable to the human eye. A hours of light for the second month and 8 hours per day for low K value is orange/yellow in colour - this tends to not do a month 3 and onwards. great deal for the fish or plants in terms of how they look. At the 4 CO2

There are many benefits to CO2 in the aquarium but even without CO2 you can have a beautiful planted aquarium.

Knowing whether or not to use CO2 in a tank is a choice saves you from wasting gas and potentially causing problems for that many hobbyists go through. And the short answer to this is your fish. simple, it really depends how much time you want to spend on Fermented systems are a great introduction for hobbyists maintaining your tank and what results you want to achieve. who are looking to try out CO2 for the very first time and costs There is no doubt that in order to grow some plants successfully, from £25 and up. They provide a cheap set up specifically you will need CO2. At the same time, there are many plants that geared towards hobbyists looking for a low cost effective do very well with limited or no CO2 input. But what exactly is for their planted aquarium. The set up for all fermented systems the purpose of CO2? When a plant grows it needs to absorb (or DIY as it is sometimes known) is almost the same. Each carbon through the leaves. All plants contain chlorophyll (this is brand of system uses a combination of and sugar provided the pigment that makes the plant green) and the purpose of in sachets which they are mixed together and then placed within chlorophyll itself is to absorb light and turn that into energy to a container allowing fermentation to occur and CO2 produced. grow (aka photosynthesis). The carbon simply helps this process CO2 tubing is attached to the container, connected to a diffuser along the way, hence the more carbon (energy) you offer, the on the end. The diffuser sits in the aquarium and the gas is quicker the growth (better results) forced out of the fermenting chamber and is diffused into the There are three types of CO2 available on the market - tank. This set up does require cleaning (due to the fermentation Pressurised, Fermented & Liquid. process) and CO2 levels can drop off, and are changeable Pressurised is the most stable type available to hobbyists, according to the room temperature (this effects the fermentation where gas is stored in a pressurised bottle - it’s also the type I rate). strongly recommend and to achieve fantastic results like you see Liquid carbon available by Seachem, Easy Life and Neutro, in magazines, pressurised gas is the only way. By using this type offers a product that provides a carbon in a liquid form (roughly of system, you are giving yourself ‘gas on tap’ which means you 25% strength of pressurised CO2). It’s very simple to dose, have total control over CO2 levels. This is very important normally 1ml per 50L of water every day. It’s quite common for because CO2 (when used properly) creates stability in a tank. liquid carbon to be used in conjunction with DIY CO2 or Systems such as the DD Complete CO2 are fantastic value as it pressurised CO2 systems, almost like a complimentary product includes a bottle, regulator, solenoid, CO2 diffuser, non return and can be used to help reduce the growth of algae by valve and CO2 tubing. In fact it has everything you need to get overdosing. Although it wasn’t designed with that useful feature, you going. Having a solenoid is beneficial because not only do it was discovered by accident - just don’t over dose more than you not have the gas running when the lights are on, but is also double and be careful of your when you do this.

5 WATERCONDITIONERS

Today there are literally hundreds of water conditioners to choose from, so the consumer is literally spoilt for choice!

There are a wide range of water conditioners available If you want total control of your water (as some do) the today which look after your . In the past the sole answer is to purchase an RO Unit. RO is an abbreviation of water conditioner was a dechlorinator which removed where tap water is passed through a membranes from tap water. Tap water is perfectly safe for use in a planted in order to purify and strip all minerals and impurities. The end aquariums if a dechlorinator has been added. Other water product is pure water with very little in it. However RO water is conditioners enable us to predetermine the water chemistry we very unstable on its own and it’s the ‘impurities’ that ironically desire. Today there are powder conditioners, filter media resins provide stability. By adding a product such as Seachem and some substrates which alter pH, absorb and bind specific Replenish, specific minerals are added back to the water to chemicals. You can view our range here. make it more stable. You can also speed up the cycling process of an aquarium However, in planted aquariums, it’s very important to try which has always been a big frustration for hobbyists. Some of and work with the water which you have, i.e. that which comes you may already have working knowledge of what ‘cycling’ out of your tap otherwise it can be an uphill battle to control means - it takes about 6 weeks for (fish excrement) to your water variables. For example in areas (high KH be converted to and then the safer nitrate. Can this cycle and GH), use a substrate (like I do) which will set and stabilise be sped up? It can to a certain degree using commercial your water parameters to the correct level. The best example of products such as Nutrafin Cycle or Seachem Stability which this is Colombo Flora-Base which I briefly mentioned in the reduces cycling down to 3-4 weeks. This type of water Gravels/Substrates section. But in general the message I am conditioner is always useful to have anyway, particularly after trying to get across is work with what you’ve got. My water has carrying out large water changes or adding new fish to your high and and that doesn’t cause me algae tank. Your filter can experience nitrite spikes and filter boosters problems and nor should it you either - in fact my plants love it! can quickly get it back in shape. All that nutrition... Too many hobbyists focus on the wrong In addition to liquid filter conditioners, there are various thing like nitrates, phosphates, kh and gh - they test everything filter media that allow for safe removal of such as nitrite. under the sun and try and tweak water chemistry constantly. Not These tend to be more economical and quite convenient as once only is this a in the ass, but it’s unnecessary for the plants. the media is in the filter you don’t need to worry about adding Your plants aren’t that fussy and will definitely adapt as you will more. It’s worth noting though that some medias can release find out when you try. As long as you give them enough what they have stored which can become problematic so the key nutrients, water changes and lighting they will be happy (in is regular maintenance. Some medias are also renewable where general) and reward you with solid algae free growth (oh and others need replacing once they ‘become full’ - check the packet don’t forget the CO2). before use. 6 FILTRATION

Filtration of any aquarium is the heart of the tank. Make sure it’s big enough to perform the job in hand. Bigger is better in this case as it means cleaner water and less maintenance.

Filtration. In the years that I have been involved in range from £10 and up so can be great if you’re looking for a keeping planted aquariums, filtration ideas have only very cheaper start up - have a look at our Superfish Internal Filter recently changed. The common perception was filtration must range. In recent months manufacturers are investing more be slow, maybe twice the turnover of the tank water per hour. technology into these filters, some have built in heaters and The thinking behind this was that in the wild, water movement others are able to store larger amounts of media which helps to was relatively slow and as we are trying to replicate this in an improve water quality, but unfortunately this also means they aquarium, turnover in the tank must also be slow and consistent. become bigger which means less aquarium space. But hold on - we’re not in the wild and whilst we’re trying to Externals filters are what I recommend - the less equipment replicate the look of it, we’re dealing with tiny aquariums where that is visible in your tank the better (the focus then remains on the water is contained and constantly recycled, so you have to your aquascape). External filters are simple to set up, easy to think a little differently about it. Unfortunately it’s not a like for maintain and you can run an external on most tanks regardless like. of their size - modern brands have flow adjusters so you can set The best option is to buy the largest filter you can afford. the output speed to whatever you want. As the filter becomes Bigger filters are able to clean your water better, they require less more congested all you need to do is increase your flow rate by maintenance and you can choose which media you decide to the flow adjusters which means you have less maintenance to do place in them, but tank size must be a consideration. Filter flow (saving you time to do what you want to do!). External filters are rate should be powerful but with the option of adjusting. For a bigger investment than internal filters but well worth the extra example in a 100L aquarium aim for a filter with a turnover of cash. 1000l/h. Nevertheless, a lot of hobbyists start off with internal filters There are two main types of filters available to hobbyists: and then decide they would prefer an external type, so it Internal and External. Internal filters are inexpensive, simple becomes more costly in the long run - get it right first time and and effective but are generally geared towards smaller you save money. Many external filters come loaded with all the aquariums and non CO2. When maintaining them they can be media that you need - and there’s no real reason to change that a little messy - you remove them from your tank for cleaning. either. They might take a while to set up if it’s your first time, Internal filters sit on the inside of your aquarium and come in a but that’s the exciting bit planning where your intake and variety of different sizes. They range from the very small (max outtake pipes will go and how to make it look neat. Some tank size 20L) up to versions suitable for 200L tanks. However external filters like Eden have the option of adding a heater into they do take up space in any tank, often hold little media (just the filter which means that’s more equipment out of the tank sponges on smaller types) and can be a little unsightly. Prices and less distractions when looking at your aquascape. 7 TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Good quality tools will make your job of maintaining your planted aquarium much easier.

How are you currently maintaining your plants? the inside panes of your aquarium. Algae can build up quite Hopefully not with a pair of kitchen scissors and maybe your quickly on glass so using magnetic cleaners once a week keeps fingers :) - that’s the hard way if you are. We’ve all heard the things clean. Top Tip - if you have green algae spots growing on saying it’s about having the right tools for the right job and this your glass, your tank is phosphate deficient (add more Neutro+ is definitely true with planted aquariums. Plants grow A LOT - as a remedy and keep the lighting down to 8 hours a day) . sometimes too much for my liking when you’re cranking up the Water changes. So often overlooked yet it’s one of the CO2 and have lots of light, but trimming plants to keep them in best ways to keep algae at bay. Providing regular water changes shape is very important. In fact if you want your tank to look in is the best way to keep your plants algae free - remember your tip top shape then you’ll need to do this at least twice a week - tank is an enclosed system and toxins build up super quick. As the more you do it, the quicker and easier it is. plants grow, they produce (just like anything). This was When hobbyists first start out, they use their fingers for might be invisible to you and I, but it’s certainly not invisible to planting into the substrate - this might work but it’s cumbersome algae which thrive on it. By using a gravel cleaner you can and you need to have a pair of tweesers. Doesn’t matter if they perform quick water changes. Although strictly it’s not used for are curved or straight, pushing plants in is so easy - but not only what it was initially designed for (at least not in a planted that it won’t disturb the substrate either (which keeps the mess aquarium). Rather than plunging the cleaner into the substrate down). Most are 11” long so it gives you better reach too. it’s a better idea to hover slightly above it, only suctioning debris Trimming plants is essential - it creates better shape and plants such as dead plant matter and fish excrement. Get into every grow better when you trim them. Scissors are available in curved nook and cranny - right at the base of the plants is where you or straight tip. Curved tends to be more popular and is very want to go as this is where the build up is the worse useful when trimming foreground plants - the curved section Of course while this is being performed you are removing allows you to cut a better angle and cut closer. They are tank water as well. It’s really important to replace water normally 11” long so you can reach a good distance if you need regularly (minimum of 30% per week in a non CO2 tank), as to trim the base of any plant that is hard to reach.The other tool not only is this better for the fish, but it helps to reduce any I recommend are Rakes. Used for smoothing gravels and excesses that may have built up. In tanks which use CO2 these substrates. Often when plants are moved about or indeed water changes need to be increased and 40-50% once or twice a planted for the first time, substrates can become disturbed. A week. By not performing these types of water changes you rake is flat shaped and is unique in its design and purpose. invariably end up with issues which are explained above, and by Magnetic glass cleaners - you’ve probably all heard about issues, I mean the dreaded algae. them. A wonderful tool that is designed for cleaning algae off 8 PLANTS

Perhaps the only reason you became interested in the hobby! Choose them correctly and you will be charmed by their beautiful colours.

Plants. The exciting part and the one reason that you to begin with but you’ll get used to it. Then you need to work became interested in this hobby. These wonderful aquatic plants out which plants you want, what size they grow to, their lighting make your aquarium come alive with lush colours of green and requirements and normally where you should place them in red. Now the difficult part of choosing what plants to grow! your tank. Some will have other information on the labels such It’s important to do your homework before you choose as how easy they are to grow. If you are at the early stages of which plants you keep in your tank. By doing some research you this hobby, it will be best to opt for plants that are easy to grow. save yourself both time and money. Many hobbyists make the These types of plants will not require lots of light (this is key!) mistake when they go into a fish shop and are amazed by and flourish in the most basic conditions. Do your research first certain plants that look beautiful, may be a lovely red colour or before you commit and once again this saves you £££ in the a certain shape or size. They take them home and gradually long run. Build your experience and expertise up slowly. they deteriorate. You’re left puzzled and confused as to why they When your plants arrive with you at home, remove the pot didn’t grow and flourish. and rockwool carefully. If the rockwool doesn’t come away from Not all plants are suitable for aquariums. I’ve been in the plant easily, then run it under water (much easier). Discard countless shops that sell non aquatic plants, so no matter how the pot and wool as this is no longer needed. Most plants can be good your conditions are these plants will always fail. Shops only split up into 3-6 plants - some won’t split at all like the species sell these plants because they know as soon as they are placed in Echinodorus. In general you will be able to tell by looking at the your aquarium they begin to die - they hope rather than do your plants where they need to be planted - you should know this research you will come back and buy some more. I’ve never already (from your research). Use tweesers to push the plants understood that concept and surely it’s better to educate into the substrate and then try and avoid moving them around, customers so that they come back and buy a much broader uprooting them and replanting - this just makes a mess in your variety of plants as their skills expand. So just beware of what tank. Give yourself plenty of time when planting up and if you plants are aquatic prior to purchase. can, plant up ‘dry’. This means having only your substrate, There are a huge amount of plants available today and rocks and wood in the tank and maybe a 2” of water. With a most plants come from Europe - you can buy from Asia - their tacky substrate it’s much easier to see what you are doing and plants tend to be cheaper but they are often sprayed or dipped where the plants need to go. Fill your tank up slowly and avoid with chemicals which will kill shrimp. The normally don’t have trimming any plants for the next few weeks - this will give them any roots either and potted plants are simply fresh cuttings time to acclimatise. Some may shed their leaves (don’t worry placed in a pot (waste of money) . In general you’re going to about this) and remember to fertilise from day one and use a have to get used to Latin names of plants - it’s a bit hard going liquid carbon. Don’t forget your water changes too.

9 BRUCY BONUS

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Hopefully you’ve read and absorbed everything from this ebook, and now you might just be thinking you need to change a few bits in your tank. Perhaps a new filter to make your water cleaner (less algae) or maybe different lighting (LEDs to cut your electricity bill) or perhaps some plants to fill out the corner of your background to cover up that heater you have...whatever you decide, I have a great offer for you. Think of it like you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. All you need to do is enter in the following code in the discount coupon section of the checkout and you’ll save 10% off your next order:

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Bye for now and happy planting Richard

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