AquaScapingWorldAquaScapingWorld Making Magic In Glass Boxes

Aquascaping with Sketches Interview with a Nano Aquascaper Plant Anatomy: Part I The Stem Creating Waterfalls in a Planted Methods to Prevent Stocking A Nano Aquarium

www.aquascapingworld.com VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 MARCH 2008

MARCH 2008 World 1 Letter from the Editor

Welcome to the first issue of AquaScaping World Magazine!

This issue offers an excellent smorgasbord on a range of topics pertaining to Planted and Aquascapes. I encourage you to challenge yourself, whether its in designing an aquascape, growing aquatic plants, or keeping healthy habitats for your livestock. One can never tell in our fast-moving Aquatic World when today‟s personal enthusiasm becomes tomorrow‟s inspiration for others.

AquaScaping World Magazine publishes on a monthly basis to bring you the best resource available to help you master the art of aquascaping and growing aquatic plants for your planted aquariums. Each issue will cover a wide range of topics from aquascaping, equipment, algae, and invertebrates, and of course aquatic plants.

Our writers have a tremendous amount of experience between them when it comes to planted aquariums. They write about their personal aquaria experiences and views to help and inspire budding and advanced hobbyists.

The planted aquarium hobby can be an overwhelming experience for the new enthusiast. We aim to deliver a quality magazine to aquascapers and planted aquarium hobbyists all over the globe that is not only understandable but simple, inspirational, and informative. We hope we achieve our mission and wish you well in your aquascaping adventures.

Enjoy reading our magazine and happy aquascaping!

John Nguyen Editor in Chief AquaScaping World Magazine

2 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

4 DON‟T LET ALGAE BEAT YOU A look at the best algae eaters for your planted aquarium. By Tom Messenger

6 CREATING WATERFALLS IN PLANT AQUARIUMS The past 2007 Aqua Design Amano Aquascaping contest featured a tank with a waterfall illusion inside the tank itself. This article discusses the method of which the waterfall illusion was created. By Andrew Nunn

8 ANATOMY PART 1: THE STEM The first part of an in-depth look at the anatomy of aquatic plants. Understanding how plants grow is key to successfully growing and shaping them to fit an aquascape. By Freemann

13 FINDING INSPIRATION Many budding aquascapers have no idea where e to begin when designing an aquascape. This article examines the world around us that can inspire that perfect layout. By Roy Deki

14 STOCKING A NANO AQUARIUM There are many misconceptions on what fish and how many can fit in a small “nano” aquarium. Let‟s clear the air once and for all. By Liz Marchio

18 AQUASCAPE IN FOCUS: NANO AQUARIUMS This month features an interview with established aquascaper Antonio Nikolic who masterfully creates beautiful aquascapes in small glass boxes.

24 AQUASCAPING WITH SKETCHES Some of the best aquascapes are drawn on paper weeks before any water goes into an aquarium. Find out how to use sketching as an advantageous way to formulate and capture your aquascaping potential By Steven Chong

28 METHODS TO PREVENT ALGAE The running debate over best algae repulsion techniques is examined through observational experiments conducted a hobbyist. Do certain plants help repel algae through chemical agents? By Aziz Dhanani

30 PLANTING AND CARING FOR ANUBIAS NANA PETITE This month‟s plant profile discusses how to care for one of the smallest aquatic plants in planted aquaria. By Stan Chung

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 3 Don’t Let Algae Beat You Best Algae Eaters for Your Aquarium

By Tom Messenger

lgae can become a problem spp. your Otos. A fish with a nice, A in the aquarium if left Otocinclus spp. are one of rounded silvery stomach should unchecked or uncontrolled. the most popular fish used to be fine, as this indicates that they Luckily, in a planted aquarium help in the control of algae. There have been fed on adequate foods there are several species of fish are a few species that I have since their import and should and invertebrates that can help seen available here in the UK, continue to do so. All too often you win the war on algae. Their and these are O. vestitus, O. though, Otos found in aquatic suitability will depend on the type affinis and O. macrospilus. Most shops are very skinny and and size of the aquarium , and 0tocinclus sold are caught in the suffering from malnutrition. This current inhabiting species in the wild. When these fish are is why they are often considered tank. Fortunately, most of algae imported, they are often starved to be tricky to keep, and can die eating fauna can survive in a during the transport stages, and off during acclimatisation. wide range of aquarium so many tend to die off even Most Otocinclus will grow to environments. Here is a quick before they reach the wholesaler/ around 2” or less and eat a wide guide to some frontline defenders retailer. Because of this, you range of algae. These miniature against algae. need to be careful when choosing size makes them a great choice

4 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Crossochelius siamensis Neocaridina denticulata Siamese Algae Eaters sinensis (Crossochelius siamensis), or Cherry (Neocaridina SAE as it is often written, can denticulata sinensis) are another grow much larger than the popular shrimp choice for the Otocinclus (up to 6”) and aquarium, mainly because of Don’t Let Algae Beat You because of this are suited to the their size and colour. Female larger aquarium only. I would Cherry Shrimp are bright red, suggest a minimum being a 36” whereas males can be slightly Best Algae Eaters for Your Aquarium tank to keep these fish at their drab in comparison. These eventual size. I have found they shrimp are smaller than the can be a bit boisterous and may Amano Shrimp, and I haven‟t had By Tom Messenger uproot newly planted carpet any grow past one inch. You will plants and disturb , need to be wary of filter inlets due which is a problem if it clouds to the small size of the shrimp. easily. Like the Ottos, these algae eaters are said to eat a variety of algae types including black beard algae, or BBA. This is a common problem in planted aquaria and it is sometimes attributed to low CO2 in the water. There is often confusion between this species and the Chinese , or CAE, as they look very similar. One difference between them is the number of barbels, the SAE having one set and the CAE having 2 sets.

Caridina denticulata The Amano Shrimp (Caridina denticulata, formally japonica), or Crossochelius siamensis (top) Yamato Shrimp as it is Caridina denticulata, (bottom) sometimes known, was brought into popularity by Sometimes when you clean the in his search for the perfect algae filter during maintenance, you eating shrimp. He tested many can find live baby shrimp that shrimp, but eventually settling on have been sucked in and are for an algae eater in either large the “Amano” Shrimp, a Japanese living off detritus or algae in the or small aquariums. They should native species and ordering filter. I recommend placing a really be kept in groups of around several thousand from the small cover over the filter intake if 6 and will often stay close to each supplier! They will eat most types you want to save every shrimp. other in the aquarium. This is of algae and are very effective at Cherry shrimp will readily when they are at their most their job. They will reach around breed in the average aquarium, effective in a planted aquarium. 2” and are suitable to most size given plenty of dense plant cover In my experience they are very aquariums. One problem with to protect the young from gentle with aquatic plants, and keeping shrimp in the aquarium is predatory fish. Tetras are known will not damage soft leaved that you will need to be careful to snack on babies, whereas plants like Rotala sp. ‟wallichii‟ about other occupants. Although corycat fish and Otocinclus are while feeding. Otocinclus are Amano shrimp are one of the considered shrimp safe diligent eaters of green spot and larger freshwater algae eating companions the cherry shrimp. green dust algae clusters when in shrimp, they can be eaten by large groups. large fish such as Angelfish and .

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 5 Creating Waterfalls in a Planted Aquarium

By Andrew Nunn was curious as to how the Let‟s investigate how the I tank above, which took World effect is created. To start off, from Ranking 7 in the Aqua Design the initial impression, the illusion Amano 2007 Aquascaping appears to be created using Contest created the waterfall rising bubbles that where either illusion. I had seen similar effects edited out with photo software, or created by rising bubbles, but this vacuumed away into a hidden seems to end before reaching the cavern. I come to find out neither surface, meaning it is created were the case. Bubbles play a using a different method, or there large role in the mechanics of the was a good deal of photo editing illusion, but they are not what the involved. However, , a poster on viewer is seeing. Instead, the my blog tipped me off to a viewer is observing a steady website (www.xylema.net) that stream of falling . That‟s explains exactly how it was right, sand. created, and it is quite creative.

6 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 In this cross section illustration, sand grains (blue dots) are drawn into the rising water current, and pour out of the hidden space to form the waterfall.

Water fall illusion tested without the hardscape and plants (top) Completed aquascapes with cascading waterfall (bottom)

Through a cross section of back into behind the scenes How the sand is ejected from the "waterfall” we can identify reservoir. The cycle is repeated the top of the bubble column is how the sand is used for the and the viewer sees an endless also probably a problem area that effect. A tube and blows cascading waterfall inside the requires a lot of attention and bubbles up through a hidden aquarium. adjustment. It's hard to tell from space behind a wall. This This effect is not the most the diagram, but the bubble creates a vacuum of bubbles that practical for everyday use. A very column space most likely extends drives a water current towards to fine sand must be used in order above the water line. This forces the surface. for it to be lift with the current. the water pulled up by the As the water rises, tiny The falling sand is affected bubbles out the sand-ejection grains of sand from a reservoir greatly by other currents inside opening. Otherwise, the sand are pulled into the vortex current. the tank, and it will inevitably fall would continue to follow the The sand grains move with the outside of the reservoir. With a current of bubbles and water up water current and drift out filter running, it would probably and out the top of the column through an opening near the top blow the falling sand everywhere (and you'd have a messy volcano of the wall, and fall back down else in your aquarium. I'm sure effect instead of a waterfall!). The the front side of the wall. A much tweaking is necessary to final effect, if done correctly, strategically placed incline ramp find the best type of sand suited looks absolutely stunning in at the base catches the falling for this application, and what size aquascaped planted aquarium. sand grains and returns them space behind the wall works best.

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 7 Aquatic Plant Anatomy Part 1: The Stem By Freemann

lant anatomy, or P "morphology", refers to the description of the structure and parts of a plant. Apart from the few simple , aquatic plants consist of three basic organic parts: axis of the shoot or stem, leaf and root. Stem and leaves may be termed comprehensively as 'shoot'. Both differentiate from the shoot vegetation cone which they have in common. In this article I am introducing the first part, the stem or axis of the shoot.

8 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Aquatic Plant Anatomy Illustration 1: Parts of the Stem

Functions of the Stem 4. The production of new living distance from each other. The stem develops either in tissue. The normal life span of Hygrophila polysperma is an the air, or in water or in the soil. plant cells is one to three example of this type. With Its growth is vertical to horizontal years. Stems have cells called compressed internodes, the stem it can be the main axis or a meristems that annually is not visible as its base is branch. Stems have four main generate new living tissue. concealed by densely positioned functions which are: leaves, e.g. Echinodorus and Stems are composed of Cryptocoryne species. The length 1. Support for and the elevation nodes, this hold buds which grow of the internodes influences the of leaves, flowers and fruits. into one or more leaves, flowers, form of the plant.(ill.2) The stems keep the leaves in or other stems, Internodes, the the light and provide a place segment of the stem between two Parts of the Stem for the plant to keep its flowers nodes. (ill.1) The Stem usually consist of and fruits. three tissues, dermal tissue, Plant Shape and Internodes ground tissue and vascular 2. Transport of fluids between It is mainly the length of the tissue. the roots and the shoots in the internodes which determines the The dermal tissue covers the xylem and phloem. habit of aquatic plants (Ill. 1). outer surface of the stem, in With elongated internodes the aquatic plants it protects and 3. Storage of nutrients. stem is clearly visible and the control gas exchange. There is a leaves are positioned at some thin (or no) cuticle, plant cuticles

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 9 Illustration 2: Stem variation of internodes

Elongated Internodes Compressed Internodes

are a protective waxy covering Stem Branching and Flowering dies or loses strength after produced only by the epidermal Two different types of stem producing one flower or one cells. The primary function of branching exist. In one type the interflorescence. The mother cuticles is to prevent water loss, top of the stem (vegetation cone) shoot is replaced and overgrown thus most hydrophytes have no continues its growth provided it is by a lateral shoot. Flowering need for cuticles. The ground not disturbed; all lateral shoots Cryptocoryne species exemplify tissue usually consists mainly of are then subordinate to the this type of branching (Ill. 4). parenchyma cells and fills in mother shoot, and flowers and The vegetation cone (also around the vascular tissue. It inflorescences appear at the side Apex) is the length at the top part sometimes functions in of leaf axils. Flowering Ludwigia of the stem where growth carries . The vascular species is a good example(Ill.3). out itself. In that part and at some tissue provides long distance In the other type, the distance from the tip transport and structural support. vegetation cone of a shoot stops undifferentiated divisible cells The angle between the leaf growing after some time; it either reach a state of permanency. and the stem is called leaf axil. (ill.1). Potentially, each leaf axil is Illustration 3: Ludwigia Illustration 4: Cryptocorynes capable of producing a bud which may grow into a lateral shoot, leading to branching of the mother shoot. The degree of branching varies greatly from one species to another. As a rule, aquatic plants with elongated stems branch quite regularly thus those which are rooted in the bottom develop a bushy growth while the floating species grow into a dense mat. Aquatic plants Luwidgia grow laterally as it flowers from A Cryptocorynes flowers from a low apex with a compressed stem rarely shoots from varying positions along the near the base of the plant. length of the plant. develop lateral shoots.

10 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Illustration 5: Cross Section of a Stem

Ceratophyllum demersum Myriophyllum spicatum Limnophila aquatica

They take over certain functions, Axillary ( lateral) bud: A bud Vascular Bundle or Trace each of them being determined that develops in the axil of a Scar: A mark showing former by their position in the stem. leaf. place of attachment within the In the inner area of a stem there leaf scar of the vascular are bundles of conducting tissues Node: Region of stem from bundle. called vascular tissues these are which leaves, or branches composed of more than one cell arise. It is important to understand type and carry the water, organic the anatomy of our aquatic plants and inorganic substances (ill.5). Internodes: A region of stem to perfect our aquarium Two main types of vascular between nodes. aquascaping. A solid grasp on tissue exist, the xylem and how plants grow can effectively phloem. These two tissues Leaf Scar: A mark indicating help the aquascapers trim and extend from the leaves to the the precedent place of train plants to grow in a fashion roots, and are vital conduits for attachment of petiole or leaf that not only fits the aquascape transporting water and minerals base. but enhances the beauty of the from roots and sugar from leaves. aquatic plant. Stipular Scar. A mark Cross Section of a Stem indicating former place of References The stem is a complex attachment of stipule. www.cactus-art.biz/note-book/Dictionary The Complete Guide to Water Plants - structure composed of several Muhlberg chambers and parts. Vascular Lenticel: A pore in the bark. tissue (dotted) and aeration ducts are shown in the cross section of Prickle: A sharp pointed submerged shoot axes. The outgrowth from the epidermis following describes the main or cortex. parts of stem: Terminal Bud Scale Scar Apical (terminal) bud: The Rings: A ring indicating the primary growing point located at previous place of attachment the apex (tip) of the stem. of bud scale

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 11 Photos Courtesy of pdphoto.com

12 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Finding Inspiration

By Roy Deki

here are many places in this Nobody wants to copy another T world that have spectacular person‟s work but getting ideas views and re-creating such views from other designs is a great way in an aquarium is just the first of to start a new layout. many challenges for an The next method is using aquascaper. I find inspiration for your own creative ideas and re- my aquascaping from many creating them into an aquascape. sources. My current aquascape This may be the most difficult idea came from a beautiful but way for some of us. I think that rugged place called Big Sur my best aquascapes have come California. The coastline along from this method. Envisioning a this majestic place is so place you might find in nature but spectacular that I just had to try have never seen is very difficult to re-create it in an ADA 60p. but everyone can do it. Our This is just one example of how minds can piece together images you can get inspiration for your we‟ve seen from magazines, next aquascape. Taking a piece books, television and other of nature, whether it be a whole media. mountain range or just a small Once I‟ve developed the out-cropping of rocks is a great concept and place in my mind, it way to start an aquascape. becomes an awarding experience Another method of obtaining to recreate my imaginary scene ideas is to view as many other into a real life aquascape. tanks as you can; there are many Successfully completing such an great books out there to get ideas aquascape gives you a great from. The person who has been sense of accomplishment and the most influential in this hobby personal satisfaction. It is a one- is Takashi Amano. Mr. Amano of-a-kind aquascape that came has published several books that from within . display his work and also include Whatever source you choose names of plants and fish. I to use when finding inspiration is suggest that everyone have or at entirely up to you. The most least view these beautiful books important aspect of aquascaping for inspiration. I often go to these is to have fun. So get out there books to look for new ideas. I and absorb as much nature as personally do not want to re- you can. Who knows, maybe the create his exact design but next award winning aquascape is instead I take small sections with- right in your own backyard. in one of his aquascapes to incorporate into my own design. I also find entering into or at least viewing contests is a great way to find new or unusual ideas.

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 13 Stocking A Nano Aquarium By Liz Marchio

Photo Credits: Daniel Powell: lamp ocellatus, danio choprae, cory cat, kribensis Matt Patrick: tiger shrimp, amano shrimp

14 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 he term “Nano” Aquarium is ends in disaster for both the fish FISH TO AVOID FOR A NANO T often used by hobbyists as a and the since these carp descriptor for small aquariums, can grow large very quickly and usually under 20-gallons in total consequently require copious Barbs: Certain species of volume. Many “nanos” are 10- amounts of work to properly barbs if you‟re planning a gallons or less. These tanks with maintain. In order to ensure your plant-tank. Many love to eat their small footprints are ideal for fish keeping experience is a plants. kids and/or desktops. However, positive one, steer clear of large due to their size, stocking them species such as this. : successfully with fish and African cichlids. These are invertebrates can become “Fish Grow to the Size of Their not nano fish regardless of problematic. Some simply find it Aquarium” adult size. Their temperament too hard to resist adding “just one How many times have you is not compatible with small more”! So, let‟s talk about how to heard this saying? The statement aquaria. stock such aquariums with long- “it will only grow to the size of its term success. aquarium” is true only because Angelfish: These fish are the fish become stunted due to always available quarter Longevity and Size confinement. The health of a fish sized, but they get much Many people think of fish as confined in too small an aquarium larger and can get short lived animals. This is true will quickly decline leading to aggressive. for some species such as annual repetitive ailment and eventual killifish (for example, death. bear the brunt of Line Breed: Avoid line bred Nothobranchius species), which this myth as they are often touted and selected color forms of live, breed, and die within a year as the perfect bowl fish. A fish such as powder blue in the wild. Fortunately, most fish goldfish that could live ten years dwarf gourami and fancy will live several years and make will only live one in such an types of livebearers. Due to great pets if properly cared for. environment. It is the the line breeding used to Many fish will live considerably responsibility of the aquarist to develop these varieties they longer. maintain appropriate volume of tend not to be as hardy as Larger fish such as Goldfish, water for the fish species they their wild-type counterparts some Cichlids and Catfish can intend to keep. and because of this they are live more than ten years. Koi, Simply put, know your often sick before you which are ornamental carp, can limitations as an aquarist. If you purchase them. live seventy years or more. It is cannot maintain a large species, not just the tank busters that are don‟t buy juveniles of that : Painted and long lived, however. There are species. Likewise, if you plan on tattooed fish should also be accounts of aeneus growing out a large species in a ignored as possible catfish, measuring a diminutive smaller aquarium, maintain purchases. Avoid fish that are 3”, living twenty years [site]. The proper water quality and make a “made” if you want to point is: Take longevity into concise plan to upgrade their maintain the animal long term account. Part of the draw to aquarium in a timely manner. without illness or keeping fish is to maintain them Remember too that fish keeping‟s complications. This says for their entire life. number one rule is to be an nothing of the ethical and Killifish may not live long, but informed hobbyist. There are humane issues that the they are productive during their conscientious stores that will be practice of tattooing, painting time and are beautiful as well. honest about the care and adult and dying fish brings about These jewels may be ideal for size of certain fish, but there are children since their interests tend also many stores that expect you Goldfish: They are tempting to wax and wane over time. It is to know what you are buying and buy because they are so important not to rope yourself into thus will sell you anything you cheap and cute when small a larger growing, more long term want. Buyer beware! but they can get big and are pet if you cannot support it and its Stocking aquaria is usually not community fish. Keep growth. the most confusing part of fish them outdoors in ornamental Goldfish are typically the keeping. There is not a good way ponds for the best results. quintessential child‟s first fish. to simplify it. Most people will tell However, this endeavor often you that a

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 15 can hold “one inch of fish per Most aquarium kits come advanced technique and will gallon of water”. This is not a bad with sufficient filtration. The fun require some tinkering to get it way to think of stocking a tank, part of fish keeping is realizing right. Aquarium keeping is itself especially when dealing with where you can simplify. If you an experiment when you start small fish but there are a few make your own kit, you can use out, so learn from your mistakes things to keep in mind. When you anything from a sponge filter to a and take responsibility for your add ten pounds of gravel to a ten- wet-dry filter. The most popular pets. gallon aquarium, it displaces a choice is a hang on the back filter fair amount of water. When you power filter, which unlike the add rock or driftwood, it displaces hang-on heaters, are very more water. The ten gallons you reliable. One the most interesting once had is now probably 10% way to filter an aquarium is by less and thus cannot hold as employing live plants to uptake many fish as the rule states. the fish‟s metabolites. You can Some fish simply produce more strike a balance between the waste than others. plants and fish where there is no Also it is important to take need for outside filtration, the mass of the fish into however, water changes will still consideration. For example the be necessary to maintain good body mass of one ten inch Oscar water quality. This is a more is far more than that of ten one inch neon tetras and so, length itself cannot be the only qualifier GREAT NANO FRIENDLY FISH for stocking levels. Lastly it needs to be said that you should include Sparkling gourami (Trichopsis pumila): Beautiful and rainbow your algae eating organisms colored; grows to about one inch. within your stocking total. They Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurdina ocellicauda): Small goby, peaceful are in fact producing waste like and colorful. the rest of the fish. Threadfin Rainbow (Iriatherina werneri): Flares amazingly. Blue Eyed Rainbows (Popondetta furcata, Pseudomugl signifier, The Curse of the Kit etc): Amazingly colored rainbows that look like helicopters when Be aware that many they swim. “complete” kits are complete for Rasboras (Trigonostigma espei,T.heteromorpha,Boraras maculata, what the manufacturer thinks you etc): Colorful schooling fish. want or what they think you need. Honey Dwarf Gourami (Colisa chuna): Larger nano fish, peaceful. For example, there are kits that Giant Dwarf Gourami (Colisa fasciata): Multicolored gourami, do not include a heater. Small peaceful. aquariums are not able to Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis): Pugnacious but extremely maintain their temperature with a hardy. light alone. Yasuhikotakia (Botia) sidthimunki: Small scavenger; schooling. A reliable heater is one of Danio choprae: Oddball Danio, orange colored. the most important parts of a Danio species: Fast moving and schooling fish; many new species complete tropical aquarium. on the market other than the die-hard Zebra Danio. There are very few cool water White Could Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes): Peaceful nano-sized fish available to and can tolerate low temps. hobbyists. Keep in mind that Chela species: Danio-like and easy to keep. there are many different types of Swordtails (Xiphophorus sp.): Gaudy and breed able. Look for wild aquarium heaters. The best types types such as Greens (X. helleri) or Montezumas (X. montezumae) are those that have a built-in for the best results. thermostat and are fully Endler's Livebearers (Poecilia wingei): Small streaks of color; submersible. Many beginners buy great for a ten gallon. the $12 hang-on the tank heater Killifish: Simply amazing coloration; productive and entertaining. only to break it during their first Rice fish (Oryzias latipes): Eggs stick to their anal fin, hardy. water change. Instead of making Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi): Staple plant tank fish. that mistake, invest in a more Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi): bluer than the neon, same expensive and reliable heater. temperament/care.

16 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Shrimp as Pets?! Shrimp, stay small and can be elements such as copper will Who would have thought that housed in groups or in quickly kill all invertebrate life. shrimp, those delicious denizens community tanks with small- There are a great many shrimp of the sea, could be good mouthed fish. They are also, species now available to freshwater aquarium pets? most importantly, easy to keep hobbyists. There are tropical and Shrimp, such as Neocaridina and great at eating algae. cool water species, so make sure heteropoda, the Cherry Red Although invertebrates such as the proper choice is made. shrimp can be difficult to Crystal Red Shrimp and Tiger understand, once you‟ve tried Shrimp are both commonly kept them and got them to live they cool water shrimp. Keeping them are quite easy to maintain and in warmer water can result in breed. By difficult to understand, I shortened lifespan. mean that many people treat all aquatic life the same. Bacteria: The Most Valuable Invertebrates cannot be thought Life in Your Aquarium of as fish. They cannot withstand The nitrifying bacteria medications or large swings in pH coating the filter media as well as or temperature as many well every other surface of your acclimated can. aquarium for that mater are the Medications for “Ich” containing most critical life form you maintain within your tank. They Note: Keep in mind that most small species are schooling fish and do best are the foundation of any healthy GREAT NANO FRIENDLY FISH when housed with several of their own kind. While “one of this, one of that” aquarium. Their microscopic stocking may be fun, it will not give you good long-term results. stature often causes them to be Green neon (Paracheirodon simulans): Smaller cousin to the neon. overlooked. These colonies Apistogramma: Dwarf genera; fantastic morphology and create the perfect ecosystem to behavior. house fish and invertebrates. Pelvicachromis: African riverine dwarf cichlids; easy to breed. They do this by breaking down Mikrogeophagus: AKA Rams; easy and beautiful. Gold, blue (M. the toxic wastes produces by the ramerezi)or Bolivian (M. altispinosa) fish and invertebrates into nitrate Corydoras: Pygmies make great nano scavengers; schooling. which is removed by plants, Guppies (Poecilia reticulata): remember to pick a strong strain. algae, and water changes. Bettas: there‟s more to them than the B. splendens you see in It is very important that bowls. Check out other species such as B. smaragdina, B. anything you do in, around or to macrostoma (advanced), and B. foerschi, your aquarium does no harm to Tanganyikan cichlids (Neolamprologus multifasciatus, your nitrifying bacteria. For Lamprologus ocellatus, etc): The shell-dwelling fish need alkaline example, if there is a disease water and decorative shells to hide in. issue in your aquarium, you need to be careful of what medications HARD TO FIND OR DIFFICULT TO CARE FOR SPECIES: you use as many of them will kill Taenicara candidi: dwarf cichlid, fantastic coloration and finnage. off your nitrifying bacteria Licorice gourami (Parosphronemus sp.): tiny labyrithfish; gaudy. colonies. Doing so will cause Indostomus paradoxus: the “paradoxfish”- species only aquaria! A severe damage to the balance of freshwater elative of the pipefish. the aquarium. Shaking the Aspidoras sp.: small genera of Cory-like catfish. More elongated balance of your aquarium at its body. foundation will be difficult to Pencil fish: Nannostomus mortenthaleri, the Red Pencilfish, rebound from without casualties. are the pinnacle of pencilfish keeping. Take care of your bacterial base Puffers (Carinotetraodon sp., et al): cute and personable. Species and build your dream nano only aquaria! Carnivores. aquarium from there. Good luck! Bumblebee Gobies (Brachygobius sp.): brackish and freshwater species available. Stay small and some school. Dicrossus species: the checkerboard dwarf cichlid; subtle yet interesting. Nanochromis: sometimes difficult to find; African riverine dwarf cichlid.

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 17 Aquascape In Focus

An Interview with Nano Aquascaper Antonio Nikolic

Although small in size, “Natural Mystic” captures nature at its best.

18 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008

Aquascape In Focus

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 19 overgrown with plants to form a perfect home for new aquatic life. I used rocks helps to anchor the tree branches in the substrate, and as the plants grew in the rocks became nearly invisible within the aquascape.

Q: You definitely achieved the effected you wanted with the hardscape placement. What inspired the initial vision of your layout? A: I found inspiration for this layout from the local thicket near my home. As I was searching for new decorative materials for my aquarium I saw several aspects of nature and wood pieces I liked. I couldn‟t think of anything better to use to create my slice of nature then “real” materials found in an actual natural environment. Knowing that the pieces I use came from the place of inspiration makes my aquascape more authentic. I think using real life materials embodies the spirit of nature in every aspect the design and layout. For this reason, I named the aquacape “Natural Mystic” just like the Bob Marley song.

Q: Tell me about yourself and affordable to create and posed a Q: With such lush growth from how you got into planted great artistic challenge. My first your plants what is your aquariums. tank was 30 liter aquarium fertilization method? A: My name is Antonio Nikolic. I designed with some hardy A: From the date of setup nearly am 24 years old and I am from aquatic plants and a small school six months ago I didn't have a Croatia. I started with this hobby of Rasboras espei. routine in fertilizing. The first almost 2 years ago, when I first month of setup, I didn‟t even add came across internet photos of Q: Describe how you any fertilizers and just did regular planted tanks created by the developed the hardscape for 50% waterchanges about every master himself, Mr. Takashi your aquarium. two days. Amano. As I searched for more A: The hardscape consist of This past month I began and more aquascapes designed rocks and twigs placed in the adding in fertilizers more by him, I became more inspired midground. I took great care to regularly because I noticed some (obsessed) with planted tanks. place the tree branches within the plant deficiencies. I have started His artistic work amazed me so substrate so that they would dosing microelements and adding much that I started looking at appear as natural as possible. I potassium, and experiment with aquarium plants and planted prefer the look of wild nature the Perceptual Preservation tanks in my local area. layouts more then the manicured System (PPS-Pro) method. I am From the very beginning, . I wanted to make now dosing; 1.5 ppm KNO3, 0.2 small nano aquariums attracted the branches seem like they fell ppm PO4, 15 drops Seachem my attention. They were small, genuinely. As time passed I flourish and 7 drops of Easy-life intimate aquascapes that were imagined the twigs becoming Easycarbo, every day.

20 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 This miniature aquascape “El Naninjo” is one of Antionio Nikolic‟s smallest aquascapes to date.

I have more nutrient dosing part of the aquascape, and Q: Now that you have experiments to observe before I doesn‟t require much attention. overcome your challenges and get into a regular routine of Since I don‟t have to touch the completed this aquascape dosing. The only thing routine in midground plants, the focus point what other projects do you my schedule is the 50% of the aquascape keeps its have in stored for the future? waterchanges about twice a overall shape, even when I have A: Well, I‟m working on several week. Since every tank is to trim the background plants. larger tanks right now, and I‟m different I have to figure out what The stem plants I placed in waiting for the right moment to fertilizer values works best to the background need the most display them. I‟m looking forward grow the plants in the color and frequent trimmings. For the to getting a new digital camera so condition that I envision. background, I like to use fine I can truly capture the beauty of leafed stems placed near the rear the tanks from my perspective. Q: Let‟s talk plants and of the glass. This stem placement I will always have one of my aquascaping. How do you in the back achieves a greater smallest aquascapes “El Naninjo” keep up the plant growth and depth perspective for the viewer to keep me busy. Nano maintaining the aquascape by drawing the eye to the colors aquascapes are a challenge and layout? and finer leaf shapes that pleasure to create. I sometimes A: I have to trim every 10-12 contrast distinctly with the think after I‟m done, “Wow I did days to keep the plants from midground plants. that?” It is my hope to inspire and looking overgrown and ruining add to the creative “think tank” so the hardscape effect that I Q: Tell me some of your that other aquascapers (new and worked tirelessly in designing. In greatest challenges with the old) can push that envelop for this layout I have used more than aquascape? aquatic aquarium designs. 15 different species of plants, 7-8 A: My greatest challenge was species as larger (main) groups, been keeping the lush coloration and others plants as accents. in red stem plants. I kepted on The midground consist of getting stunted growth from the slow growing plants including stems of Rotala wallichii. After Monosolenium tenerum, Anubias trimming them, the bottom part barteri var. nana 'Petite', rearly throws out side shoots. Taxiphyllum alternans, Fissidens After struggling to get it to grow fontanus, Microsorum pteropus the way I wanted, I decide to 'Windelov', Microsorum pteropus replace it with Rotala rotundifolia. 'Narrow'. These are attached to I‟m happy that I did that. After rocks and twigs to anchor them adding in a double dose of down. The slow growing Flourish regularly, the plants midground makes up the densest grew with great coloration.

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 21 “Natural Mystic”

Tank Dimensions: 38 x 18 x 21 cm Plant Selection Volume: 15 liter Hemianthus micranthemoides Lighting: MH Giesemann Megachrome tropic 70W Hemianthus callitrichoides Photoperiod: 8 hours Rotala rotundifolia Filtration System: Resun canister filter 200 l/h Ludwigia arcuata Water Parameters: pH 6.3 - 6.6, KH 5, GH 7, temp. 24 'C Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' C02 Supplementation: Pressurized CO2 with solenoid 7.5h/day Monosolenium tenerum ON - 30 minutes before the light turn on Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides OFF - 1 hour before the light turn off Hydrocotyle microphylla Diffusion Method/Rate: Glass Diffuser 1 bubble/sec. Taxiphyllum alternans Substrate: Bottom Layer — Potting soil, volcanic gravel and laterite (2-3 cm) Fissidens fontanus Top Layer— Quartz gravel 1-3mm sized granulation (2-5cm) Microsorum pteropus 'Windelow' Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' Myriophyllum mattogrossense Mayaca fulvitalis Lindernia rotundifolia Lilaeopsis Nuova-zelandie Riccia fluitans Eleocharis parvula Didiplis diandra

Fauna Selection Celestichthys margaritatus Neocaridina heteropoda var. red

22 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 23 Aquascaping with Sketches

o matter the art form, an When you come up with ideas, N artist would do well to keep a you write them in. When you sketchbook. Sculptors, can‟t visualize something, you photographers—many artists of draw it in. Even when you do many disciplines keep this trusty visualize it, you draw it in so it will tool by them at all times. An be there when you need it. By Steven Chong aquascaper is the same in this Especially with 3D arts such as regard. It is an incredibly sculpting and aquascaping, valuable tool for visualizing scribbles in the sketchbook are pieces, tracking progress, and valuable for figuring out developing one‟s ability overall. proportions, spacing and Even if you have very little positioning that the actual piece drawing experience, a will have when it is put together. sketchbook is incredibly valuable. Sculptors like Michael Angelo have left many, many drawings— Value of the Sketchbook and many of stunning quality— A sketchbook is not just a that were never intended for the plaything to scribble around in. public eye. These drawings Artists use them for a variety of though would be the foundation tasks of the creative process. A of the designs for the final sketchbook is a visualization tool sculptures of such artists. From that helps every step of the way. the vague form, to the specific

24 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 tough times, halts and slows where little will improve. Looking back at the old times reflected in the sketchbooks can be a big Aquascaping with Sketches help to remind us of how we have grown. But then again maybe proportions, to the tiniest not. details—drawings can develop in Sometimes we loose our a sketchbook, and the total idea way, and instead of looking back of the final piece will first be at old work to see how we have realized on paper. improved, we look back to see This same process of where we lost our way. Though it visualization applies to is important to always keep aquascaping. Taking the time to moving forward, there are still sketch, one will piece the many times when an artist says composition together; but the he wants to “go back to his sketches will continue to help roots.” Sometimes we loose with piecing together how colors sight of the objectives that are should move, how textures important to us. Sometimes we should be placed, and how the forget where it was we wanted to entirety of the work will come be, and what we wanted to together. Or not. The achieve. The sketchbook isn‟t can be a big help in remembering sketchbook does not have to be only drawings—its thoughts we ideas later on. Once it is in the used in anyway an artist does not thought, feelings we felt, and sketchbook, you will at least want to use it—no one sees it, no dreams we dreamt. It ties us to reference back to it, and so ideas one judges it. It is a place of our past, and can remind us of in the sketchbook develop as refuge and freedom for the artist the places we still want to go. well. Once they are in there, an to do anything he wants. Be idea that was a mere scribbling crazy, stupid, put any line or any Using a Sketchbook on one page may find itself a full- content. The things one includes How does one use one‟s scale intricate plan a few pages can be completely off topic or sketchbook towards his goals? down the road. intensively focused. The This depends from person to Ideas in the sketchbook do important thing is that the way we person, but for the sake of not have to be fully formed. The think and work has a place to example I can describe my important thing is that you have develop that does not just methods for sketchbook usage: them down. Even if it‟s just the disappear into the recesses of basic framework of an idea, memory to be forgotten or left Information Collection rough and sketchy—it does not undeveloped or un-followed. One of the sketchbook‟s best matter. Even if it is only a Speaking of following, the uses is as a place to store ideas. general idea and you have only sketchbook is a great way to To artists, our ideas are the words in your head with no track one‟s progress. Whatever lifeblood of our work, so being images to go with it, write it down. we do in it, the sketchbook sure to remember them when we The idea will develop as it sits in reflects what we were doing/ have them is very important. It your sketchbook. Even if it does thinking/trying/following at the does not have to be elaborate— not, at least it is there. You can time where we worked in it. just a scribe of words or drawings always buy more sketchbooks, Whether they resemble the in the sketchbook you use a lot but you do not know when the finished pieces we make or not, next time you will remember the the sketchbook shows the flow of idea. Even if you, the next time our development. This is you remember an idea, it will be valuable to an artist for a number different from before because you of reasons. will be a different artist than First of all, confidence is before. Try to keep track of all important and it can be great the ideas you get. when an artist can look back and When you are walking down see how he has improved. In his the street and you see a very development there will always be pretty tree, if the feeling of that

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 25 STEP 1: Aquasketch STEP 2: Designing the Hardscape

scene makes you pause, place to keep things that outside sources are important to remember to do something about influence us. Bits of clippings of remember as our artistic talent it in your sketchbook. Even a few writings that inspire you, cuttings branches away from them, and words, even a bare sketch is from magazines or print outs of our art becomes our own. good. When you wake up from a work from other artists—these beautiful dream, quickly flip open are things that one would do well Don‟t doodle, Draw! the book (sitting next to your to paste into the sketchbook. I A former art teacher of mine nightstand) and sketch/write the like to take print outs of once complained to me that general contents of it down landscape photos in particular many of his students were too before it fades. When thinking and keep them in my sketchbook. hesitant in their drawing. If they about an old idea and a new add- One may think that these draw a line wrong, and they new on to it occurs to you, go to the types of materials are not our it was wrong, they would leave it sketchbook and revise the idea. own development of our ideas, anyway because “they did not Recording ideas also forces you but in actuality they are. No two want to ruin the drawing.” Forget to put ideas into at least some people will ever see the same ruining drawings. Who cares if a form of expression, which will picture despite looking at the drawing is ruined? It is far from help develop your thinking, same photograph. Everyone the end of the world. artistic intuition and insight as interprets things different. Taking If there‟s a line there, draw it well. the barrage of images and ideas in. If the line is wrong draw it in A sketchbook is a place to from the world, and reinterpreting again. Draw over it! Do not record and develop who we are them to what is important to us hesitate because you care about as artists, and so it is also a great makes each idea that we come how neat or pretty your drawing up with very unique. or paper is. Neat and pretty A great artist knows the count for nothing, especially moment he takes an idea from when it comes to drawing in the elsewhere, even if someone else sketchbook. Save that for the used it, that idea is his own now. photography of the finished He is certain to do it in his own aquarium. When playing with a way. Being an artist is also being layout idea, draw it in again and able to recognize inspiration again in order to get right outside him that will lead him proportions and parts. Draw on forward. These influences from your paper until you get it right.

26 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Step 3: Naming your Aquascape—”The Hau Coast”

There‟s a technique called curvature of the stem plants should reflect this. Of course “blocking in” that is similar to this relative to that of the hardscape? getting an idea of what a finished flurry of sketching. When How wide is the branch tank could look like in one‟s “blocking in,” the artist puts the proportionately? Where should drawings is important too, but it is most important information on the negative space be, and what best to build into that. paper first, least important last. shape should it have? These Most important being locations of types of questions should be your Keep it with you, and never points, proportions, angles, and foremost concern when blocking throw it away least important being contours. in, and draw many lines, draw All this is pointless if you do When blocking in, don‟t worry over lines, to find the ones you not carry your sketchbook with about “line drawing,” that is trying like most. This is like “building a you and aim to use it. Keep it by to draw the outline of whatever it drawing,” as opposed to your bed when you sleep, on is you are drawing. Start with the doodling. your desk if not on your person in location of points—the top of a Only when the important other hours. It is important that rock, the far left side of the sand, information is on the paper whenever you want to use it, you the lowest point of the should you worry about have it even for quick jottings. stem plants. making the actual outlines The sketchbook will be most Instead of contours, of things, or trying to make valuable if it is treated like a living draw in the important the drawings look pretty. thing that grows as its owner points first: where they You could even save that grows. Keeping the sketchbook are, and how they are for another page. It is is important as well. As one located compared to definitely less important grows, one may want to look each other in space. than getting proportions through old work. Following Draw straight lines and angles right. This is one‟s own development will help between the important especially true for one to reach even greater points to measure aquascape planning when improvements. Instead of distance, angles and other no one will ever see the drawing, wandering about, the sketchbook important information. Measure and the important thing is the helps one stand on one‟s own things on paper. What is the finished aquascape. The shoulders, to improve on what he best-looking angle and width sketchbook is the place for the has already done. between a branch and the rock initial set-up of idea work, and the that supports it? How is the drawings in the sketchbook

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 27 Methods to Prevent

ALGAE

By Aziz Dhanani

n my quest to gain the I knowledge necessary to set up a beautiful planted tank, it was evident in my search that many people gave up on planted tanks because of massive algae blooms and continuous algae issues. The struggle to contain it and permanently eliminate algae was simply too much, and the would be aquascaper gives up on planted aquariums. Are algae wars magically selective for one person, and not another? Of course not. Yet the truth remains, there are some who seem ideal algae aquarium growers, and there are those lushly planted needed to grow lush plants 1) Barley Straw Repulse Algae aquascapes without a signal sign without the algae too. I felt that According to a study by the of algae. How does one keep an there had to be other methods Integrated Approach to Crop algae free aquarium? that could be simultaneously Research Centre for Aquatic It is generally agreed upon in employed with the proper Plant Management the use of the aquarium world that the best balance philosophy to help barley straw placed in a mesh in way to prevent and manage further deter algae. a pond or aquarium will release algae was through proper The focus of this article is to chemicals, specifically hydrogen chemical fertilization of a planted recount my experiences in testing peroxide as it decays under tank including a combination of anti-algae intense light. Low levels of (C02) injection. When measures. These algae repulsion peroxide are said to be hinder supplemented properly, these methods include using barley and prevent algae growth. chemical injections promote a straw, Japanese Marismo Balls to balance and stable tank that absorb excess nutrients, Eigera 2) Ball Heavy Eaters would not only facilitate healthy densa to ward against blue green Japanese Marimo moss ball plant growth, but also create an algae, and disrupting algae are high consumers of inhospitable environment for growth with burst photo intensity phosphates. As the moss ball algae. However, with each and a variable photo period. I will grows, it out competes algae for aquarium being different from employ each of these methods to phosphates and other nutrients. home to home there seems to be see if algae grows in my With limited phosphates available no true “proper” fertilization aquarium. Let‟s discuss the in the water column, algae is method that can achieve the techniques. observed to have a difficult time same optimum nutrient balance gaining a foothold in the planted aquarium.

28 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Undergoing the Experiment Bacopa monnieri (money wort) In July 2007 I experimented but most plants remained healthy with these algae repulsion with a slow growth. In an attempt methods in a 10 gallon tank. I to address plant growth issues first wrapped a piece of barley that I felt stemmed from nutrient straw within a pantyhose mesh deficiencies, I decided to switch and placed it close to the light from PPS-Pro and try Tom Barr's and filter out flow. Secondly, to Liquid Estimative Index help consume excess nutrients, I (www.barrreport.com). decided to plant heavily from the At first, I dosed Seachem start with marimo moss balls and Flourish and calcium sulphate to Eigera densa. Lastly, I supplement the already high configured the lighting which nitrate and phosphate levels, and consisting of 30 total watts for a low iron levels in my tank. noon burst type photo period. However this appeared to make One tube was timed to come on no difference in plant growth, so I for 5 hours, with the other tube began dosing ¼ teaspoon of Kent time to come on after 5 hours so Pro Plant and ¼ teaspoon of that both tubes were on for a total Seachem Iron on Monday, of 10 hours. No heater was used Wednesday and Friday; and 6 ml and the tank temperature was 25- of Tom Barr's Liquid EI solution 29 degrees Celsius. I started off combined with 1.25 ml Seachem with Perpetual Perseveration Flourish Comprehensive once a System (PPS-Pro) fertilization week after 50% water change. scheme. PH was 7.0. This resulted in a major growth After four months of explosion in two weeks. continuous fertilization using PPS Despite the algae repulsion -pro, signs of green spot and blue methods, algae still appeared. green algae appeared. To Ultimately this experiment combat the algae, I increased confirms that finding the optimal water changes to twice a week. I fertilization scheme is key to also began injecting CO2 through keeping aquatic plants healthy. 3) Eigera densa Chemicals do-it-yourself C02 injection and a Eigera densa is believed to Hagen Submersible Filter to secrete an antibiotic substance diffuse the CO2. In less than, two that prevents blue green algae weeks, the tank exploded with (which is a type of bacteria that plant growth forcing me to do a can dominate an aquarium). major trim of the plants.

4) Noon Burst Lighting My Algae Repulsion Results By creating a cycle of a four There were no indications of hour photo period of light, few black beard algae, black brush hours of no light, and then algae, green dust algae, or another four hour photo period, diatoms for a while. But despite algae has been observed by having the moss balls and other hobbyists to have an adverse algae repulsion methods in place, reaction to this lunch time siesta blue green algae did appeared of light. The reasoning behind and green spot algae began this has not been tested taking over some plants. In thoroughly enough to yield a order to eliminate the blue green concise result, however plants algae, I dosed erythromycin as are know to be a higher organism per package directions and and therefore can adapted more eventually it disappeared. so than algae to varying lighting After a while I noticed some conditions. plants began doing poorly like Ludwigia repens „rubin‟ and

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 29 Anubias nana „Petite‟ Planting Algae Treatment Nicknamed by hobbyists as Break into smaller branches Anubias can be prone to “nana petite” this neat little plant of 1.5-2.5 inches. Plant by tying algae, but there is an easy way to is one of my favorite low to rock or wood blocks with nylon remove it from the plant. Trim the maintenance mid-ground plants. or twist tie-plastic coated wires. infected leaves, and soak in 1 It's not demanding and fills up the These can be removed once part bleach to 20 parts water. The little empty spaces in between the plant has rooted onto the rock thin filaments of the algae nooks and crannies. Best of all or wood securely. I normally just infesting the plant will start to this tiny plant can be moved leave it especially since the whiten. At this point remove the around since it's best tied onto thread will eventually dissolve or nana and rinse in some fresh small rocks or small pieces of become hidden. Makes sure you water with a few drops of anti- driftwood. This plant has great space the rhizomes of each plant chlorine and rub each leaf off. aquascaping potential just about within about an inch of each other Rinse again and your nana's will every aquarium, including nanos. to create a fuller look as it grows. be looking great again!

30 AquaScaping World MARCH 2008 Maintenance Like most anubias, nana petite does not require much attention. Regular water changes, and the occasional dose of fertilizers will keep this plant healthy. I recommend trimming once a month to allow new leaves to grow. Nanas are susceptible to black brush algae [BBA], and Green spot algae [GSA]. This can be an eyesore but as mentioned previously, it is easily remedied.

MARCH 2008 AquaScaping World 31 www.aquascapingworld.com