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AquaScapingWorldAquaScapingWorld Creating Magic In Glass Boxes

Aquascaping with George Farmer Building an Background Aquascape in Focus: Sunny Grassland Trial and Error Planted Aquarium Experiences The Albino Bristlenose Plecostomus

www.aquascapingworld.com VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 AUGUST 2008 Letter from the Editor

Inside our August Issue

Well we’ve done it! We’ve reached our sixth issue of the Magazine. This month we feature exclusive articles on starting up a planted aquarium and lessons learned from the mouths of experienced aquascapers.

A true hobbyist, George Farmer, shares with us his aquascapes and his aquascaping philosophies. Learn something new from these experienced aquascapers, and take a gander at their take on aquascaping and planted .

Our Aquascape in Focus this Month features Sunny Grassland, a stunning planted aquarium. The aquascaper behind this beauty is William Ng, who creates colorful sunrise effects on his backgrounds. You’ll be amazed at how simple he makes it look.

And, if you’re looking for something a little different for your aquascape, why not try creating a custom rocky-type background with terraces? Kristen Danker recounts her experiences creating this unique element for her planted aquarium.

With the summer winding down, we here at ASW hope you have a great month aquascaping!

John Nguyen Editor in Chief AquaScaping World Magazine

2 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

4 TRIAL AND ERROR: GET YOUR HANDS AND ARMS WET A planted aquarium isn’t something that comes automatically. Most aquascapers go through a phase of trial and error that helps them perfect how to grow aquatic plants. By Roy Deki

12 AQUASCAPING WITH GEORGE FARMER If there was a list of aquascaping experts, George Farmer would be at the top of that list. Learn the ins and outs of aquascaping as you enjoy his aquascapes. By George Farmer

28 PLANTED AQUARIUM FOR BEGINNERS is one of the most important elements for a planted aquarium. Find how to get the right amount of lighting for your aquarium. By Hector Ortiz

30 MAKING A PLANTED AQUARIUM BACKGROUND: LESSONS LEARNED A unique element to add to a planted aquarium. Discover the basics of making a concrete aquarium background from the lessons learned from this do-it-yourself experience. By Kristen Danker

34 A RYOBOKU AQUASCAPE: THE BEGINNINGS Follow this step-by-step planted aquarium setup that will focus on using the Ryoboku style of aquascaping. By Kristoffer Willerslev Jorgensen

42 AQUASCAPE IN FOCUS: SUNNY GRASSLAND This month we feature William Ng’s 50 liter aquascape, Sunny Grassland. Find out how he manages to create colorful backgrounds to match his wonderful aquascape. By ASW Editor

54 FISH PROFILE: ALBINO BRISTLENOSE PLECOSTOCUS This one is for you fish lovers. Here’s an in-depth fish profile on this peaceful species. By Aziz Dhanani

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 3 Trial and Error Get Your Hands and Arms Wet

By Roy Deki

4 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 started this planted aquarium hobby some 5 years ago. I can still I remember the first time I laid my eyes on a planted tank. Perhaps, like many of you, it was one of ’s Nature Aquariums that inspired me to design a planted aquarium. I immediately went to a book store to look for one of his books and found a copy of his “Nature Aquarium” Volume one. I

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 5 couldn’t wait to get it home and smoothly for the first week or so “balanced out” and I learned a learn how I could also create one and I was very happy. Then great deal from my first planted of these planted aquarium some of my plants started to melt tank. masterpieces for myself. overnight! I had no idea that This was a learning process At the time, I had a 46 gallon most of the plants I purchased that I believe has to be done for bow front aquarium. I thought to were emersely grown (out of yourself and not entirely from myself that this would be a great water) from a nursery. I thought what others tell you. Yes, there tank to attempt my first it was something I was doing is a lot of great technical advice aquascape. I researched for wrong, so I purchased fertilizers from some well accomplished many hours on the internet, and for my ailing plants. I found an aquarists and you can learn a lot learned a great deal about this “all in one” fertilizer on the from their experiences. The hobby. Most of the advice I internet and thought to myself advice I provide I have learned received was very helpful but it “that’s convenient.” So I bought from first hand trial and error. only pertained to equipment some and immediately started Remember just because requirements that I would need to dosing the recommended something works for someone have a healthy planted tank. At dosage. else does not mean it will work this time, my excitement was at a I’m sure all of you know for you. There seems to be no peak level and I started to buy where this story is going. Yes, right or wrong way to be lights, CO2 equipment and plants. the dreaded bloom. I must successful in this hobby. The I learned that I needed a lot have had every known algae important thing is to find what of light, so I purchased two known to man and maybe some works for you and stick with it. Coralife Freshwater Power no one has ever seen. This tank Compact units; each with 130 took over a year to “balance out”. Filtration watts a piece. I also bought an I had no idea what I was doing. This is a very important topic automated CO2 setup and Onyx Trying to figure out my problem to me and seems to be for my . For my on the internet didn’t seem to overlooked when we all talk plants, I placed a large order of help either. about planted tanks. Over plants from an Arizona aquatic I tried black-outs, H2O2, split filtration is the way to go whether plant distributor. I was off and photo periods, and I even gassed you have a low light or high light running and could not wait to all of my livestock with CO2. I set-up. The more light you have, create an aquascape of my own. almost gave up but I’m glad I the more biological filtration you Everything was going didn’t. This aquarium finally need in order to “balance “ your

6 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 The author’s first planted tank developed under trial and error experiences. After a year of frustration, melting emersed grown plants, and algae woes, this 46 Gallon Bowfront Aquarium is now mature and balanced to support healthy growth.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 7 tanks eco-system. grow a healthy ground cover like aquarium. As we have already It will also help to cycle your Glossostigma elatinoides. A discussed, having a shallow tank aquarium before starting an shallow tank requires less allows you to get away with less aquascape. I have learned that wattage because light doesn’t light. This is a very important my re-aquascapes with a well have to penetrate as deeply factor in helping you to be more established filter have always through the water column. I am successful with less frustration. been less problematic than a really fond of the dimension of a Over the years, I have learned totally new set-up. It also helps 40 gallon breeder. I have that plants listed to have “high” to add some nitrifying bacteria successfully grown compact and light requirements will grow with after water changes. A product low Glossostigma elatinoides in much less light. They will, called “Cycle” by Marineland can a 40 gallon breeder with only one however, grow at a much slower be found at most local fish stores. 96 watt power compact fixture. rate and some also take on a I use this after water changes as A 40 gallon breeder has slightly different appearance. well as post filter cleanings. plenty of depth and the three foot When it comes to color length makes buying light fixtures temperatures with regards to light Aquariums Height a breeze. Overall, the bulbs, I prefer a combination of I highly suggest that all shallowness of this tank makes it 6700k and 10000k bulbs. Since I beginners should start their first a perfect beginner’s tank. do not use high intensity lights tank with a shallow aquarium. anymore, the 10000k bulbs will Since my first tank was a 46 Lights help you achieve more red in gallon bow front (21” height), I felt This key component goes hand in plants that usually require higher I needed more light in order to hand with the height of your wattage.

A carpet of Glossostigma elatinoides grown in a shallow 40 gallon breeder aquarium with a 96 watt compact fluorescent fixture. Total amount of light equals to 2.4 watts per gallon. For a full view of the tank, see the article cover.

8 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 My favorite light fixtures are the Coralife Freshwater T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light. They are available in 24”, 30”, 36” and 48” lengths. They are also a normal output T-5 and the bulbs last longer than the over-driven or high output T-5 bulbs. They have a very low, slim profile that rest below the frame of your aquarium, which eliminates a lot of ambient light bleeding into your room. Another reason I use these lights exclusively is due to the color temperature that these fixtures come with. They have a 6700k bulb along with a “color- max” bulb that really makes your red plants “pop”. They are also very affordable and the replacement bulbs are much Hemianthus callitrichoides and Dwarf hairgrass combination grown with 2.8 watts per gallon. cheaper. I have had great success with these bulbs in will dose fertilizers. This this technique will not work on a conjunction with a shallow tank. I technique is not for everyone, but “high light” set-up. The more light use them on my 60 gallon tank seems to work for me. you have, the faster your plants which is 48” x 16” x 16”. This tank I believe overdosing your grow and the more nutrients they has a total of 168 watts which tank with all the nutrients can will require. equals 2.8 watts oer gallon. To only lead to problems if your my surprise, this set-up was more plants are not healthy enough to Less is more than enough to grow Hemianthus uptake the nutrients. Some will I, like some, have a grow-out callitrichoides (H.C.) low and tight come back to find an algae bloom tank, however, my grow-out tank to the substrate while helping because they could not find may differ from many others. I do make my Ludwigia arcuata a someone to continue the dosing not have CO2 or high intensity blood red. schedule. lights over this tank. Instead, I Consistency is the key factor only have 1.86 wpg over a Fertilization when it comes to nutrients. If shallow tank. I will plant many I have tried many different your eco-system is accustomed species of plants in this tank in types and a few different dosing to keeping a certain level of the hopes of learning more about schedules. What works for me is nutrients at all times, then you the true light requirements for somewhat of an unconventional must continue this in order to aquatic plants. So far, I have not style. Whether I use dry or liquid maintain “balance”. I’m not a come across any plant that will fertilizers, I do not have a set scientist, nor will I ever feel the not grow in this tank. Given the dosing schedule. The only thing I need to be one, when it comes to fact that this tank is only 12” high, do religiously is at the beginning this hobby. Although some well- I have learned that it’s not really of a new aquascape. I will only known aquarists with some very about how much wattage you dose Micros and Potassium for impressive college degrees will have over your aquarium, but the first 2 to 3 month of a new set disagree, dosing by “feel” really more about how much water -up. Even that is not done on a works for me. This technique depth that light needs to regular basis. I tend to dose by also allows me to go on vacation penetrate. Obviously, less water “feel” and, by that, I mean I look and I don’t have to worry about height equals more lumen down at my plants very closely and my tanks. My aquariums have to the substrate. often. When I visually notice the learned to be fairly self-sufficient, Less light will also increase beginning of a nutrient deficiency therefore, I believe I have your optimum viewing time in like holes in the leaves, plant achieved “true balance” in my your aquascape. Like many, I discoloration or limited growth, I eco-systems. Keep in mind that have seen so many beautiful

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 9 10 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 This 15 gallon tank with 6.2 watts per gallon was very difficult to balance. The excessive light demanded more nutrients and regular maintenance then lower light intensity tanks.

This 60 gallon with only 168 watts of “normal out-put” T-5’s was easier to maintenance then the above tank despite having ore species of plants. aquascapes that I would love to achieve a “balanced” eco-system have in my living room for all my while slowing growth down. friends and family to enjoy. Some say your plants are However, the photos we all not at optimum heath, I have to admire are just snapshots of a disagree with that “moment in time”. Aquascapes wholeheartedly. My plants are are forever changing or evolving just as healthy as the next. The and require a lot of maintenance. only difference is, I don’t have to After a large plant trimming our dose, trim, re-plant tops or fight tanks will look nothing like that algae blooms as often as others. “moment in time”. What I do get is that “moment in By utilizing less light and time” for a little while longer. dosing only the required nutrients necessary, you will lengthen that “moment in time”. I like to

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 11 AquascapingAquascaping withwith G

12 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 GGeorgeeorge FarmerFarmer By George Farmer

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 13 to succeed, I read some books and began to use the Internet as my main source of information, being careful who I listened to. I enjoyed learning about the Estimative Index (EI) fertilization principles and continue to practice this method with great success by using Tropica fertilisers, at the moment. I’d like to thank Tom Barr for his guidance in many matters. As I became more informed and skilled as an aquarist, the hobby turned into an obsession. I discovered Takashi Amano’s work and bought all of his books, reading them back-to-back several times over. I also enjoy y name is George of being able to work with reading the ADA Aqua Journals Farmer, 31, and I’m Tropica, the Danish plant grower, and catalogues. Mr. Amano very lucky to be who supply me with their changed my whole philosophy married to a excellent plants and products. M towards and I wonderful and very Recently I have tested out some discovered a passion for understanding wife, Janine, with brand new plant species which aquascaping as an art form. two joyful and incredibly bright has been very exciting. I get to More recently I have become a daughters – Emily, 12 and test out a lot of new products for very keen photographer and find Florence, 3. I live in a beautiful various manufacturers, the most the link between aquascaping rural village in Lincolnshire, recent being the new LED lighting and photographing very England. I count my blessings from TMC. interesting. Takashi Amano is every day, it has to be said! At one point I was a the ultimate master of both, in my My full-time career is as an moderator of five Internet forums, view. aircraft weapons engineer in the but have limited myself to being

Royal Air Force - in fact I’m active on two or three, when I Aquascaping Fundamentals writing this whilst on a 4 month have the time. Last year I helped I believe the first tour in Afghanistan, as we speak! to set up the UK Aquatic Plant fundamental lesson to learn I’m also a freelance writer and Society (www.ukaps.org), with before even designing and photographer specializing in three other UK-based talented implementing a successful planted aquariums and hobbyists. We have a very active aquascape is to learn how to aquascaping. I mainly contribute forum with a fast-growing grow plants effectively. No layout to Practical Fishkeeping (PFK) membership and considerable will be successful with dying or magazine, writing between one range of experiences. I would algae-infested plants. Once plant and three articles regularly every like to think that we all have growing has been mastered month. As a member of their helped to promote the UK planted through appropriate lighting and ‘Ask the Expert’ panel, I help out tank and aquascaping hobby nutrient levels, whether they be readers with their planted tank significantly in the relatively short high light, CO , etc. or ‘lower- problems. I write blogs for the time we have been established. 2 tech’ methods, one is then free to PFK website I started the aquarium hobby concentrate on the creative side (www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk) relatively late, five years ago, and of aquascaping and layout and have presented a step-by- kept an off-the-shelf 125 litre (33 design. It took me about 12 step video/podcast on setting up US gal.) aquarium ready-supplied months to realize exactly what I a nature aquarium. I have also with filter, lighting and heater. I needed to grow plants well, written articles for Pet Product filled it with non-aquatic plants, without algae issues. Good light, Marketing, a publication for the not realizing my mistake at the CO and other nutrients, UK pet retail sector. time. Of course, the plants died 2 including NPK, with plenty of I’m in the privileged position and algae took over. Determined water changes, are my main

14 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 My first aquarium aquascape, an 80 cm tank that I call “Dutch Jungle”.

‘rules’ for success and more the whole aesthetic of the copying aquascapes, or elements recently I have learnt the aquascape. Pruning techniques there of. I still gain much importance of good levels of flow. become a priority with foresight inspiration from others and will Most of my set ups will have at into anticipating the evolution of use some aspects to the designs least 10x filter turnover, with my the aquascape. Most of my in my own work. I don’t consider most recent two layouts, ‘Little aquascapes contain few or no myself a ‘natural’ artist so Mountain’ and ‘English Summer’ stems plants at all, so the end creating an innovative design is having over 20x turnover. result is more predictable with hard for me. However, like Choosing plants according to lower maintenance, which suits anything in life, I know it will one’s individual aquarium set up my somewhat hectic daily become easier with practice and I and size is also a vital element. schedule. can see my aquascapes Some plants require more light improving with every new and nutrients than others, or Shape Your Inspiration attempt. different water chemistries, so do Gaining inspiration is a very As for the actual layout some research, or better still, important element in aquascape materials when considering an experiment to find out what works design. For beginners that can aquascape design, the for your aquarium and its grow plants well, I often importance of good hardscape conditions. I have had success recommend copying an selection and position, if used at with most plants I have tried, aquascape they like, as they will all, is incredibly important. Rocks even though I have hard tap immediately choose appropriate and/or wood should often provide water. The key, as mentioned, is plants and composition. Through the ‘bones’ to the layout with the appropriate light and nutrients. the process they will learn how plants providing the ‘flesh’. Even Patience is also very important, their plants grow in their set up if the hardscape becomes as some plants will take a good and may be confident enough to invisible over time, they help to while to adjust to their new evolve the aquascape by provide a basis for which to build environment. changing species or layout as upon. Only recently, in the UK, One element that really only they see fit. The whole have decent hardscape materials comes with experience is experience will be beneficial and become readily available and this learning how plants grow after some time they may be able has boosted the quality of together at different rates and to come up with some innovative aquascapes produced sizes and how these influence creations without resorting to considerably.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 15 From start to finish, this 120 cm “Harlequin’s Haven took five weeks to complete its aquascape.

Hardscape was non-existent, as was mainly due to heavy planting My First Aquascape with most Dutch style from the outset, in combination My first aquascape was a aquascapes, but this choice was with some fast growing result of all my learning about made for me due to a lack of Vallisneria. I didn’t keep it how to grow plants within the first decent materials available in the running for long, as the tank year of starting the hobby. I had UK at the time. sprang a leak! Apart from that not been influenced by the nature After this first aquascape I they were no problems at all with aquarium style back then, as I discovered the virtues of this aquascape. hadn’t seen any of Amano’s pressurized CO injection and My longest-term layout was work, or other aquascapes 2 NPK dosing via the Estimative ‘The Shade’ which evolved over influenced by his style. I hadn’t Index (EI). These two factors, in around 18 months. It had low seen any Dutch style layouts combination with discovering lighting (2 x T8, 1wpg) and slow either, but rather I kept adding Amano’s work, were instrumental growing species – Crypts, new plant species here and to my progression in the hobby. I Anubias and ferns. The there, tidying them up and look back at this aquascape with aquascape didn’t have any pruning as necessary. The end fond memories and use it to problems until I went on holiday result is what you see here, remind myself of how newcomers and the CO stopped, melting all which I was pretty pleased with 2 to the hobby may feel. the crypts and causing a massive back then! algae bloom! I boosted my lighting from An Aquascape Takes Time the supplied 2 x T8 fluorescents My quickest aquascape to Aquarium Maintenance to 4 x T8 with reflectors and I completion was ‘Harlequins’ In all my set ups, except added yeast-based CO 2 Haven’. From start to finish it nano aquariums, I change injection. Dosing ferts was via took around five weeks. This between 1/3 and ½ water every the Dennerle system which doesn’t contain any sources of NP. This is why the lifespan of the aquascape was limited, because algae became an issue, due to nutrient deficiencies and unstable CO2 levels. The tank also had a heater cable fitted, which in my opinion isn’t necessary, as none of my aquascapes since have used them, despite their success. Plant growth itself was pretty good, but most of the plants were easy. Due to the large proportion of stem plants, I learnt about pruning technique and the way This 80 cm aquarium took 18 months to complete under low lighting conditions. that plants grow at different rates. It’s called “The Shade”

16 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 A large school of Harlequin rasboras add a lively dimension to this planted aquarium. week. In the early stages of the litres per day for higher lighting, The Solution to Algae tank’s life I will often change down to 2ml per day 100 litres for The maintenance regime outlined more water, more regularly. lower lighting. This is a great all- above will normally keep algae at Plants are pruned as and when in-one liquid fertiliser that works bay. I always plant very heavily required, from weekly for fast brilliantly in all my tanks. I will from the outset and change growing stems, to monthly or adjust dosing as the plants plenty of water. I will normally longer for slower growers. In require. dose fertilizers on the lean side in nano aquaria I will change ½ Filters are always over-rated the first few weeks. There is water 2x per week minimum. for the aquarium size and are plenty of discussion on whether Algae is cleaned from the cleaned every couple of months. or not this is necessary, but it glass using magnetic algae In larger tanks (120cm+) I’ll works for me and saves on scrapers, razor blades and always use two filters, as I like to fertilisers. A good nutritious toothbrushes. I rarely vacuum achieve a minimum of 10x substrate will allow more gravel as there is too much plant turnover. I only use biological forgiveness with lean dosing too. cover, so I wave my hand above and mechanical filter media, no It’s also worth noting that most the substrate, lifting up any carbon or Purigen etc. Lily pipes new plants require an detritus and siphon it out during a and filter hosing are cleaned as acclimatization period in their water change. I also ‘fluff up’ the and when required. new environment, so dosing may plants to remove any collected I often use a CO2 drop not actually do any good at all. detritus from the leaves etc. Any checker with 4dKH solution and Most aquarium plants are grown uprooting of plants or hardscape pH reagent to maintain good CO2 emerged in the nurseries and will will be followed by a ½ water levels. Once an ideal bubble rate have a lot of nutrient stock in change to minimize algae. In has been achieved, I may them too. fact, almost any maintenance is remove the drop checker for I always have an algae-crew, followed by a water change. aesthetic purposes. Glass/ right from the start, normally I dose Tropica Plant ceramic diffusers are cleaned consisting of Amano Nutrition+ in all my tanks, regularly in bleach to maintain (Caridina multidentata) and generally at a rate of 5ml per 100 maximum efficiency. sp. I will stock around

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 17 Not as commonly used as its relative the Cardinal Tetra, these Black Neon Tetras form a tight school and provide a unique “mature” presence to the aquascape that a Cardinal Tetra does not. 10 Otos and 20 shrimp per 100 short-term affair and I wish to generally, unless their contrast litres. In nano tanks I like to use experiment with any new ideas. suits the planting. For simple Nerite snails and smaller shrimp. My favorite slow growing and low aquascapes I will always choose Algae, in my experience, is maintenance plants are Java one species of display fish and caused by neglecting the tank ferns, Anubias and crypts, and for more complex layouts, I will (poor/fluctuating CO2 and other these will appear in most of my have a few species. If I do mix nutrients, blocked filter or lack of larger aquascapes. species, they will be from the water changes), or by running same continent i.e. I won’t mix excessive lighting for too long. Fish Selection South American tetras with South With good CO2 and other Fish selection is an East Asian Rasboras or Danios nutrients, it may be surprising obsession for me! I will wait until etc. how little light one can use to the aquascape is at least three to I also tend to understock with grow plants well. I can grow four weeks old before adding fish fish as this helps to maintain most plants in most tanks with 2 x and think about their selection a water quality, reduces risks of HO T5 and good reflectors great deal before choosing. They algae and lowers maintenance spanning the length of the must match the planting design times. I am very luck to have an aquarium. and the tank’s dimensions. Taller excellent aquatic shop nearby fish suit taller tanks etc. and that stock a huge selection of fish Plant Selection sense of scale is essential. I will suitable for planted aquariums. I Plants are chosen according always prefer to use larger shoals am spoilt for choice. They also to the layout design and how of smaller fish over a few larger give me a good discount, as I’m a much maintenance I wish to fish. One exception is half a regular customer who always has perform. These days I tend to dozen large that I plan for time for a nice chat with the staff! avoid fast growing stems due to a new 180cm layout next year. their high maintenance and my Fish coloration is another Get that Perfect Photo lack of spare time. However, I important consideration, as they Photography is such an will sometimes use them if I know must not clash with the planting. important factor in getting that the aquascape is going to be a I am not a fan of gawdy colors “perfect shot” for a layout. I

18 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 Most people won’t have full photographic studios, but here you can see it’s important to have a lot of light when taking that final photo of your aquascape. This will help bring out the colors of the fish and plants. currently use an old (2003) Unfortunately, decent lenses tend as this prevents reflections. A Canon EOS 10D DSLR camera, to be very expensive! tripod is useful and I also use a sold to me by my wife’s uncle for For final photo shoots I will remote shutter release to help a good price. It’s regarded as get as much light above the tank eliminate camera shake further. outdated now but I like the as possible, normally 4 x HO T5 The self-timer can be used but results. It only has 6MP but it’s or more if I can fit it. I do not own it’s harder to capture the fish in plenty for publishing in any flash guns yet but intend to the right spot. magazines and on the web. invest in some soon. The more I will sometimes use Eventually I will upgrade to a 5D light the better, as it results in a backlighting to enhance the or even a 1Ds Mk.III, as I’m faster shutter speed for capturing background of the aquascape. becoming more interested in fish. Also a greater depth of field This is normally achieved by an landscape photography where (DoF) can be used to ensure the old T8 tube and reflector against the full frame sensor and higher whole tank is in focus, front to a pale wall. These days all my pixel count come into their own rear. aquascapes do not have a for larger prints. I will often use ISO 400 or background, as I like the extra Currently I only use a Sigma 800 to help maintain fast shutter sense of depth this creates. 17-35mm f/2.8 lens for full tank speed and higher DoF. However, Generally I don’t use Adobe shots in confined spaces and a high ISO can result in grainy Photoshop too much, as I prefer Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro for images, depending on the to get the shot right at the start. I close-ups. It is best to buy the camera. This is why flash guns may boost contrast and best lenses you can afford, as are good, because you can use a saturation a little, as well as use they will outlast the camera and high DoF, fast shutter speed and unsharp mask to improve the are interchangeable when you low ISO for best quality images. overall effect of the shot. Some upgrade to a camera from the I will shoot in the dark, see this as cheating, but as long same manufacturer. except for the aquarium lighting, as you aren’t adding things that

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 19 Not as commonly used as its relative the Cardinal Tetra, these Black Neon Tetras form a tight school and provide a unique “mature” presence to the aquascape that a Cardinal Tetra does not.

The next up and coming UK aquascaper, Flourence, my daughter stares off into my 60 cm aquascape called “English Summer”.

20 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 aren’t there already, I don’t see regularly. When I started the give me an added sense of any problems. For me, hobby, pressurized CO2 systems motivation and end goal. I also Photoshop is simply used as a were rare and NPK dosing was like to urge other UK hobbyists to digital darkroom. Recently I have unheard of. Today, we still see enter into contests to let the started shooting in RAW for my some shops refusing to accept aquascaping world know that we most important shots, as these that NPK dosing is acceptable are here! are higher quality and provide with some reports of shops more flexibility with image refusing sales of fish to those that Why I Aquascape parameter adjustments without dose NPK! If find disappointing For me aquascaping is the loss of image data. When I that many retailers and ultimate combination of living art, return from Afghanistan I am manufacturers still believe that design and technology that is treating myself to a nice new 24” nitrate and phosphate dosing infinitely complex and never fails Apple iMac, that is far superior to cause algae in a well planted to hold my interest. I’m highly my current PC for dealing with tank. Of course, these nutrient privileged and honoured to be images. additions are often necessary to able to contribute to the hobby support healthy plant growth and through a variety of media and Popularity of Aquascaping prevent algae. I praise count myself as very lucky to Around the UK and the World manufacturers like Tropica, have some influence on the The UK planted tank and Seachem and ADA that produce promotion of aquascaping in the aquascaping hobby is enjoying a fertilisers with added N and P, UK in particular. In the near rise in popularity, but the vast who cater for today’s modern future I would like to write my majority of aquarium keepers are plant grower. own book on growing plants and still more interested in fish than Glassware and other aquascaping complete with my aquascaping. We still are a long specialist gear from ADA, Cal own photography. way behind many other countries Aqua etc. are becoming more I would like to think that the in terms of aquascaping talent popular with two excellent outlets aquascaping hobby will have a but the potential is certainly there. selling their products - Aqua bigger influence on all aspects of Last year we had just three UK Essentials and The Green fishkeeping. For me it just makes entries into the ADA contest but Machine. Opti-white, high clarity sense to have an aesthetically they’ll be more this year. I’d like glass is being used more by pleasing aquarium in one’s living to think that the UK Aquatic Plant aquascaping enthusiasts. Nice space, even if it is fish-only. As Society and my work with PFK wood and rocks are also more manufacturers realise that are helping to promote available now, from many aquarium plants and layout aquascaping in the UK. retailers, which were absent or design are becoming more Most UK aquascapers I very hard to obtain a few years popular, I anticipate the market know of are influenced by ago. will adapt accordingly, providing Amano’s work and the nature the consumer with a greater aquarium style. The Dutch style My Aquascaping Competition variety of equipment making it is rare to see over here. I don’t Entries easier for the newcomers to the believe there is a UK style yet, as I entered ‘Meadow Zephyr’ into aquascaping hobby. We can the UK aquascaping community last year’s ADA and AGA already witness this wind of is still in its infancy and has yet to contests. I also entered ‘Mother change occurring in the UK and I reach the mainstream Microsorium’ and ‘The Shade’ remain very optimistic for the fishkeepers, but we do see new into the AGA. I came 775th in future. members every day joining the ADA and didn’t win any UKAPS. There are some notable awards in the AGA. The judge’s Practice Makes Perfect young and upcoming UK feedback was worthwhile in the Finally, there will always be aquascapers, such as Dan AGA and I am hopeful to gain a conflicting information as to what Crawford, Graeme Edwards and higher position in this year’s ADA. is the best way to grow plants, Tom Messenger who have I always value the comments but in my opinion, there is no produced some very exciting from the AGA contest judges and specific right or wrong way. work. with the ADA contest I can Choose a method or combination The UK retail sector slowly is hopefully climb up the ranks as I of methods that works for you, switching on to the rise of the become a more experienced experiment and learn from you planted tank hobby, with new aquascaper. mistakes. Practice makes products becoming available I like contests because they perfect.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 21 Mother Microsorium

Dimensions: 80x35x45 cm Plant List Volume: 125 liters, 33 US Gallons Glossostigma elatinoides Light: 2 x T8 Fluorescent Sagittaria subulata Photoperiod: 10 hours Anubias nana Substrate: Black quartz and Dennerle Deponit Microsorium pteropus Fertilization: Estimative Index with KNO3, KH2Po4 and dry trace powder Crinum calamistratum mixtures

CO : Pressurized CO , 24/7 into a filter at 1 bubble per second 2 2 Fauna Otocinclus sp. Cardinal sp. Amano Shrimp

22 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 23 Chocolate Gourami

24 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 Meadow Zephyr

Dimensions: 30x20x20cm Plant List Volume: 12 liters, 3 US gallons Elecharis acicularis Light: 24w PC T5 Riccia sp. ‘Dwarf’ Photoperiod: 8 hours

Substrate: Tropica Plant Substrate, 1-2mm gravel Fauna Fertilization: 1ml Tropica + with each water change, 2 x 1/2 Micro rasboras nana water change per week CO2: Pressurized with solenoid, Dymax microdiffuser, 30 bubbles per minute

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 25 English Summer

Dimensions: 60x36x30cm Plant List Volume: 60 liters, 15 US gallons Staurogyne sp., Light: 2x24w T5HO Pogostemon helferi Photoperiod: 8 hours Blyxa japonica Substrate: ADA Aquasoil Amazonia Anubias nana Fertilization: 2ml Tropica Plant Nutrition+ per day 1/2 water change per Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’ week Microsorium pteropus ‘Philippine’ CO : Pressurized with solenoid, Rhinox 1000 diffuser at 1 bubble per 2 Alternanthera reineckii second

Fauna Black Neon Tetra Otocinclus sp. Amano Shrimp

26 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 Little Mountain

Dimensions: 30x20x20cm Plant List Volume: 12 liters, 3 US gallons Bylxa japonica Light: 18w PC T5 Staurogyne sp. Photoperiod: 8 hours Pogostemon helferi Substrate: ADA Aquasoil Amazonia (powder) Hemianthus callitrichoides Fertilization: 0.5 ml Tropica Plant Nutrition+ with each water change,

2x1/2 change per week Fauna CO : Easylife Easycarbo 2 Oryzias sp. Crystal red shrimp Nerite snail

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 27 For the Beginning Hobbyist Planted Tank Lighting By Hector Ortiz

28 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 ight energy is an conditions. It’s like going out that in order to have a healthy essential ingredient to running for the first time. You planted aquarium you don’t need making a planted wouldn’t want to start off on the tons of light, but you do want to L aquarium lush and track at full speed because you’ll have enough for your plants to green. It drives know you’ll burn out after the first grow efficiently. and the plant’s ability to consume lap. Instead you’ll do a warm up With High light comes great nutrients from the water column. lap and gradually work yourself responsibility. Sound like a Without adequate light, plants up to top speed. The same goes catchy phrase from a comic book won’t be able to grow properly. with aquatic plants. Give them a movie? Well, it’s true here, too. Planted aquariums require chance to adjust to the new With more light (3.0+ wpg) you eight to ten hours of light, on conditions and they will thrive in are essentially putting your average, to allow plants to the long run. plant’s metabolism into overdrive. metabolize the energy and If you don’t do this, algae will Sure your plants may start complete their photosynthesis flourish off the overdriven and growing faster initially, but without cycle. dying plant matter that may result proportional high amounts of CO2 The general rule of thumb for when there is too much light, not and fertilizers, this rapid growth aquatic plants is that each tank enough plants, and excessive will reach its ugly climax. So needs at least 2.0 watts per nutrients (from the lack of healthy when in doubt, go with less light gallon (wpg) in tanks that are plants consuming it). Allow your (around 2.0 wpg) and keep the greater than 20 gallons. Smaller plants to grow gradually with the fertilizers and C02 in adequate, tanks will need a little more conditions and you’ll find algae small levels. You’ll find the wattage. For the beginning will have a hard time infecting slower growth of the plants will planted aquarist, I recommend your tank. make a much better aquascape you start with a lower wattage, Compact fluorescent lighting than one you have to constantly i.e. around 2.0 wpg for eight to is the common main stay of trim to keep looking good. ten hours. Once you begin to aquarium lighting equipment. It understand the nutrient balance offers an efficient and affordable and plant growth that’s the time lighting solution for most planted where you can experiment with aquariums. T-5 High Output increasing lighting. However, lamps are becoming more most times staying within this popular as the prices on the photoperiod range is more then bulbs and its fixtures decline. T-5 adequate for plant growth. High Output bulbs burn brighter One of the best ways to and more intense then regular avoid algae in a newly set up Compact Fluorescents. In deep planted aquarium is to use aquariums (24 inches), T-5 High minimal lighting for the first few Output bulbs can penetrate deep weeks. By minimal lighting, I into the water, where regular mean reducing the photoperiod to Compact Fluorescents could not. seven to eight hours, and, if In a planted aquarium this aspect possible, switching off one of is very important when you’re your bulbs in your lighting trying to grow a compact fixtures. By doing this, you’ll give foreground of Glossostigma your newly planted plants time to elatinoides. adjust to your aquarium Equipment aside, remember

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 29 Making A Custom Planted Aquarium Back Lessons Learned

By Kristen Danker

magine it. The perfect the aquarium quickly. By aquarium full of healthy terracing steps or layers inside aquatic plants in an eye your planted aquarium you can I catching layout. Yes, we help raise your plants off the have all dreamed of such a tank. substrate, closer to the light and Recently, I found myself staring into a more interesting into an empty large aquarium that aquascape. would be the 'tank of my dreams'. My other reason for starting Now, if only I could take that this project was simple: it looked picture in my mind and put it into like something fun to do. I have reality. an 'itchy backside' as we say When researching possible here in Singapore (no, my butt aquascaping ideas and layouts, I didn't literally itch, this is a local decided to try something phrase meaning taking on different. I wanted to create a unnecessary effort). Building a To start off, here's my tank with custom, textured background with custom background and terracing my “DogFish” above. a terraced design. You might be steps was a perfect opportunity to thinking, “Why have backgrounds relieve this itch. Learning Point 1: Styrofoam is when the plants will be covering it So, I looked up different available all the time except as they grow in?” Well, I decided tutorials for building a when you want it. to take on this project for several background. Many tutorials were reasons. for backgrounds and caves used I hunted high and low for First off, my tank is tall and I in aquariums. Despite this Styrofoam. From cooler boxes to knew I needed to add an element fact, I thought it would be very fun unwanted vegetable foam boxes of terracing to use the height of to make one for a planted tank. I from the local market, I looked the tank to its fullest. Light has a will share with you my learning everywhere to collect what I hard time penetrating the water in points, so that when you decide needed. Local craft stores didn’t deep tanks, so many tall planted to embark on this you’ll know have exactly what I needed, but aquariums are limited to using exactly what to do and what to don’t rule them out. I ended up large leaf plants that can fill up avoid. getting my foam board used in

30 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 m kground

Here is the final piece of the background for the aquarium before adding in the substrate and plants. this project from such a store. make sure there's a vacuum even use it in the final design. Any Styrofoam will do, but I find nearby to clean up the mess. that packing Styrofoam from You want to try to carve your Learning Point 4: Sand down television sets and what not are foam to make it look as much like Great Stuff Foam if you happen more densely pressed than the rock as possible. Remember, the to use it. Styrofoam boards you can buy at idea with carving the Styrofoam the local crafts stores. In the for your background and terrace For those unfamiliar with the end, the dense Styrofoam means pieces is so that they look very foam product “Great Stuff Foam” less flying fragments of natural and clean. I found using by the Dow Chemical Company, Styrofoam, better ability to get light grain sandpaper for the it is commonly used to provide those fine details when carving, finishing touches would help extra insulation in homes. You and less hassle dabbing cement smooth down the rough areas left can find it at your local hardware into little nooks. over. and craft stores. I used this to give my background some Learning Point 2: Styrofoam Learning Point 3: There's no semblance of texture of rocks carving is therapeutic but need to use heat on the foam. and to add three-dimensionality messy. to the final piece. However, if In other tutorials, I read that you are using this product be For carving the Styrofoam, I you needed to heat the forewarned things can get messy used my mother's paring knife. Styrofoam with a hairdryer. The and sticky real fast. I still have a She wasn't too pleased, but since practice of using heat from bit stuck to my nail that I haven't I'd already used it, no amount of something like a hairdryer would bothered to buff off yet. It also complaining would de-Styrofoam help flatten down curvy areas of expands when it dries, forming a the knife so it is now, therefore the Styrofoam. I found this isn't kind of yellow tube. You can mine. It's a messy job, with foam necessary. It made the foam sand these down and shape bits flying everywhere and appear like it was covered in them into jagged edges for your sticking to your skin, but it's also warts like a disease - which I rock formation. strangely therapeutic. There's found repulsive. In fact, I disliked something peaceful about cutting the heated piece I created using things up after a long day. Just this method so much that I didn’t

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 31 of your background will help prevent the final structure from floating up. Unfortunately, I failed to do this step. In my defense, the stench of the silicone was so nauseating I wanted to get this step over with quickly so I forgot to silicone the bottom. As a result, the background fits nicely inside the tank, but when I fill it with water, parts of the background will float up a little. The weight of the gravel will reduce any stress on the background stuck to the tank. After a long two weeks, the background was done at last. It was actually really enjoyable doing this, but sometimes downright frustrating. I know I made a few mistakes along the Although newly planted, this planted aquarium already feels matured and developed. As the way, but in the end the final plants grow in further, the background will enhance the tank’s appeal to its viewers. product is perfect in my eyes. Over time, I hope to have a Learning Point 5: Mixing Learning Point 6: Don't dry nice cover of green algae tinting cement with the right thick layers of cement too fast. the structure in a shade of green. consistency for various coats. Right now, the cement is You need to dry the cement buffering my water to pH10, so I I've never mixed cement in my slowly now or it'll crack. I had to need to change the water every life, and it's a mystery to me until put on a fourth layer because I'd three days to cure the cement my dad showed me how. Add left the background in the open completely. If any of you decide enough water to your cement air and cracks developed. I to do a custom background, you powder mixture so that it’s a think closed the cracks with more won't regret it! At least now I but still a slightly runny cement and took the opportunity know I have a truly unique tank consistency. When you are to add more detail. I repainted and my work looks more realistic satisfied with the shape of your over with a thin layer and then than any overpriced mass- Styrofoam piece, paint on a thin proceeded to dry the cement. produced background that can be layer of cement. To get into every Many background tutorials found at a local fish store. On top nook you've carved, your mix recommend spraying the cement of that, the final planted aquarium needs to be on the watery side. with water, while other guides will aquascape will look unique and Use a paint brush to dab the advise wrapping the top of your different from the standard tall cement into the extra fine spaces. tank with Glad wrap to slow down stems and large plants. I painted on two thin layers, the drying process. I did a which I had no trouble drying. My combination of everything, where third layer was the one which I I sprayed mine down, put a wet sculpted the structure with rag under the structure, and cement. To fill in the gaps and wrapped the whole thing in Glad make the structure look rocky, wrap. I let the structure dry for you need a thicker mix of cement. over 48 hours to let it get as hard When using your brush, make as a rock. sure you stipple or roughly paint on the cement onto the structure Learning Point 7: Make sure to to make it have a natural texture. silicone the bottom of your It will look unnatural if you paint background. the cement on smoothly. Adding silicone to the bottom

32 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008

A Ryoboku Aquas T

By Kristoffer Willerslev Jorgensen

34 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 scape The Beginnings

n past articles you have followed the creation of my DIY ADA stand. Now it’s I time to get to the fun part. Let’s start aquascaping! I will use this article to show you the startup of my 60cm tank. I started planning for it in early spring 2008 and began to collect materials for the ADA stand and the equipment for the tank itself.

60cm Ryoboku step-by-step My intention for this aquascape, was to create a simple design, that is easy to maintain with lots of open space. I didn’t want an Iwagumi style aquascape, since I enjoy using driftwood, ferns and in the aquascape. From the start, I knew this 60 cm would be a driftwood based setup. So, I looked around at various aquascaping styles which mainly focused on driftwood. The complexity of a convex layout appealed to me the most and would fit my needs to arrange a driftwood layout heavy on moss utilization and with some rough stones to contrast with an open foreground. The open foreground was something I had wanted to do for a long time, and it seemed perfect to use it in contrast to a heavier and darker driftwood.

AUGUST 2008 Aqua- Aquarium Equipment provide a clean look to the home the scape, I will use Rexolin I built my ADA stand to and aquarium. For this reason, I micronutients powder to fertilize measure 70x60x30cm which decided to use the Flo brand of the aquatic plants. would provide an ideal fit for my Glass intake/outetake pipes, a 60x30x36cm Optiwhite tank. In nanopollen glass diffuser, and a Choosing the Plants a planted aquarium it’s a good Rhinox glass beetle counter. A The plant selection for this tank idea to use more filtration power Ferplast professional CO2 will be kept simple with mainly than what’s recommend on the pressure reducer, automatic : Taxiphyllum barbieri, box, so an Eheim 2222 filter fit fertilizer system, and a glass CO2 Taxiphyllum sp. “Peacock”, the bill nicely. Dropchecker would round out the Microsorum pteropus “Narrow”, For lighting, I used a SunSun technical equipment to begin my Echinodorus tenellus, Didiplis 3 x 24W T5 pendant with Grolux, aquarium. diandra. LifeGlo II, 10.000K). I felt that An old trick to get the this was the perfect light for a bacterial colonies started in a Let’s Get Started medium light setup and more new setup is to add a handful of There are many ways to than adequate for the plant old substrate and mulm from a setup a tank. With these slow species I intend to use. running tank to your new growing species, I am able to I’m a strong believer that an substrate. I applied this “live adjust my tank as I work on it. I aquarium is more than a fixture bacteria” to substrate and prefer this method since it gives inside a home. An aquarium, hardscape which consists of me a lot of time to work on the especially a planted one, offers ADA Power Sand Special, ADA hardscape, sit back and consider the chance to bring a slice of Aqua Soil Amazonia II, ADA the placement again and again. nature into the confines of a Bright Sand, Mini Landscape home. A rimless tank and its Rocks, Mangrove roots, and Lava associate glassware helps rocks (Fuji stones). Throughout

36 AquaScaping World JULY 2008 Developing the Hardscape You start by placing a piece of cardboard as a protective measure between the rock and the glass. As you decide where to place your stones, the cardboard will protect the tank from scratches when you move them around. Remember to take out the cardboard before you fill up the tank. As you are designing, remember to also leave space for the plants in the back. Take a step back and don’t overuse the rocks. When you have achieved the “right” visual placement of rocks, it’s time to cut a piece of cardboard, to use as a border between the sand and the substrate. This will help keep the two separated. Based on the placement of the rocks, you can decide where the sand/substrate border should be.

Driftwood Placement Next, you place the driftwood. This is the trickiest part and you may have to cut some parts of your driftwood so that they can fit the right place. Again, remember to leave space for the plants.

Photograph Your Tank Before You Empty It For both rocks and driftwood – it is important to have sufficient amounts, so that you have a lot to decide from. Now here’s a trick: take a photograph of your hardscape arrangement before you take them out. Remember to take the rocks and driftwood up and place then on a table as they were placed in the tank. Be structured. Empty the tank.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 37 Tape the Cardboard Now place the cardboard in the tank, and attach it with some tape on the sides of the tank. This will help keep the cardboard in a curved shape, while you set the stage for the substrate.

Sprinkle Micronutrients Sprinkle micronutrients on the bottom along with some used substrate and mulm from another tank. This will give your sub- strate a lot of bacteria, so it will evolve faster, and provide enough nutrients for the plants to use.

Add Aqua Soil and Sand On top of that, add a layer of Power Sand special and a thick layer of Aqua Soil. Finally add the bright sand in the front and use a substrate flattener to level out the Aqua Soil and the sand so that they give a nice slope and a little convex shape.

38 AquaScaping World JULY 2008 Remove Cardboard Separator Remove the cardboard and care- fully level out the difference be- tween the sand and the Aqua Soil.

Insert Rocks Now we place the rocks back in the tank. Press them down a lit- tle so the rocks look like they stick out of the sand.

Wrap Moss on Driftwood Cover the driftwood with Taxiphyllum barbieri, and wrap some cotton string around the fronds very tightly. The tied down moss will be held directly in place by the string as it grows out from the wood. Over time, the string will be hidden by the new moss fronds or dissolve into the water. Remember to leave areas on the driftwood without moss because you want the viewer to see some of the wood too. Use the tiny cracks on your driftwood and stick bits of moss in those holes. The moss will grow out and creep along the driftwood very slowly and naturally. The effect is very nice, but it does require a lot of time for the moss to develop completely over the wood.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 39 Wrap Moss around Rocks I used Taxiphyllum sp. “Peacock” wrapped around small lava rocks (Fuji rocks), placed it in the holes and on the sides of the driftwood. This moss is more branchy than other Taxiphyllum sp. and grows moderately fast. As the scape develops, I hope a contrast will develop between the moss on the rocks and the moss on the driftwood. I trim and shape the mosses so that this contrast will develop. When the moss grows too large, you can simply take out the stones, remove the moss and reattach it again. I have not seen this moss attach itself to the surface on these rocks as T. barbieri does, but maybe it just needs another trimming technique.

Attach Ferns to Driftwood Attach the ferns to the driftwood – you can use the cotton strings used for the moss, or a plastic wrapped wire (like ADA Wood Tight). I use the ferns as primary focal points, so when they grow bigger, they should be trimmed to fit perfectly into these spots. For now, I just attach them where I find it easy for them to grow.

Fill slightly and then plant Fill the tank a little so that the substrate gets wet, but not under water. Now, it’s time to plant the E. tenellus along the sides, and the Didiplis in the middle.

40 AquaScaping World JULY 2008 Fill the tank Slowly Now we wait aquascape develops. I will The E. tenellus and Didiplis will For the next three weeks, I carefully observe the slow growth support the convex design and will do 50% water changes every of the ferns, and the faster growth give color to the layout. They will other day to remove the ammonia of the stems of Didiplis and trim be easy to trim into rounded from the substrate. I will also each as need. The moss will shapes. After many trimmings, begin dosing both macro and spread evenly and at a moderate the Didiplis will hopefully make a micro fertilizer after water speed. In the end, these three nice reddish bush, in contrast to change. I will monitor CO2 with plants will form a cohesive and the light green ferns. the CO2 drop checker, and add balanced aquascape. Finally, I fill the tank carefully 2mL Easy Carbo (Excel) every with water and connect the filter day, to keep algae from and CO2. appearing (I hope). As the Didiplis reaches the surface, I will trim them down to half length. I will also trim the moss by hand. Remember to remove all loose moss from the aquarium after a trim or it will get into your equipment, plants and other parts of your aquarium. When I think of this tank’s future development, one of the goals with this tank is to make sure each plant complements each other as the overall

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 41 Aquascap Su

42 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 pe In Focus unny Grassland An Interview with William Ng

ur aquascape in focus this month features William Ng's Sunny O Grassland. The hardscape here speaks for itself, with a strong presence throughout the layout. The varying colors of the background, which represent morning, noon and the setting sun is accomplished in a unique way. Read more to discover how William Ng does it.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 43 Q: William, please tell us about yourself.

A: I am William Ng and I am 32 years old. Currently, I am working as a senior research and development engineer at a life science instrument company. Apart from planted tanks, I play table tennis and watch football during my free time. I like Iwagumi aquascaping due to their simplicity. Iwagumi aquascaping focuses on rock formations and simple ground cover plants. It makes me feel calm and relaxed. Like most aquascapers, I admire the work of Mr. Takashi Amano. I feel he is the best aquascaper I have seen and the works he creates William Ng stands next to his 50 liter aquascape, Sunny Grassland. are simply amazing. Every single aquascape he’s created has from the Japanese Zen style and everything I could about never failed to impress me. most of us improvise to create aquarium plants. However, I our own aquascape. I have seen didn’t really improve much in Q: What is it like to live in a couple of great aquascaping terms of aquascaping. That was Singapore, a culture that is rich layouts around Singapore but my next task. in planted aquariums nearly one particular tank I saw a few In 2007, I decided to change everywhere? years back caught my attention. my approach and start all over It was a huge planted tank again. I wanted to understand A: Well, Singapore is a small (approx 8 – 10 ft) that housed a the fundamentals of aquascaping country, but I think we have over full grown arowana. The overall and its approach before I started eighty-five aquarium shops feel is nice and simple yet blends laying out my new planted tank. I located all over Singapore. It is very well with a huge elegant fish. researched and admired different easy and accessible to travel Even though we have many aquascaped aquariums, and around in Singapore, so we can stores, one problem I face before long, I decided to go into get our aquarium supplies easily personally is the availability of smaller tanks. from almost everywhere. nice rocks. It is not easy to get With the focus on the Alternatively, it is easy to order suitable materials to create aquascape this time around, I online and have the stuff Iwagumi aquascape, therefore spent the next few months delivered to your doorstep, too. finding rocks of the right type, sourcing layout materials before I Singapore is a tropical size and shape is a challenge. began working on “Sunny country, so the weather is pretty Grassland” in Dec 2007. This is hot (30-35°C) and humid Q: When did you get started in my first real aquascape and my throughout the year. The heat planted aquariums? first experience in international and humidity creates a challenge contest (ADA 2008). I created an that most aquascapers face, A: Well, I started my first four Iwagumi style tank that looks since most plants grow better in foot planted tank in 2004 with the simple yet able to give me a cooler water. Fish are generally objective of growing aquatic feeling of calm and harmony. more affordable here, judging plants. I bought some plants from the prices of Cardinal tetras from the local stores with a Q: What inspired the creation in Europe and the U.S. mindset of growing them without of Sunny Grassland? In Singapore, I am not aware any particular aquascape in mind. of any unique aquascaping style I continued this for the next three A: My aquascape “Sunny created locally. However, I feel years and over this period I Grassland” is not created based we get most of our inspiration successfully managed to learn on any specific inspiration. I was

44 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 on a flight back to Singapore For Sunny Grassland, I trimming, I dose with ADA Green when I saw a picture of wanted to create an impression Gain, as it contains trace mountainous grassland inside a similar to what we see during elements and minerals that can magazine. I thought why not sunrise. Therefore, I needed to help the plants recover. create something similar. At that choose a plant suitable for this As for fish, I chose them time, I only had a very vague scape. based on their size. I felt a idea, but did not really know maximum size of about 2cm in exactly what I wanted to do. Q: How did you choose your length would be most suitable for After some consideration, I plant and fauna species for this scape as they make the tank knew I needed a huge rock to Sunny Grassland? look bigger. The species create a mountainous effect. Hyphessobrycon amandae fit this This rock would be the main A: For this aquarium layout, I characteristic and their orange/ focus of my tank. Initially, my decided to use Echinodorus red colors contrasted well with plan was to get a big Seiryu rock tenellus, since this plant stays my blue background and the as my main stone. After some short and grows quickly, making green plants. intensive searching, I could not it an excellent lawn plant. Under My good friend, who is a find a suitable rock, thus, I settled strong lights and sufficient iron breeder of Cardinal sp., also on Ohko rocks. dosage, Echinodorus tenellus gave me fifteen quality (solid Looking at the bright side, leaves will turn reddish. This is stripes) to compliment Okho rocks are very brittle so ideal since the contrast between my fauna. It is nice to see some they are easily shaped or broken thenn and red leaves reflects the shrimps crawling on the rocks into smaller pieces if needed. I colors cast on a landscape during and plants. used a large Okho stone as my sunrise. main stone, and a smaller piece I trim my plants when I feel Q: Your aquascape has been as its complimentary stone. they start to grow too untidy or setup for nearly eight months. Three additional smaller stones too tall for my liking. Most of the Did you have any algae are placed near the main stone to time, I will trim the Echinodorus problems during that time? make the scape look more tenellus by cutting the top. I will natural. trim the runners occasionally to A: Yes, the tank was setup in thin down certain areas. After December of last year. I did have

William Ng uses a large Okho rock as the main center piece in a grassy field of Echinodorus tenellus.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 45 The vibrant red colors of the school of Hyphessobrycon amandae add life and movement to the aquascape. The school contrasts well with the blue background and the rich green in the grassy field.

46 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 my fair share of algae problem as height and angle of the hair dryer I like to use fertile soil and strong to create different ripple effects. Q: William, what do you look lights. The first four weeks forward to doing next in the seemed pretty fine as I started Q: This 45 cm tank seems so hobby? with low lighting hours before I large. How did you create gradually increased to a full eight such a well defined depth? A: I hope I can continue to hours lighting regime. I was improve my aquascaping skills as away from home for the next 4 A: Some of my friends ask me well as create a few more new weeks and when I returned, my about the Echinodorus tenellus. projects. My 45cm ADA tank will tank's walls and rocks were They thought I was using one still be my main focus as I feel infested with green dust algae. taller species for my background this is a good size to work with. I I removed and scraped most and a shorter one for my am planning to start working on a of the algae off and then did a foreground. In fact, I am using new scape. Right now, I am 50% water change. I dosed a the same for both. My slope at thinking of new ideas and double dosage of Seachem Excel the back of my tank is about 12- checking for the availability of for a short period thereafter. I 14cm on the left, whereas the materials. also restarted my normal front is only about 3-4cm thick. Personally, I like nano tanks fertilization regime and then Personally, I prefer a thicker so I am keen to explore these reduced my lighting hours to my substrate at the back, preferably options. I always feel it is current regime (4 hours on, 2 three to four times thicker than interesting to see an aquascape hours off, 2 hours on). the front, in order to create more inside these small tanks, so I am With these changes in place, depth. planning to start my own nano algae disappeared, and plants project. I recently found a were growing well. I believe a Q: What are some of your suitable tank, but finding good healthy tank can keep algae favorite aquascapes that lighting fixtures for it has been a away. you’ve done in the past? challenge. I hope to make it compact and less power Q: How do you create the A: I have done a few planted consuming. colorful background and tanks in the past, but I don’t have Lastly, I hope the sunset like you have? How did a favorite because they’re still in aquascapers here in Singapore you achieve the ripple effect on the process of growing. get together more often to learn the surface of the water? Additionally, my photography and exchange ideas from one skills are horrible, so I didn’t keep another. We do have a good A: I don’t have a permanent any of the photographs. forum (www.aquaticquotient.com) background for my tank. This “Sunny Grassland” is my where people exchange ideas, gives me flexibility as I use favorite tank so far. It is the one knowledge and learn from each cardboards of different colors to that I entered the ADA 2008 other. Personally, I feel we have provide different effects. For my competition with. It is the first some good aquascapers in current setup, I have chosen a tank I’ve ever entered into a Singapore. However, I feel we light blue background. I have competition. I saw a lot of great need to have more face to face tried a white background and an aquascaping entries in last year’s gatherings to get some hands-on orange background, but none ADA contest. I think the 2008 experience, and push our hobby seemed to provide the kind of entries will be similar and will be further. effect I wanted. I placed a dominated by aquascapers from fluorescent tube between the Japan & Hong Kong. To me, the background and my tank wall to ranking is not important as there make the background look more are many better aquascapers prominent. This also creates a than myself. Every participant is brighter effect at the top of the always trying to improve and background, mimicking the sun’s create a breakthrough. I simply rays. enjoy the process of putting my The ripple effects can be creativity into practice and it is created either by using a fan or a great to learn from fellow hair dryer to blow directly on the aquascapers. This hobby allows water surface. Different effects me to make lots of friends, not can be achieved by adjusting the just locally, but globally.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 47 48 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 The sunrise effect background is created by strategically placing orange poster board behind the aquarium, and using the fixture light to cast shadows.

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 49 An extra fluorescent fixture on this white background scene helps capture additional shadows and provides texture to the background of the aquascape.

50 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 51 Sunny Grassland

Dimensions: 48x27x30cm Plant List Volume: 50 liters Echinodorus tenellus Light: 2 x 24W T5HO

Photoperiod: 4hrs on, 2 hours off, 2 hours on Fauna Substrate: Aqua Soil Amazonia II, Power sand special S, Tourmaline BC, Hyphessobrycon amandae Penac W, Penac P Cardinal sp. Fertilization: ADA Step 2, Brighty K, Green Gain, ECA, Phyton Git CO2: Pressurized with ceramic CO2 diffuser at approx 2 bubbles per second

52 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 53 Fish Profile The Bristlenose Ple

Photo By Yhbae

54 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 costomus By Aziz Dhanani

he Albino Bristlenose Pleco is a fish that is arguably an intriguing T fish for the planted aquarium. I currently have an Albino Bristlenose Pleco in my 40 gallon planted tank and must say that it has become my favorite fish. Despite its size and appearance, it exhibits a peaceful nature and is quite animated in behaviour. On a daily basis, I often see the rest of my fish in my 40 gallon constantly chase one another. The Kribensis female cichlid constantly chases the male Kribensis away and the male often goes into hiding to avoid being battered. My Siamese will often give the black skirt tetras chase. Fortunately, there are three black skirt tetras, so the Siamese Algae Eater finds that s/he is only able to chase one black skirt tetra at a time. It gives the other two a rest period until it is their turn to play “chase”. Among all this chaos and turmoil, the only fish that seems to keep to itself and not bother any other fish is my Albino Bristlenose Pleco. What is even more interesting is that I have yet to see the Albino Bristlenose Pleco become the target of attack by any other fish. I was so intrigued by the Albino Bristlenose Pleco I chose this Pleco to focus my next article on. The information in this article is not new and is gleaned from various sources off the internet. I have also added some

AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World 55 information based on my of caution and not put an Albino General Requirements experience. The main purpose Bristlenose Pleco in the same The Albino Bristlenose Pleco of this article is to provide tank as an African Cichlid. does not need special care but information about the Albino Interestingly as a defense there are some minimal Bristenose Pleco that individuals mechanism, the Bristlenose is requirements that must be met. would find helpful in caring for known to have stabbers which Plecos prefer a water this fish. Those considering can injure fish that try and attack temperature of 76-80 degrees purchasing this fish may also it. The Bristlenose is not as Fahrenheit, a pH of 6.5 to 7.6 (but benefit from this information. defenseless as it may appear. some have kept them in pH as In the wild the Albino Bristlenose high as 8.6), and low nitrates. Pleco is found in South America, Are they Plant Safe? This fish prefers a lot of hiding specifically the Amazon River For most readers of this article places and it is recommended Basin. Obviously the ones that who maintain planted tanks, a that you provide caves for them to you purchase locally are bred pertinent question maybe “Are hide. These caves can be made and sold locally distributed to pet these fish destructive to plants?” from flower pots or large pvc stores. While this pleco can grow These fish are known to scrape pipes. A densely planted tank is up to five inches, it usually does algae off plant leaves, but some also recommended to provide not exceed three inches. This articles cite these fish may hiding places for this pleco. makes them an ideal addition to damage fine and delicate leaved Frequent water changes are smaller tanks. plants such as Amazon Sword recommended as part of caring Plants. Therefore it may not be a for these fish. I change 40-50% Fish Capability good idea to place these fish in a of my tank water weekly, largely As far as compatibility goes, planted tank where you hope to owing to the fact that I employ the Albino Bristlenose Pleco is preserve such plants. Based on Tom Barr's Estimative Index compatible with small and my own personal experience, I method of fertilization for my medium sized fish and problems have not witnessed my planted tank and such water are only known to arise when Bristlenose Pleco eat or destroy changes are necessary to placed with other plecos or males any of my plants in my 40 gallon, prevent an excessive buildup of of the same species. This not even the fine leaved java fertilizers. Weekly water changes apparently brings out their fern. Although I cannot say for also have the benefit of removing territorial nature. Although I sure why this may be, the fact excess waste that plecos are cannot confirm, it is said that that I keep my pleco well fed and known to produce. If your African like to eat the give him some driftwood to chew preference is to do minimal water eyeballs from common plecos, so on may explain this. changes (once a month), then it I would probably err on the side may not be a good idea to keep these fish. A heavily planted tank can also aid in partially compensating for any negative effects of high waste levels that these fish can produce. However, I would not recommend this in lieu of or in substitution of regular water changes. Also, since these fish are said to be sensitive to high nitrates, I would not place them in a tank that is undergoing cycling, especially if the tank is unplanted.

Feeding As far as feeding goes, this pleco loves blanched zucchini, french cut green-beans, kale, romaine lettuce, green peas, spirulina and algae wafer disks. I feed my pleco a piece of cut Photo By Dylan Lane

56 AquaScaping World AUGUST 2008 Photo By Brad Young

zucchini that has been in the microwave for one minute. S/he absolutely loves it and will patiently wait in the corner of the tank for the zucchini on a regular basis. S/he seems to almost know the exact time and location where the zucchini will be placed and patiently waits for it. One pet store employee once told me that he fed his Bristlenose Pleco, raw must be met to ensure success. clean conditions. The fry can be potato slices and the pleco would A large tank, likely 55 gallon or placed in a regular community devoour it in no time. I had no more should be considered with tank once they are one inch long. such luck. several hiding places and caves I hope that this information As I mentioned earlier, placed inside. Once the male inspires your interest in the driftwood is a good idea to have and female bristlenose pleco pair Bristlenose Pleco. My experience in an aquarium with a pleco. The off, they will spend time together with the Bristlnose Pleco has pleco will chew on the driftwood in their chosen cave and the been nothing but positive and I containing lignin and cellulose female may lay 20-50 eggs. The have found little if anything which are important nutrients and male will tend the eggs and negative about this fish in the needed by this pleco species for protect them until they hatch 3-6 literature. healthy digestion. I find that my days after they are laid. Once References: pleco spends a significant the eggs hatch, the fry will not http://aqualandpetsplus.com amount of time attached to a immediately swim around but will http://www.fishpondinfo.com/ piece of driftwood in the tank. S/ remained attached to large egg http://www.petfish.net/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancistrus he is either chewing on the sacks, which they will use as a http://tropicalfishgallery.com/ driftwood for the daily dose of nutrient source. Once the egg lignin and cellulose or it enjoys sack is absorbed, the fry will the sense of security that s/he freely swim around. At that point, may feel from laying on the it is recommended, to separate driftwood. the father and the cave. Feed the fry brineshrimp, microworms, Breeding Conditions and fine vegetable matter. For anyone thinking about Perform partial water changes 2- breeding Bristlenose Plecos, 3 times per week to keep the there are some requirements that water parameters in optimal

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