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Hi Darrel Thank you very much for replying. Thank you. It does look like a broom, but not the standard Westminster Broom. Probably best to give it a few months and see if it flowers. Thanks again Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Merry Christmas to all. Wondering if anyone could help identify a plant that has grown in my garden. It may be a weed, but it’s quite interesting looking. - Currently about 3 foot / 1 metre tall after ~ 3 years - Putting on fresh growth in December, groups of 3 leaves together. Each leaf...

I have lucked out! I have just bought a 2m Phillyrea Angustifolia from my local Notcutts garden centre, half price with an end of winter voucher. It has been imported from Italy as an alternative to Olive, due to Xylella Fastidiosa (difficult to say not in the style of Hermione Granger). It...

Hi Mort Thanks for your reply. I’ll have a look out for Laurus Nobilis. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi I have set an alert with Burncoose and I’ll buy when next in stock. Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Darrel, Thanks for the response. I’m having a go with the following: - Osmanthus Burkwoodii - Ilex Crenata - Buxus Sempiverens (Box) - Lonicera Nitada - Pinus Mugo - Pinus Parviflora Negishi - Juniperus Chinensis Blue Alps - Juniperus Chinensis Kaizuka Variegata - Taxus Baccata I’ve...

In Jake Gibson’s book Niwaki, he says that his favourite plant to cloud prune is Phillyrea Latifolia. There are very few suppliers of this plant in the UK, they are almost entirely in the South East, the plants are large and delivery expensive. I’m trying to build up a range of plants to try...

Could it be: - strong water flow? - growing towards the light? - CO2 and light hitting one side more than another? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Embarrassing situations? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Zozo said “Have a look at this.. That shop seems to be in the UK” Herons Bonsai is great to visit, in person and on their website. They have many great videos, similar quality to The Green Machine. Very knowledgeable and interesting.

So, the plants are beginning to grow. With the lights so low, it’s like growing garden plants in February. The iPhone camera appears to have thrown the colours. The crypts at the back of the tank in particular have responded really well (see photo). My previous aquarium had a massive hair...

Before doing the upgrade, I tried writing a plan. I’m not saying this is the best way to do this, but having typed it up, I thought other people may find it helpful even just to think through what they would do. I’ve marked with a * the steps I thought about but didn’t take. It took me about 14...

Thank you to Ady34, Konsa, CooKieS, Onoma1 and jayp for the likes!

I’ve added one pot of Micranthemum Monte Carlo. Crypts, anubias and buces all putting on new growth. Hoping Bolbitus will fill top right. I’m removing most damaged leaves where new leaves appearing. Plant growth slow, because light is low. I’ve been doing a water change every 2 to 3 days. Algae...

Hi Darren, I don’t have experience with either of the lights you’ve mentioned, but I’ve set up a tank with Anubias, crypts, buces, Monte Carlo and Bolbitus - all Easy plants according to Tropica or Aquafleur. I’ve dropped the light level on the LED I have to just 2 out of 24 and I’m adding CO2...

Hi Ferdie, Your immersed set up looks fabulous!!! It’s the researching and reading around the hobby that I’ve found as interesting as the doing. A good distraction from the stresses of work. I’ll be sure to read up about immersed set ups. That’s very interesting about dosing your tank with...

Hi Ferdie Thank you very much for your very kind words. There are many strong arguments and competing theories concerning BBA and I should say that my proposal has no real scientific proof. I do still believe in the theory. However, if it has led you to an approach that you believe has worked...

I’ve added more, smaller rocks, I rescued a few more plants from the previous scape and have added Bolbitis Heudolotoii to the back right corner. I’ve still moving the small rocks around. Once settled, I’ll add the ADA Congo Sand between the rocks. Keeping the lights low and trying to keep up...

This is with the wood added. The rocks marked with a red dot on the left are holding the wood down and will be removed. Once the wood sinks on its own, I’ll try to reposition so the wood meets over the top of the stream. I’m going to add more rock (small) to narrow the stream at the back, add...

Thank you Dave. I may try to rescue some of the smallest Anubias and attach to small pieces of rock too.

I spent yesterday rescaping the aquarium between 7:30 and 21:00. As I’m running two external filters with mature filter media and transferred some sand and volcanic mineral, I’m hoping I have done sufficient to provide good filtration and seed the new tank. I’m going to do large, regular water...

It makes very good sense. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My existing aquarium has reached a point where I feel I need to start again. My previous design, After The Riffle (https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/after-the-riffle.38821/) has a large piece of driftwood across the middle of the aquarium, with an area for stem plants at the back. I’d like a...

Hi Clive and Rebel, Thank you for your responses. Just to clarify, for ease of maintenance going forward, I am planning to avoid carpeting and stem plants. Currently, there is no CO2 in the aquarium (but there was previously). The remaining plants have survived any melting process they would...

Hello ceg4048, Thank you very much for your reply. I’ve read lots of your posts, appreciate your input and very much respect your opinion. A little honest history about my aquarium. Although I have an in-line CO2 system, some months ago it developed a small leak and I made the decision to go...

You’re correct. The anubias most in shadow seem to have done the best. Even if all the leaves have been removed, I can tie the base with roots lower down and see how they get on. I’m planning an aquarium that is lower tech than my current set up. I’m just hoping I’ll find it easier to keep the...

Thank you very much for the reply. That sounds to be very sound advice. I realise nothing is going to be 100% successful (can’t get rid of all spores), but definitely worth a try. I have some glutaraldehyde, so all prepared for this approach. I guess with anubias, I can tie to wood and keep...

I’m considering rescaping my tank and making it lower tech and easier to maintain. Over the past two years, I’ve managed to grow a lot of small leafed Anubias and bucephelandras. However, I’m also doing a fabulous job of growing hair algae. To keep costs to a minimum, I’d like to recycle the...

Copied from TGM email. I took this to be that the physical shop is closing. However, not clear whether James is soon to launch a book. I took it to mean that they would provide an online store only, supported by videos. TGM Shop Closing, Aquascapign Book Coming Soon! It has been our pleasure...

Hi Michael550, I think the showroom is closing, but they still going to be trading online. Andy

Hi Neil, Thank you for your comment. This thread prompted The Aquatic Gardener magazine to make contact and propose an article, which was included in the Jan-Mar 2017 (vol 30) publication.

I see from your profile, you line in Surrey. If you haven't been, Heron's Bonsai in Surrey is well worth a visit. Have you considered air plants?

Have you considered moving your light back or lower or angling it or taking a tube out so there is less light on the front glass? A black background may mean algae is less obvious, on the back surface. The aquarium looks great! I'd love to try this style of tank.

I wonder if he's got a bit confused here. Blue green algae is an example of a type of bacteria (not algae) that captures energy through photosynthesis. There is a theory that plants evolved from cells consuming or absorbing blue green algae cells and gaining the ability to photosynthesise (The...

Jermseah, I'm not that experienced, so you'll get better advice from others. Like me, the plants you've picked so far are mostly 'Easy' plants and may be happier with lower lights. It looks like you've got CO2. You may need to watch out for the amount of flow you have, especially if you add...

Due mostly to the following paragraph, I emailed Glen Wheeler at The Marine Biological Association for his opinion on this discussion, but he didn't respond: https://www.mba.ac.uk/fellows/gwheeler/ "Many important marine algae require vitamin B12 for growth. Eukaryotes cannot synthesise...

Sure. According to Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutaraldehyde "A glutaraldehyde solution of 0.1% to 1.0% concentration may be used as a biocide for system disinfection and as a preservative for long term storage." "It kills cells quickly by crosslinking their proteins and is...

14 months after posting this suggestion, I'm still convinced that preventing an increased and established population of heterotrophic bacteria is the way to control BBA. However, without a lottery win there is no way to prove through experiments that this is the cause. I do have something...

I've never tried RO so there could be a big benefit. I've always had some algae, but I've put that down to me still getting to grips with the hobby / lazy with the water changes. It may be worth getting additional views. RO could help you keep your tank pristine. We're relatively lucky with our...

Thank you Darrell. Thinking back, I think they were probably saying this could be an issue for marine tanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I cycled the ADA soil only too (having read how The Green Machine prepare their monster tanks), but I wish I'd done more frequent water changes after I planted up. I got the feeling that ADA releases a lot of goodness into the water column for quite a long time. Woodford do have a planted tank...

I think I live within 20 miles of yourself, but I'm no expert! This link may help to determine water quality in your area http://www.unitedutilities.com/waterquality.aspx I can't find the post, but DW1305 (Darrel - UKAPS expert) commented on the results for water quality in my area and said...

You could try these suggestions, but others will disagree. This is what has helped me manage but not eliminate hair algae. DW1305 (Darrel) was saying that hair algae has very similar requirements to plants, so difficult to separate and eliminate without chemicals. - Use a toothbrush like...

Not sure, lots of algae, but thank you very much. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Eduard18, Fukushima is in north east of the country. According to Tom's profile, he appears to be in the south west. Hi Tom, How warm has the weather been? Could it be temperature driving out gases?

Hi Alex I've used it in my 'scape (Journal - After The Riffle), which is my first real attempt, so I'm sorry I've nothing to compare with. I was concerned about depth of ADA Aquasoil at the back, becoming compacted and anaerobic. I didn't use the Volcano Mineral Powder, but added some TNC...

I went to these guys today, who refilled my 2Kg fire extinguisher for £5. Good service. John Burton Co2 Fire Solutions Ltd Unit 26 The Hives Mosley Road Trafford Park M17 1HQ Office: 0161 873 7460 http://www.co2firesolutions.co.uk

Alto, your approach sounds much better than mine. Rather than doing one big re-scape, I have tried to do a bit at a time, at the same time as a major water change. Your steps to protect the filter sound very wise. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably not as often or as big a volume as others would recommend. I guess I've been changing 60 to 70% each week. However, I've been trying to keep on top of the hair algae in between. Each water change, I'm trying to attack it in different ways. Today, I did a water change but also: -...

I took the Crypt Balansae out of the back left and I've replaced it with Pogostemon Erectus. I've pulled the moss off the driftwood as it had grown too thick and was dying underneath and breaking away. I've bought some Tropica 1-2 Grow Xmas Moss. With all the messing about I've been doing...

Also, I think a Japanese style waterfall garden may add quite a lot in terms of material cost and weight on the slope (particularly if lots of big rocks).

Have you thought about the style of garden? Have you considered a Japanese Dry Waterfall (Google search), to extend up the garden higher than your pump may reach? This website maybe interesting http://www.myjapanesegarden.com

Looks absolutely fabulous! A lot of hard work, but looking really good. I particularly like how you've continued the lighting around the field too I really envy you.

Aqua360, this is great! The shape of the tank looks great. The hardscape is really good, excellent stones and wood. You've placed them really well. Very natural. Do you feel a but coming up ... (Sorry)? I've had more success with Anubias Petite since I've moved it into the shade. Have you...

... Or you could re-name your journal 'The aquascape with the stone on the far right which is off'!!! Just to make Zozo feel reeeeaaally uncomfortable! Sorry, couldn't resist! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Extremely good Nelson. Very natural. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Could it be poor flow not distributing the CO2 to low down at the front?

I really enjoyed the planning stage as I found it a great way to relax. However, I think we've all found that aquascapes really are living, breathing things. They have a habit of doing the things you don't expect or hope they won't do!

Daveslaney, AnhBui, Nelson and CooKieS - thank you

This is probably very unwise, but since previous posts, I have decided to have a bit of a re-scape. This is very much a work in progress as I'm doing a bit each weekend. So far I have: - Got rid of the Rotala Green and Micranthemum Monte Carlo - I've planted stems of Rotala Rotundifolia and...

You're doing a brilliant job! Must be back breaking work. What a view! I hope your plan includes a bench!

Thanks For the reply Tom. Please don't take photos of the messy LFS. Too much for my OCD! Very interesting about the Wabi Kusa in the better LFS. I've not seen this in the UK yet (but many times on the ADA videos). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Tom, I, for one, am really interested to hear about your aquascaping experience in Japan. I'd even appreciate seeing photos of a Japanese LFS! ADA are such an influential company, but it would be interesting to hear more about what's happening in their home market. I love Japanese and Zen...

Hi Kezzab, Others will give you better advice, but here are my thoughts! In my opinion, Cyanobacteria is associated with high organics, poor flow and too much light. I suspect your high crypt melt could be the cause. It may be worth giving your filter a clean. Also, gravel cleaning may help...

You're right. Floating plants helped me with your first issue, excess light, excess nutrients and not enough water changes. With insufficient nutrients probably the last thing you need are floating plants! I knew I should have read the thread properly! Sorry.

Floating plants helped me to get more balance (I had real problems with hair algae - advice from DW1305). As they have access to unlimited CO2, they can help soak up excess nutrients. They also create some shade. One pot of Tropica 1-2 would be enough and it won't increase risk of imported...

The tank is incredible Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi CooKieS, I agree. The Cryptocoryne Crispatula have grown far too long. In hindsight, a smaller leafed plant, like Rotala would have been much better. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not an expert, so this may go horribly wrong for you. Perhaps try on a small part of the plant near the back. I noticed a big difference with Pinatifida when I pinched out (I cut it) the main growing stem. It has then thrown out lots of side shoots, which I've then trimmed again, to try and...

Quick update. Full tank shot: Right hand side: Left hand side: Angled full tank shot:

Looks amazing. I'm watching this thread.

Also, expert DW1305 (Darrel) frequently recommends adding floating plants, even if this only at the start (easy to get rid). They have access to the 400ppm of CO2 and access to the excess nutrients in the water, so their rate of growth is less constrained. They're closer to the lights and...

I've just been wondering about this. For example, Rotala Rotundifolia has round leaves when grown emersed (access to 400ppm CO2 in air). However, once underwater it will gradually lose its emersed leaves and grow new underwater leaves. During this change, it may be drawing goodness from the old...

A quick update now it's looking more grown in. Hope you like it. Still struggling with some hair algae and a bit of BBA. Can't quite get the hand of trimming the Rotala. I'm going to start just trimming the longer shoots, more often. Previously, I've been waiting until it's too long, then...

Building on what Darrel and Shawnmac have said, I'm sure you'll have read the following, but if not, you may find these very interesting: http://www.loaches.com/articles/a-river-runs-through-it http://www.loaches.com/articles/hillstream-loaches-the-specialists-at-life-in-the-fast-lane...

Thank you very much to everyone who has replied. Lots of brilliant ideas to try. Cycling the substrate with used tank water sounds a good idea. It sounds like freezing may be over the top. Need to practise pouring underwater using a small beaker or bottle. I'll do some experiments and let...

JJ on one of the Scapefu podcasts made reference to freezing nutrients and pushing them into the substrate, which gave me the idea. As it is only a small amount, perhaps I could pre-load an off cut of filter tubing and keep my thumb over the end. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sorry, this should have probably gone in the 'Substrates' section. I guess the other option would be to use soil tabs under the gravel. However, the substrate isn't very deep and I'm not sure this would be as successful with carpeting plants.

There is a small rectangular gap between two rocks at the front of my aquascape, which is currently filled with very fine gravel. I'd like to replace the gravel with ADA Amazonia. I can remove the gravel using my gravel cleaner. However, I have been trying to think of a way I could get...

Sorry, the main point I was trying to make was that I thought it was good for this hobby that there was a piece about planted tanks (about 14 mins in) on this popular radio show. The comment about there being little benefit to watering your garden with aquarium water was from a show a few weeks...

There was a piece on this week's Gardener's Question Time (BBC podcast 06/05/16 East Cornwall) from the Aquatic Design Centre, London. A few weeks ago, an audience member offered a top tip of using aquarium water to water your garden with, which the panel thought was of little value. Obviously...

Ale-gae?

This image has been presented previously in this thread:

Hi Soilwork, This paper discusses large scale shrimp production and what needs to be added to ensure that the system remains in balance. This includes a section on autotrophic bacteria. The paper provides chemical equations for Nitrification by autotrophic bacteria, which consumes HCO3...

This is quite embarrassing. I've so enjoyed reading about aquascaping that it has inspired me to try something alternative in a small border in our front garden. This is more about me practising and learning than it looking good. Aquascaping has given me the confidence to try out design ideas...

I secured mine using two L shaped metal brackets from local DIY store, screwed to the back of the aquarium cabinet and used two fabric ties, the ones you can get from garden centres to hold trees to stakes in the ground (the ones like the straps on a rucksack) - tied around the top and bottom of...

In my limited experience, I get cyano worst where: - flow is lowest - sunlight may be brightest (not shining on the tank, but at the front) - waste may be building up - my filter may be due a clean Putting card at substrate level to block excess light can help to reduce it (I think this is a...

We've just changed our home lighting to LED. The cost of bulbs is coming down dramatically. Lots of market pressure to make very energy efficient, high output lighting. Scapefu podcast about Build My LED (US Company) coming out of aquarium lighting to focus on booming terrestrial agriculture...

I've got an 80cm Arcadia Classica LED OTL on (not suspended above) a 140 litre aquarium (80L X 45D X 40H). I'm running CO2. It's total output is 89W. For me, this equates to 0.6 Watts/Litre. However, they've measured the output to be 280 PAR at 300mm (see link at bottom of post). If we say...

Sounds good! Thank you Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Fred, you've had over 3100 views so people are interested / keep coming back to see how you are getting on. If it's becoming a headache, do an update less often, but definitely do another post when the build is finished. Write the minimum, but include photos. Don't feel you have to reply to...

Makes good sense.

Paraguay, I agree with Richard at Aqua Essentials advice and is what others should follow. However, in my case, I think the nutrient concentration was too high in my new tank, as I hadn't been doing enough water changes early on (I hoped I had cycled the ADA Amazonia before planting). I tried...

In my tank, the green hair algae on moss is worst in the spots where the light is brightest (close to the top and centre of the tank). I'm trying to move lower light loving plants into shadier spots, as exposing them to too much light seems to make them unhappy and brings on the algae (e.g...

I've added an airstone to run on a timer overnight, for about 8 hours. From what other's have said, I agree it's a good way to keep O2 in the system when the plants are not photosynthesising, to benefit fauna, flora and bacteria. It also helps to break up any film on the surface. I wonder if it...

Looking really good Halley. Very impressive. Did the ice cream work? Have the characters gone for a walk into the jungle and you can't see them any more?

Scapefu did a podcast recently concerning adding vinegar to his aquarium and it having a positive impact on how healthy his tank appeared. The podcast spoke about various reasons why he believed this was. I think it being a carbon source was one hypothesis. I was just throwing it out there that...

Adding vinegar (acetic acid) to your aquarium would act to reduce pH. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sciencefiction, I agree with everything you've said! Andy

Perhaps the importance of the 30ppm concentration is the 1 pH drop it induces? Using a pH drop to prevent the multiplication of the heterotrophic bacteria, reduces the release of ammonia while the lights are on, meaning less nitrogen compounds for the algae to create proteins and grow.