Considering a hardscape only set up and would like some advice on the ins and outs of maintenance please.
Obviously you dont get the benefit of plants as additional filters, so your relying on the filter, water changing and detrius removal via gravel cleaning etc for water quality, but how do you manage algae etc with the fluctuations in c02 through water changes. Is it as simple as only using aquarium lighting when viewing or should there still be a set photoperiod for the fish? You can still introduce algae eaters such as crossochelius and otocinclus sp. to help but are you likely to suffer algae outbreaks? All this kind of links to the next mute point of ph crashes, a myth in the planted tank, but is it a myth in non planted aquaria too. I have very soft low KH water and would like some advice on water management with respect to this. Obviously if i carry out large 50%+ weekly water changes it shouldnt be a problem, but does this then have a negative implication of possible algae outbreaks?
Are there any general pointers for successful upkeep of non planted aquariums?
Also does anyone know where you can get large pieces of wood in the uk? I know Tomm Barr will export Manzanita but would like really to see the wood and choose in person.
For example pieces similar to the ones used here, and what type of wood is this?:
Cheers for any help
Ady.
Obviously you dont get the benefit of plants as additional filters, so your relying on the filter, water changing and detrius removal via gravel cleaning etc for water quality, but how do you manage algae etc with the fluctuations in c02 through water changes. Is it as simple as only using aquarium lighting when viewing or should there still be a set photoperiod for the fish? You can still introduce algae eaters such as crossochelius and otocinclus sp. to help but are you likely to suffer algae outbreaks? All this kind of links to the next mute point of ph crashes, a myth in the planted tank, but is it a myth in non planted aquaria too. I have very soft low KH water and would like some advice on water management with respect to this. Obviously if i carry out large 50%+ weekly water changes it shouldnt be a problem, but does this then have a negative implication of possible algae outbreaks?
Are there any general pointers for successful upkeep of non planted aquariums?
Also does anyone know where you can get large pieces of wood in the uk? I know Tomm Barr will export Manzanita but would like really to see the wood and choose in person.
For example pieces similar to the ones used here, and what type of wood is this?:
Cheers for any help
Ady.