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Aquascape In Focus: Down the River Wabi Kusa Style Pressurized CO2 System Setup Guide Frustrations in Aquascaping IAPLC 2008 Results Siamese Eaters

www.aquascapingworld.com VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2008

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 1 Letter from the Editor

Inside our September Issue

The last week of summer approaches this month, but lucky for us aquascapers our planted hobby has no limits when it comes to weather!

The biggest news to hit our hobby this month is the official publication of the International Aquatic Layout Contest 2008 Results. There are some beautiful aquascapes entered into the competition that we will focus in future articles. At this time I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would be interested in having their aquascape featured. If you’re interested just contact us. The aquascapes featured in the article about the contest offers a sample of the world class aquascapes entered into the competition.

Let me redirect your attention to this month’s Aquascape in Focus. United States aquascaper, Sergio Canabal shows us how he grew massive Anubias islands from only a few plantlets to start. His beautiful aquascape, Down the River, is a difficult aquascape to complete, but having an automatic fertilizing doser and water changing system sure helps keep the maintenance time down.

Last but not least, if you’re looking for something new to create, you might want to try your hand at the Wabi-Kusa Aquascaping Style. Steven Chong gives us a great overview on the style and describes how Wabi-Kusa is sweeping the aquascaping community.

Happy a great month aquascaping!

John Nguyen Editor in Chief AquaScaping World Magazine

2 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Introduction for the seventh issue of AquaScaping World Magazine. By John Nguyen

4 RAISING WILD CAUGHT Wild caught fish are delicate . There are simple things you can do to keep your fish alive and healthy. By Douglas DuHamel

8 WABI KUSA AQUASCAPING STYLE An aquascaping style that is making headway in the aquascaping world, Wabi-kusa is an interesting way to create a planted aquarium. By Steven Chong

12 FRUSTRATIONS IN AQUASCAPING Are planted worth the efforts and time required to keep them? By Donald Lee

16 FISH PROFILE: SIAMESE ALGAE EATERS Have no fear, the Siamese is here! That’s right, this fish really eats algae, but be sure you get the right one. By Aziz Dhanani

22 AQUASCAPE IN FOCUS: DOWN THE RIVER This month we feature Sergio Canabal’s, Down the River. Read the complete details on his aquascape, and learn about the gismos that make his aquarium maintenance automatic. By ASW Editor

30 INTERNATIONAL LAYOUT CONTEST 2008 RESULTS The best of the best come out in this year’s biggest aquascaping contest. Find out more about the contest and enjoy some of the entries and the results. By ASW Editorial Staff

34 : A LOOK AT PRESSURIZED CO2 SYSTEMS Carbon dioxide is an important ingredient to any planted aquarium. Don’t know how to setup a pressurized C02 system? This article will walk you through it. By Hector Ortiz

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 3 Photo by Charles

Raising Wild Caught F

Asian Arowana Photo by Fang Hong

4 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 Fred Photo by Hazorea Aquatics

n today’s aquarium hobby, almost every freshwater has been bred I in captivity. Many countries have set up fish farms, also known as aquaculture facilities, in order to avoid depleting fish from their native habitat. It is more cost effective for fish stores to buy livestock from fish farms.

Why Wild Caught Fish are Popular

• Wild caught fish usually have brighter colors than farmed fish; therefore, they show very well in an aquarium. • Many are in search of exotic fish because it’s considered a status symbol among their peers. • Wild caught fish have a high re-sell value. For example, a rare Red Arrowana can sell for up to $5,000. • Breeding wild caught fish can be a money-maker for aquarists. Fish • It is perceived as a conservation effort by saving By Douglas DuHamel the fish from predators and other hazards in their habitat.

SEPTEMBERJULY 2008 AquaScaping World 5 These raising tanks in a hatchery outside of Mangalore City, holds hundreds of fry that are protected from predators with a net covering. Angel Fish, Coryadoras, Cichliids, and various livebearers are some of the species breed in captivity here.

Requirements for Raising Wild • An inexperienced Only an experienced Caught Fish may not be able to keep the aquarist should raise wild caught fish alive so the loss of life fish. In addition, the impact of Research and learn all that can also be a financial loss. removing fish from their natural there is to know about the • Some fish naturally have a habitat is something that needs to species. For example: short life span and others are be considered. longer so it’s best to research • Water temperature and water the species. Farm Raised Fish conditions such as the pH • Wild caught fish can harbor Farm raised aquarium fish and hardness more parasites and are not as found in breeding facilities all • Diseases which are common hardy as farmed fish. over the world offer an alternative to the species and the to the wild caught supply. Fish prescribed treatment If you choose to buy wild raised here offer a somewhat • Dietary requirements for caught fish, be sure the seller has sustainable supply of fauna for regular feeding and the correct paper work and the the needs of the hobbyists supplementary meals species of fish is allowed to be without directly effecting actually • Compatibility with other fish, if sold in your country. There are fish populations in rivers and placed in a community tank unscrupulous dealers who are streams. • Tank requirements such as smuggling fish. If you are in The trade and sell of wild hiding places or type of possession of illegal fish, you are caught fish will remain attractive subject to a fine and the seizure to hobbyists who seek the rare of your fish. and exotic species for their The Downside of Raising Wild Wild caught fish are aquariums. Caught Fish attractive because of their vibrant colors and their rarity. This • Fish are being removed from makes each fish and the related their natural habitat; shipping costs extremely therefore, the potential for expensive. They are much more breeding and maintaining the difficult to keep in captivity and fish population is lessened. any losses are very costly.

6 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 The picture on the left shows a harvest of Angels being done. Once the fish reach the desired size they are harvested and stocked in tanks for a purging process that ensures a healthy stock of fish.

After two days in the holding tanks, the fish are then packed up and shipped out to Aquarium Shops and distributors around the world.

Photo Credit Hatchery Photos: www.aquarium.hub.googlepages.com/

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 7 Wabi-kusa Aquasc ｢侘び草｣

8 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 caping Style

By Steven Chong

Wabi-Kusa “Magic Balls” is an aquascaping style just in now sweeping the world

wo years ago when I first heard of ADA’s ｢侘 び草｣ “Wabi-Kusa,” I T was both intrigued and put off at the same time. Creating the appeal of the aquarium’s design by relying on the random growth of the grouped in the Wabi-Kusa is undeniably a very nature-esque concept. It also speaks to a part of us aquarium keepers who are not only artists but also fish-nuts as the idea of letting things run wild has a definite allure to those who enjoy tramping through wild ponds and marshes. On the other hand though, it also is a direct attack on the necessity for

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 9 the trained skill of a frequent Wabi-Kusa can be placed inside spiritedness. aquascaper. Instead of relying the filled aquarium or in a While it is possible to on the practiced eye and well container with only a small incorporate wood and stones with thought out plans for layout, one amount of water to allow the Wabi-Kusa into a more complex simply places two or three Wabi- plants to maintain their terrestrial design, more often Wabi-Kusa Kusa in the tank, and off it goes. form in a more potted-plant type are featured by ADA alone. A I would be lying if I said I did not existence. Either way, the results few stem-using groups in the have my doubts. After these few can be stunning as the idea is to back laid out on simple , or years though, it is apparent the create a natural beauty by using Glossostigma elatinoides idea has taken off, and that the allowing the wildness, the small only Wabi-Sabi to build a power of Wabi-Kusa as a design “chaos” of the mixed plants to foreground. tool is both real and appealing. grow together. While traditionally a plant- For those who do not know, The name Wabi-Kusa is a only layout has the risk of Wabi-Kusa is a product made by reference to the Japanese becoming flat and monotonous Aqua Design Amano. It is aesthetic sense of Wabi-Sabi that (hence traditionally it is left only essentially a ball covered by appeals to the beauty in the slight to skilled Dutch style aquatic plants grown in their chaos of nature. Kusa means aquascapes), the sheer chaos of terrestrial form, very similar to weeds or plants. Even in his the Wabi-Kusa, the mixing that used commonly in earliest books Amano-san occurs with the plants’ unified plant nurseries. Unlike typically referred to finding beauty in a grouping, breaks up the sold aquarium plants though, the patch of weeds, and this beauty monotony surprisingly well. Wabi Wabi-Kusa is generally covered has been turned into product. -Kusa was well named, and truly with a variety of plants, and is not While it is unlikely that anyone does capture a Wabi-Sabi meant to be separated and will be topping the contests with feeling. inserted into the substrate, but these types of layouts, I have to Perhaps what I respect most rather placed directly into the say they do have a strong appeal about Wabi-Kusa is the capacity aquarium, as it naturally sinks. and a refreshing free- it represents for allowing much

10 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 more casual hobbyists or simple we all know the frustrations of not experience has become much nature-lovers to create beautiful being able to get things to look easier. The potential to bring in layouts. I have always seen good and perfectly arranged. more hobbyists is very tangible spreading aquascaping to a wider With ADA’s cheaper and easier and exciting to me. I will be audience as an important task for to use Do!Aqua line of products, looking forward to a wabi-future. the aquascaping community. and the simple to use yet visually However getting into it is refreshing Wabi-Kusa, the task of quite difficult. Even though we creating a beautiful tank without can get the plants growing well, great amounts of skill and

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 11

Frustrations in Aquasca

12 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 aping Is it Worth it?

By Donald Lee

lodea, cabomba, salivinia, ludwigia, vallisneria, water E lettuce, and even milfoil! What do these plants all have in common? They’re all plants listed as invasive species in the U.S. More importantly, they're all aquarium plants that have likely, at one point, been disposed of only to find themselves thriving in new territories thanks to the frustration of a beginning aquascaper who was incapable of making them thrive in their fish tank.

The Woes of Introductory Aquascaping It seems that there is that added frustration most aquascapers give themselves when considering a plant: certainly, they can purchase the plant for their tank for a few dollars more, but in the end they often end up with a brown pile of mush and a welling sense of frustration. Is it a scheme of sorts?

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 13 with fish, this is a very good thing! Too much C02 is bad for the Keeping fish is a varied degree of inhabitants, just as too much C02 is bad for us. For plants, difficulty for the early fish owner, but however, it is far from unfavorable. In fact, the filtering plants seem to offer new degrees of often encourages the more diehard planter to install their own frustration to the formula. method of putting more C02 back into the water! Are plants worth it? Why Bother? It seems that aquascaping To be honest, it has nothing to do fluorescent or incandescent from the very beginning is an with any schemes of any sort— appearance to the tank, but uphill struggle. But with that said, though one may think otherwise barely musters any light to it is far from an impossible task as pet stores do have a tendency encourage . for the person willing to make to mix emersed plants with their Plants are usually recommended some changes while aquatic selection—it mostly has to have 2.5 watts of light per understanding the limits of both to do with the aquarium. gallon, but most tanks can only their tank and its residents. provide 1 watt or even less. The Keeping plants has many This is Not Your Father's Fish fish don’t mind the poor lights. In rewards in the end that most Tank fact, it is often encouraged to fishkeepers appreciate, as do Admittedly, we have come a keep lights low since strong lights their fish. long way from the days when promote stress for certain Plants (especially of the came in only one variety species who often thrive in cover "invasive weed" variety) siphon and plecos were rare novelties or are nocturnal. For the plant, out the nitrates from your tank for the most experienced and however, we are barely throwing that your fish produce, providing spendthrift of freshwater it a bone. less for the algae to grow off. The aquarists. The aquarium has Filtration also encourages tank thus gains a little more advanced quite a bit, but the removal of carbon dioxide (C02) breathing room for its inhabitants emphasis has mainly been from tanks through devices that as a result. towards fish. encourage disturbing water Plants will aerate your tank For example, the typical tension. Considering how many from what C02 they are lighting system offers a pleasant people run their tanks exclusively receiving.

Photo by George Farmer

14 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 The tank inhabitants will appreciate the plants, as they offer cover and will make them feel less like they are in a tank and more like they are in their wild habitat. Unlike the plastic variety, they do not encourage damaging the fish as much, either. Plants help in breeding tanks by encouraging , which are tiny that very small fry will eat. Unlike the more easily available species of fish, there is often demand for aquatic plants. There is not as much value towards the "weed" varieties, but there is always someone willing to buy if the stock is healthy.

Tips Towards Aquatic Plants • If it looks like it should be in a flower pot, chances are that it Aquascape by Lam Phuoc Thanh is an emersed plant. These plants will live underwater, but given a month without air, will also work, and certain fertilizer, try something with they will die. Certain species melon swords will live in the the lowest nitrates and include names like "dragon tank as long as you keep phosphates possible. flame" or "purple waffle" and them within closer range to Otherwise, stick to liquid often appear very colorful. the light source and will fertilizer, which can be maintain a nice small size. purchased for a reasonable • Most fish will nibble on your This also applies to the price. plants or thrash them, silver banana plant. dollars and • Just because you have plants especially. Diehard plants are • Floating plants have the does not mean that you can often recommended for such benefit of being closer to your stop cleaning the tank unless species, such as java fern, light source as well as you are growing a jungle. Use java , and anubias. receiving C02 from the air, a turkey baster to flush the Conversely, you may also making them a little easier to fish waste out of the ground use plenty of fast-growing grow. and have a hose suck it out of plants for them to nibble on the aquarium. and keep in check, such as • Unless the plant itself is hornwort. If you are normally red, a lightening/ considering the plants before yellowing of the plant is a sign the fish, then consider getting of malnourishment. It will fish that have a small need some more nutrients in maximum size (3-4 inches). there in the form of trace Most bottom feeders should elements and may require be avoided as well. some liquid fertilizer to substantiate it. • Most low-light plants are recommended for a beginner • Do not use regular fertilizer tank. These generally include unless you understand how to elodea, java moss, java fern, plant it properly. If you do and anubias. Cryptocoryne attempt to use regular

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 15 Fish Profile: Algae Eating Fish

Siame Cr

16 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 se Algae Eater rossocheilus siamensis

By Aziz Dhanani

Prior to converting my 40 gallon unplanted aquarium to a 40 gallon planted aquarium, I had a real Siamese algae eater ( siamensis) that was a long time (8 years) inhabitant. He was a solitary resident who kept to himself, was not aggressive towards any of the other inhabitants, and had grown to about 6 inches in length. I even named him Nessie (after the fabled Loch Ness Monster). I still remember how my and friends were in awe of Nessie owing to his size. Sadly things took a turn for the worse for Nessie. This was due to the fact that I turned up C02 levels too high. As soon as I realized my mistake, I tried pumping the aquarium with oxygen, but it was too late for Nessie. He never recovered.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 17 Fish Profile: Siamese Algae Eater engulfed my aquarium as I did months after the algae breakout rivers and even flooded forests in not coordinate lighting, CO2 and action taken to eradicate the South East Asia, including injection, and fertilization in a way algae, including the introduction Thailand and the Malay that would have prevented this. of the “dynamic duo.” peninsula. Females are said to To give you an idea of what my appear fuller/fatter than the aquarium looked like. This is a males. This often is the sole picture of the aquarium a few factor used to distinguish males days after I converted it to a from females. The real Siamese planted tank. algae eater is said to reach a maximum size of six inches and have a life span of approximately ten years. It has not been successfully bred in captivity. All specimens purchased from pet stores have allegedly been captured from the wild and Siamese Algae Eater Really imported. The Siamese algae Eats Algae! eater is only suitable for tanks for It is not uncommon for 20 gallons as it will easily grow to people new to planted tanks and six inches. even experienced individuals to struggle with black beard/brush Compatibility The different types of algae algae, not to mention the dreaded With respect to compatibility, that plagued the tank included: . Although I am not the real Siamese's algae eater is Black beard/black brush algae, suggesting that algae eaters be said to be compatible with most green dust algae, and green solely used to control or eliminate fish. However, the real Siamese thread algae. Frequent water algae without addressing the algae eater should not be kept changes (two to three times a underlying causes, the Siamese with the red tailed . The red week), overdosing Seachem Algae eater (SAE) may prove a tailed shark is related to the Excel (three times the daily helpful ally for anyone faced with Siamese algae eater and this fact dosage), and a reduced lighting the daunting task of battling a is known to bring out the period, all but eradicated the black brush/beard algae bloom. territorial and hence aggressive algae, with the exception of the Interestingly, it first garnered tendencies of both fish. Having black beard/brush algae. In my interest in the 1970's when it was more than one real Siamese desperate attempts to try and observed eating red brush algae. algae eater in the same tank is eradicate this algae, I decided to It is even said by sources from also not recommended as males add an Albino Bristlenose Badman’s Tropical Fish Site that are known to behave Plecostomus and Siamese Algae “..the SAE, when coupled with aggressively towards one another Eater. I watched in utter the Amano (Caridina in staking out territory. amazement as this dynamic duo japonica), can deliver a knockout Also, the real Siamese grazed on the black brush/black punch to any algae-ridden tank!” algae eater not be kept with beard algae. It was like some fish that are spawning such watching cattle grazing madly at Origins of the SAE as dwarf . Siamese field grass. They literally The real Siamese Algae algae eaters are highly active eradicated the algae in less then Eater (not to be confused with the fish. Their activity could a week. Chinese Algae Eater) is found in potentially stress out fish that are This is the same tank 3 densely planted streams and spawning.

18 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 I have seen my Siamese a custom made aquarium and worms. algae eater chase my black skirt since the tank cover accidently My real Siamese algae eater tetras when the black skirt tetras cracked I was unable to replace loves feeding off zucchini that invade his territory and attempt to it. I have been resorting to has been microwaved for 60-80 feed off the algae eater's piece maintaining a dense mass of seconds. Once a week he enjoys of zucchini. Ironically, the black floating plants. This has a special treat of frozen blood skirt tetras often harassed my effectively served to keep my worms. Below is a picture of my Siamese algae eater when I first Siamese algae eater from real Siamese algae eater purchased him. At that time, he jumping out. enjoying some zucchini. As you was considerably smaller than As far as feeding goes, the can see, he has no problems the black skirt tetras. I still real Siamese algae eater has no sharing with my Albino remember how they would nip at special requirements. They are Bristlenose Pleco. his tail constantly as he would try known to accept normal fish food, and eat at the algae caked on the algae disks, and blanched Slow Acclimation glass. zucchini. Overfeeding these fish Equally important is ensuring Although there is no allegedly causes them to become that your tank is properly cycled scientific evidence of this, there is lazy and develop a preference for and that you properly acclimatize a possibility that smaller fish that flake food over algae. If you the fish prior to adding him or her share the body color may bring have a heavy black beard/brush to your tank. I find that the drip out the Siamese algae eater's algae infestation, you should feed acclimatization method works aggression. I have yet to see my these fish as little as possible to best for me. When acclimatizing Siamese algae chase any of my entice them to feed off the black any fish to a new tank, slowly other fish that are the same size beard/brush algae. introduce small amounts of new or larger with different color and The Siamese algae eater is tank water to a large bowl where body markings. In fact, I have even said to eat planarian worms, your fish is waiting in its original seen these fish freely venture into making them ideal additions to water. the Siamese algae's territory and any tank infested with such Get a “Real” Siamese Algae even feed off the zucchini left for the Siamese algae eater. In such cases, my Siamese algae eater will often leave the area or return when the other fish leave. The real Siamese algae eater is not destructive towards aquarium plants.

Care Requirements They prefer a temperature of 21 -29 degrees Celsius, a ph of 6.2- 8.0, 5-20 dh water hardness. A soft water current and a densely planted aquarium is recommended to try and mimic its natural habitat. It is really important to keep them in a Photo by Leylia Gray covered aquarium as they are known aquarium jumpers. I have Siamese Algae Eaters swim at all levels of the aquarium and occasionally sit still like this one resting at the bottom of the aquarium.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 19 20 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 Fish Profile: Siamese Algae Eater

Get a “Real” Siamese Algae Eater The most important thing for anyone who is considering purchasing this fish is ensuring that you purchase a “real” Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) vs. a ( kalopteru), "false” Siamese algae eater (Epalzeorhynchos sp. or Garra taeniata), or Chinese algae eater ( aymonieri). This is particularly important if you are looking at getting this fish to help clean up algae. Only the “real” Siamese algae eater is known to consume thread algae, black beard algae, and black brush algae. In my experience, it is not uncommon to find pet store staff and owners who are unable to distinguish these fish. I have had fish store clerk try and convince Photo Credit me that the flying fox and “real” Mike: www.aquariumfishkeepers.com Siamese algae eater were one in Although this fish appears to look like a Siamese Algae Eater, it is actually a Flying Fox the same. Confusion also (Epalzeorhynchos kalopteru). Notice the smooth scales on its body compared to a real SAE. abounds as you may come across literature that mistakenly uncommon for fish of the same “real” Siamese algae eaters, fails to provide a clear distinction species to behave differently with I strongly urge readers who between these different species. all other things being equal. This are considering purchasing a When I hear aquarium fish is not particular to Siamese algae “real” Siamese algae eater to keepers say how horrible, eaters. This may be in large part refer to the different SAE Guides terrible, and aggressive the be due to innate differences in (below) on the internet as a Siamese algae eater is and how personality or temperament. reference to ensure that you they would never consider The major distinguishing purchase the right fish. purchasing another since they characteristics that set the “real” Siamese's algae eater apart from References: have never observed them eating www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebindex/saes.htm any algae, I often wonder if they the other algae eaters is the more www.badmanstropicalfish.com www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/ have not mistakenly purchased a intense black and white contrast, www.fishpondinfo.com/ Chinese algae eater believing it transparent fins, and a black zig- to be a “real” Siamese algae zagged horizontal stripe which eater. Apart from that, it is extends all the way down the tip possible that the odd “real” algae of the tail. Since it is so easy to eater may turn out to be more get fooled or be fooled into aggressive than normal. It is not purchasing fish that may not be

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 21 Aquascape In Focus Down the River An Inte

22 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 emember the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton song “Islands R in the Stream”? What does that title mean? When you look at Sergio Canabal’s aquascape Down the River one can’t help but notice the separation of the two Anubias bordered islands. Each island is a near replica of the other, and despite the separation, the river that runs through the islands serves as the connective ribbon to bring them together into one complete aquascape. Perhaps the meaning of the song title, like this month’s Aquascape in Focus, implies a story of two entities forever linked together. As you read more about Canabal’s aquascape discover the more intricate details and erview with Sergio Canabal trimming techniques for his aquascape, Down the River. SEPTEMBER 2008 Aqua- Sergio Canabal proudly displays his aquascape, Down the River.

Q: Sergio congratulations on would have to take a back seat from this and am grateful to have creating such a well balanced for a while (razor sharp hand- the opportunity to meet and aquascape. Before we get into tools + power tools + baby = dialogue with other hobbyists your aquascape, let’s get to emergency room!). I wanted to who are as excited about the know you a little better. keep myself occupied, but with hobby as I am! something that I could do right at I’ve also recently become A: My name is Sergio Canabal. home and wasn’t so dangerous. interested in keeping Bonsai, I’m 31 years old, and I live in I had tried to keep aquatic plants though I still have quite a bit to Montclair, NJ with my wife and previously but failed because I learn on the subject. daughter. I’m a pharmacist by didn’t understand any of the profession and I have found the major principles. So I decided to Q: Manipulating Bonsai trees is chemistry (non-organic, organic, read up and give it another shot. very similar to what we do with bio and medicinal) I’ve been I became a member of my our planted aquarium plants. “subjected” to has been very local planted aquarium group, Is that what inspired your helpful in understanding some of The New Jersey Aquatic aquascape “Down the River”? the principles of maintaining a Gardeners Club. The planted tank. membership includes some of the A: There have been many I’ve kept “fish” tanks since nicest, most helpful people out influences and inspirations for I’m very young. Surely it’s been there! They’ve help me grow this aquarium! The source of more than 20 years. I began aquatic plants better. initial inspiration would probably keeping plants when my wife was A buddy of mine and I began be Jason Baliban’s “Valley to the pregnant with my daughter. Up building C02 regulators this year East” tank. Subsequent until that point I spent quite a bit for fellow planted tank influences for the tank came from of free time woodworking. With a enthusiasts, under the name many, many places. So many baby on the way, I knew that SuMo. I’ve learned quite a bit individuals, situations and

24 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 experiences affected the tank with more hardscape than you Flourish and Flourish Iron are and its progression that I think it think you will need. It does not dosed at 8mL each daily for would be difficult to cover every take long for plants to grow in micros. The automation was one! most tanks, so rather than having integrated to allow me a bit more Planning for the aquarium to redo things later on, start with time to spend with the family. began in October/November the right amount of hardscape to Trimming is usually done 2006. The substrate went in at begin with. This can obviously be every 10 days or so, cleaning the the February 2007 NJAGC tricky, as it isn’t always easy to pipes and substrate are done as Meeting. I did not really rush any visualize what an aquarium will needed – usually every few aspect of the aquarium. I think look like a year down the road! weeks. patience is absolutely necessary in keeping a planted aquarium. Q: What does it take to keep an Q: How have you overcome When I look at the tank today, I aquascape like this? algae infestations? still don’t see it as complete! A: Water changes and dosing are A: Currently I get the occasional Q: How did you separate the done daily. I change 15% of Green Spot Algae if I try different islands and how did daily via an auto-water changer. extending my midday burst too you create the rock/driftwood It utilizes a RO/DI filter, so I need long. BUT when the tank started arrangements? to reconstitute for GH. I use up, it certainly went through all of Seachem Equilibrium for this the traditionally expected startup A: The substrate is the ADA which allows me to skip dosing algae. That was a very System, and includes PowerSand for potassium. frustrating period of time. The Special M, Tourmaline BC, The aquarium is dosed daily tank was first infected by AquaSoil Amazonia (Type I) and via an auto-dosing system to , which time and a dozen BrightSand. Cardboard and maintain target parameters of: Otocinculs fish helped to clear stones were used to separate the up. Then Staghorn Algae and “islands” for the initial layout. A NO3 = 9ppm Hair/Thread Algae took over. stone called “Shou stone” was PO4 = 1.5ppm Hours of manual removal and used as the final barrier between K = ~30ppm about 60 Amano shrimp help to AquaSoil and BrightSand. KH = < 1dKH get rid of. It took about 2 to 3 A decent width border helps GH = ~4dGH months in total to be rid of to prevent substrate mixing pH = 5.00 everything. (shrimp are the primary villains), T = 25°C I don’t suspect that there is though maintaining separate C02 ~30ppm really a planted tank that is 100% substrates does take a fair algae free. That’s not realistic to amount of maintenance. Everything is held in place by gravity. I do not have the wood tied down. The driftwood was laid out by trial and many errors. The original driftwood layout was almost entirely “consumed” by the plants and vanished. About a year in, the tank had to be re- scaped to shift plants away from the front glass. I’ve recently added a bit more wood to re- acquire a bit of visible hardscape and have been toying around with the pieces to come up with a “final” layout. From this aquascape I learned and would advise others who are planning to design a tank A group of Siamese Algae Eaters looking for something to eat among the foliage of the Anubias with a large plant mass to start barteri var "coffeefolia”.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 25 Three months into Initial Start Nine months later expect for a planted aquarium. Q: How did you choose your no additional Anubias barteri var We are after all, creating plant species? nana "petite" for example, added conditions that are good for plant to the tank between nine months growth. Most algae forms are A: For this aquarium, I decided of development. You can see like plants! what plants were going to be kept from the progression pictures The best we can do is keep based on what grows best with how they have grown algae to a minimum in my the parameters I was keeping. It exponentially. experience. The trick is to takes a few months for plants to provide good conditions and really “settle in” in my experience, Q: Describe your initial environmental consistency for the but they are constantly planting and ongoing trimming growth of “higher” plants. When developing. The “slow growers” techniques for your plants. the plants are growing happily, in particular have not really algae is kept at bay. stopped developing. There were A: Initially, the tank was planted with as many fast growing stems that I could get my hands on. This was to follow the conventional wisdom that packing the tank with fast growers may save me from “startup algae.” In my case, there was no saving! The algae came, and had to run its course anyway! There is no good way to trim Cyperus helferi that I’m aware of. When mine become too tall, I remove and replace them with new, younger plants. While I was keeping Rotala macrandra I trimmed them by cutting off the top six or so inches, removing the bottoms, and replanting only the tops. The Rotala sp. ‘Colorata’ species and currently Ludwigia Rotala sp. ‘Colorata’ are trimmed every ten days by replanting the tops and discarding the bottom arcuata are trimmed by stems of the plant.

26 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 Current layout essentially mowing them into the which cools the water. Topping by some of the brilliant members shape I want. I do not replant the off the tank is necessary with of the planted aquarium tops (unless I need more stems) these fans as I’d be loosing a community! and simply leave the bottoms in gallon or more daily through My auto-water change works place to thicken up. evaporation. The depth sensor by Approximately 4 gallons of on the auto water-changer keeps water are drained from the tank Q: What are some of the DIY the tank at the appropriate level daily. Overnight, an electric elements to your tank? for me. solenoid and water pump (Eheim The other DIY elements to 1250) which are plumbed into the A: During the warmer months I the tank are the plumbing waste line, kick on at the same use cooling fans to maintain the manifold that keeps most of the time via a timer. When the water temperature at about 25°C. instrumentation out of the tank, solenoid receives power, it They are Azoo Cooling Fans and the auto-water changer and the opens, allowing water to run work by means of evaporation auto-dosing system, all inspired through the waste line and down the drain. The water pump is there to speed the process along. Draining the desired amount of water takes 19 minutes. The timer then cuts power to the pump and the solenoid (which closes without power). That completes the draining procedure.

Q: What will you do with this aquascape now that it’s about complete?

A: Well, I’m not really sure that it is complete! I may continue the tank making “small” changes here and there, or I may tear it down and start over! Only time A diagram of the Automatic Water Change system created by Sergio Canabal for his planted will tell! aquarium.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 27 Down the River

Dimensions: 48" x 18" x 23" Plant List Volume: 240 liters Anubias barteri var "coffeefolia" Light: 4x54W T5HO (Teklight) Anubias barteri var nana "petite" Photoperiod: 8 hours, with 4x54 watt 4 hour midday burst Cyperus helferi Substrate: ADA Substrate System Ludwigia arcuata (PowerSand, Tourmaline BC, AquaSoil Amazonia and Microsorum pteropus - Java Fern BrightSand) Poaceae sp. 'Purple Bamboo' C02: Pressurized C02 Rotala sp. 'Colorata' Fauna Paracheirodon axelrodi Crossocheilus langei vittatus Various Snails

28 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 29 Rank #178: Herpin Renaud from France

Rank #68: Marcin Peczek from Poland

30 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest 2008

And the Winners Are...

ome one, come all. The International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest C 2008 Results have been announced. The International Aquatic Plant Contest (IAPLC) is the largest planted aquarium aquascaping contest in the world. The competition is organized by the number one planted aquarium company, Aqua Design Amano. Aquascapers from all over the globe spend months to years designing their planted Rank #68: Alexsander Grebenyuk from Ukraine aquariums all for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prize

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 31 Rank #476: Tobias Coring from Germany

Rank #105: Jason Baliban from United States

32 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 money. bar, from including waterfalls in find inspiration and a renewed However, for most it’s not their aquariums, to uniquely passion to aquascaping planted about the money. It’s about the layout on pedestals. It’s aquariums. ranking. Many aquascapers are large leap from the standard The IAPLC 2008 does the seeking bragging rights and three stone Iwagumi layouts that official commentating and prize recognition for their pieces of used to dominate the awarding in mid-September. The “living art.” It’s a chance to aquascaping hobby. New aquatic top aquascapes will be displayed compete and compare your plants, new arrangements, and at the Nature Aquarium Party aquascapes to the world’s best. attention to detail are all elements held in Tokyo. Each year there is excitement in that improve year to year. It is and the panel of judges will the air as the results come out mind boggling to see what each discuss the winning aquascapes and the final ranking number aquascaper has achieved. There in detail and award the finalists appears next to their aquascapes is no aquascaping competition with their prizes. Aquascapers and names. You’ll find these like this one. will be able to rub noses with the same aquascapers announcing This year boasted 1169 top aquascapers of the world. It’s their ranking on the forums, entries from all over the world, a wonderful end to a competition blogs, and personal websites. the highest number of entries that celebrates and advances the Some are very surprised with since it began in 2001. The planted aquarium hobby. For the how well they ranked, and there competition revolutionizes the full list of winners visit the ADA are always some who are upset world’s understanding of what an website. with how other aquascapes aquarium can be. With a top ranked better than theirs. panel of aquascaping judges, This much can be said including Takashi Amano References: Photos credit to respective authors though; each participant should providing comments to each www.adana.co.jp be proud no matter what their aquascape it’s no surprise the final ranking may be. The number of entries keeps growing. compilation of aquascapes in this The competition gives purpose competition is truly world class. and meaning for some hobbyists, Aquascapers keep pushing the while for others it’s a chance to

SEPTEMBER 2008 Aqua- Carbon Dioxide Injecting Method Pressurized CO2Syst

By Hector Ortiz

Understanding t achieve the plan

34 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER e ds tems

arbon Dioxide (C02) is a indispensible component for effective photosynthesis and C 2 plant growth. C0 is necessary when your lighting is above the standard 2.0 watts per gallon threshold. In lower lighting setups, supplementing C02 can only help plant growth and keep algae away. At first it may be slightly intimidating, however understanding and applying C02 injection is very simple. As you will see, there are three easy, mainstream methods to inject carbon dioxide. I will walk you through the pressurized C02 setup.

Carbon Dioxide Injection this essential ingredient will help you Methods nted aquarium you’ve always wanted 1) Pressurized C02 gas 2) Do It Yourself (DIY) C02 gas, 3) Liquid C02 i.e. Seachem Excel.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 35 What do I need for a Regulator Pressurized C02 Setup? The common C02 regulators brands used in this hobby are the Pressurized C02is the best Milwaukee, JBJ and the Azoo form of injecting C02 gas in a C02 regulators. These three planted aquarium because it regulators are excellent and offers a continuous flow of gas affordable components for any that offers consistent levels of system. They can run anywhere C02 . Besides the initial setup, between $75-90. You can find there’s no additional maintenance them on eBay auctions, That’s important because plants required. Although the startup drsfostersmith.com, and a utilize (photosynthesize) carbon costs of $150-200 can be number of other online retail dioxide when the light goes on. deterring, the low maintenance stores.. There are some planted Aquarium regulators will and guarantee that C02 is tank hobbyist oriented online have another necessary constant from day to day make vendors like component called the needle pressurized C02 an attractive greenleafaquariums.com, and valve. This allows you to change method to be used for any aquabotanic.com that are now the rate of gas flow. C02 gas is planted aquarium. I will describe offering their own custom build measured in parts per millions the main components of a regulator systems as well. (ppms) or observationally by the pressurized C02 setup so that One of the key parts to an amount of bubbles flowing into a your aquarium is one step closer aquarium made regulator is the a tank per second. A bubble to an optimal environment for part called the solenoid. A counter (a see-through container aquatic plants. solenoid is essentially the on/off filled with water) allows the switch to your regulator. When aquarist to see and count the Essential C02 Components on, the solenoid opens a bubble rate. Generally, • Regulator magnetic gate that allows gas to depending on your tank size, a • C02 Cylinder flow from the cylinder to the rate of 3-5 bubbles per second is • Reactor/Diffuser tubing line. When turned off, C02 a good rate to have for a planted • Check Valves flow stops. When you place a aquarium. This will produce • C02 Tubing solenoid on a light timer, you can around the optimal 30 ppms of automate your C02 system and dissolved C02 gas in a planted have C02 flow stop when the aquarium. A CO2 drop checker lights go out, and have the flow product can also help measure resume when the lights go on. your CO2 levels.

36 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 5-10 lb C02 Cylinder Reactor/Diffuser plant leaves which is said to aid C02 cylinders are best bought In my opinion, reactors and in aquatic plant C02 absorption. locally from your fire extinguisher diffusers represent the most Glass diffusers in the past supply depots and welding supply difficult aspect of the three years have taken the hobby shops. Pick up the phone book system. There are many ways to by storm. Most planted aquarists and call around. With the dissolve the C02 gas. The now use this method over paintball hobby in full swing, common methods include: external reactors. The caveat of these C02 distributors won’t blink using glass diffusers as I an eye when you say you need a External Reactor mentioned earlier is that they 5-10 lb C02 cylinder for your An external reactor such as require frequent (every 2 weeks) aquarium. a Aquamedic 1000 or a DIY cleanings to keep the disc A 5 lb cylinder can produce reactor is set inline with the surface as clean and effective as at least six months of C02 for your plumbing of your canister filter. It possible. aquarium. The bigger, 10 lb works by dissolving C02 gas in Over time, algae and cylinder can last double that. I the turbulent water created inside bacterial film may grow on the recommend getting the largest the external reactor. This is an disc surface which covers up the sized cylinder that can fit in your effective way of dissolving C02 fine pores on the surface. This home and under your aquarium without worrying about cleaning results in larger, and less The cylinders can run anywhere out an in-tank diffuser like the dissolvable bubbles of C02 gas. between $60-100 from a local ones describes later. The remedy to a dirty disc is to supplier. Refills are about $20 at Remember to put the soak the glass diffuser in a most locations. external reactor on the water solution of bleach for ten minutes In the heyday of introducing output side of your canister filter during a tank cleaning. Some pressurized C02 in the late to ensure that only clean water people purchase two diffusers 1990s, hobbyists used to make a goes through it. and swap the dirty one out for a big stink over whether or not one There are many tutorials new one to save time. should get an aluminum cylinder available on the internet on how or a steel-composed cylinder. In to make your own DIY External C02 line in the intake Method all honesty, it doesn’t make a reactor so at the moment I will Now this is the “cost squat of difference when it comes not go into the process. The key efficient” way of dissolving C02. to planted aquariums. A full steel for any external reactor is to get It’s as simple as sticking the 10lb C02 cylinder weights around as close to 100% dissolution of output end of the C02 tubing 40 lbs. Aluminum cylinders are your C02 gas before it enters the directly into a filter intake and lighter so I suppose you should aquarium. using your filter as a reaction take that in mind if lifting 40 or so chamber to dissolve the gas. pounds is difficult. Aluminum C02 Glass Diffusers cylinders can run about $50 more Using a glass diffuser or than a steel cylinder of the same “pollen glass diffuser” as it can be size. referred to after an Aqua Design It is also important to Amano product, is another remember your C02 cylinder will effective means of introducing be hidden under your aquarium carbon dioxide to a tank. This and out of sight. So when your diffuser is a glorified (yet efficient) C02 distributor tells you they only that is placed inside the have refurbished cylinders for aquarium underneath a flow of sell, don’t worry and just get it. water. C02 cylinders are tested about What makes it so effective? every 5 years by the distributors The diffuser disc is composed of to ensure they are safe enough to tiny pores that results in very fine, hold C02 under pressure. You’ll mist like bubbles as the C02 bust find C02 cylinders dating back to through the membrane. The the 1960s still on the selling floor resulting fine bubbles are easily today. So the worn looking dissolved into the water column, refurbish cylinder will work just as and some of the mist-like bubbles well as a new shiny one. even find their way underneath This all-in-one regulator with bubble counter allows the hobbyists to calculate the injection rate of the C02.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 37 38 AquaScaping World SEPTEMBER 2008 Sounds easy enough? Well it is, between the regulator but filters aren’t exactly made to and diffuser end. handle the acid byproduct that You might think that you C02 gas inherently has. Some won’t need a C02 check valve, filters parts such as the impeller, but you’ll soon realize your rubber areas, and motor may mistake. Water will siphon back wear out prematurely as a result. out from your aquarium and down In extreme cases, a filter may to your expensive C02 regulator. stop working altogether if the gas Getting water inside the regulator builds up in the filter and stops or more likely the solenoid part the impeller from catching water. will render your expensive gismo to be replaced However, this method can be inoperable. regularly. Compared to effective depending on how well Pressurized C02 , it is the C02 dissolves as it makes it C02 Tubing economically cheaper, but the way through the filter. Just be Typical airline tubing and time and maintenance required to careful. silicone tubing are highly keep it producing gas at the permeable to C02 gas and highest level can be costly. I will The dissolution method that they can become brittle/crack talk about how to make a DIY works best will vary with every over time. Specialized C02 C02 setup in a future article. tank. I personally like to use tubing like Poly urethane tubing is external reactors because I like to one of the best choices for Can I use Seachem Excel for take one less thing out of the tank offering low gas permeability and C02? maintenance process. But I know C02 resistant degradation. To Seachem Excel is an organic several others swear by the extra ensure 100% of the C02 gas based liquid carbon source. It effectiveness of bubbles from the makes it to the tank use tubing requires daily administration but glass diffusers. As long as you’re that is made for C02 gas. is very effective at providing C02 pumping C02 gas into your to plants. Seachem Excel can be aquarium, I’ll be happy and your pH Controller used alone or as a supplement to plants will be happy too. This is an optional DIY C02 or pressurized C02. In component for a pressurized the long run Seachem Excel can Check Valves system. A pH Controller such as become expensive to use every Check valves are designed the Milwaukee SMS125 pH day on a large tank, but on tanks to prevent water from back Controller helps regulate the under 20-30 gallons it is relatively siphoning out from the tank when amount of C02 injected in a inexpensive. To minimize costs the C02 flow is turned off or runs tank. The user sets the pH level buy Excel in bulk 2 liter bottles for out. The best check valves are at a desired level, and the around $23. the metal type (brass) check controller will make sure it stays valves. Plastic check valves will around that level (much like a Pressurized C02 Wrap-up work but they are susceptible to heater thermostat). The reason Now that you know all about C02 deterioration and will need why this is an optional product is pressurized C02 and have been yearly replacing. These are because a light timer designed to introduced to the other common placed on the C02 tubing turn off the solenoid at night will methods of C02 injection, be sure do the same thing. A timer will to inject the gas slowly if this is eliminate the flow of C02 when your first time. Also, be sure to the plants are not using it if it is secure your C02 cylinder inside set to turn off when the lights go your stand and away from any out. off. wandering kids who may be interested in turning knobs or What do I need for DIY C02? have a tendency of tipping things DIY C02 is an applicable over. Once you begin introducing system for 30 gallon tanks or C02 you’ll notice within a few days less. It uses yeast, sugar and the positive effects it has on plant water to produce a reaction that growth and health. You’ll wonder has C02 gas as a byproduct. The to yourself, why you hadn’t Brass check valves prevent water from back reaction can last anywhere started with pressurized C02 in siphoning from your tank to your regulator. between 2-4 weeks and will need the first place.

SEPTEMBER 2008 AquaScaping World 39 www.aquascapingworld.com