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  1. George Farmer

    Hard water help

    I have hard water - same as @Aquarium Gardens. We need more CO2 than folk with softer water, and growth on some species can be challenging. However, the trade off in terms of saving time, water, energy and cost makes the decision quite easy not to use RO.
  2. George Farmer

    The Great British Scape Off

    Exciting! Have fun :D
  3. George Farmer

    Rimless tank options post-EA?

    Pilkington is a UK brand that use the brand name “OptiWhite”. Most glass tanks are made in China and use their own low iron glass.
  4. George Farmer

    Rimless tank options post-EA?

    My consultation contract with EA ceased in 2018 and since have had no involvement. Please spread the word.
  5. George Farmer

    Why do we advise Newbies like me low tech

    You're welcome. All the best with your aquascaping journey! :)
  6. George Farmer

    Why do we advise Newbies like me low tech

    These days I encourage beginners interested in aquascaping to stick with easy plants, low-moderate light and CO2 injection. This is a trifecta of guaranteed success in my experience! :D
  7. George Farmer

    UKAPS Aquatic Plant Layout Contest?

    Seriously I would love to visit the best aquascapes in person! :D
  8. George Farmer

    New Aquascaping Podcast

    Thanks guys! Really appreciate the feedback. Latest episode has some interesting stories...
  9. George Farmer

    New Aquascaping Podcast

    Hi all, I've started a new podcast on aquascaping if you're interested! https://anchor.fm//georgefarmer Feedback and ideas for future episodes and seasons welcome. Also I have a new website. https://www.georgefarmerstudios.com Cheers, George
  10. George Farmer

    George’s new book

    Nearly finished the manuscript...
  11. George Farmer

    She loves it!

  12. George Farmer

    My Top 10 Tips!

    Watch to the end for the outtakes! Merry Christmas, all! X
  13. George Farmer

    Evolution Aqua The Aquascaper 900 Tank (Anyone have one of these?)

    UKAPS Webmaster, @LondonDragon, has one. Ask him. :)
  14. George Farmer

    To vacuum or not to vacuum....that is the question.

    I believe good substrate maintenance is essential for long-term aquascape success. A lot of waste production (from bacteria and plants, as well as the usual fish/inverts) accumulates over time - even with the best filtration/circulation and plant growth. I do not vacuum specifically, but wave...
  15. George Farmer

    Tropica & Pets at Home

    All shops selling plants need a decent display tank/aquascape to show them off. Otherwise it is fruitless. Simple as that.
  16. George Farmer

    APS Optiwhite Aquarium

    Is an Aquascaper tank not suitable?
  17. George Farmer

    APS Optiwhite Aquarium

    Interesting. I guess that's why they're so cheap.
  18. George Farmer

    The death of Aquascaping World

    I used to be quite active on ASW, back when Jurijs and John were admin. Obviously after UKAPS forum was formed I spend most of my effort here and didn't go on there much. I have huge respect for Shawn Mac, the current admin, and it's a shame it seems to being dying off. I wish them all the...
  19. George Farmer

    The death of Aquascaping World

    Careful mate, that's pretty offensive to some folk.
  20. George Farmer

    George visits Dennerle

    Hi all, Here's a video summarising my trip to Dennerle in Germany recently. I hope you like it! Cheers, George
  21. George Farmer

    AGA 2016 Competition

    Strewth - that came around quickly. No chance of photographing any of my current 'scapes in time. Might enter the biotope category though :)
  22. George Farmer

    Dennerle Scaper Tank 50l

    Hi. I set one of these up recently. Nice size and for £50 that's a bargain. The external filter is a bit of an eye-sore but perfectly functional.
  23. George Farmer

    Balancing light, co2 and ferts on a new tank

    You're welcome. Yes, there's always conflicting information because there are many ways to achieve positive results. My advice is to find one method used by one reputable person and stick with that, rather than using/mixing individual elements from various sources. That can lead to confusion...
  24. George Farmer

    Balancing light, co2 and ferts on a new tank

    Hi Paul. What size is the aquarium? Period of no light after planting? Light from Day 0. 7 hours a day, as long as CO2 is up to spec. Initial light intensity and period (low initial intensity? 1 bulb, 5 or 6 hours?) Depending on tank size and your planting, but 1-2 tubes. 7 hours. Initial...
  25. George Farmer

    Discussion: What's your favourite part of the hobby and why?

    WCMM are my favourite fish right now. So underrated and colourful in the right conditions.
  26. George Farmer

    Discussion: What's your favourite part of the hobby and why?

    A thread worth resurrecting, I think... I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Lots of new members since this was posted... :)
  27. George Farmer

    How do you plan your Aquascapes

    In my head. Then it always changes as I set it up! :)
  28. George Farmer

    Bit of a disaster Help!!

    As per their previous post - Bracknell. :)
  29. George Farmer

    Bit of a disaster Help!!

    Your plants may be ok for up to 2 weeks without decent light. Depends on species. Even if they're struggling by the point you get new lights, they will hopefully recover. Good luck.
  30. George Farmer

    George's Algae Disaster!

    I think it a was an old blog that I wrote on the previous PFK website. It's been totally updated since then because they were hacked so all the old links are broken. Sorry.
  31. George Farmer

    Amano RIP?

    I literally cried into my girlfriend arms this morning at 530am. He helped make me the man I am today. Without his work I have no idea what I'd be doing with my life right now. "Inspirational" doesn't come close. So sad I never met him to thank him in person.
  32. George Farmer

    Does CO2 injection cause disease? Thoughts?

    Now, now, Troi. Please play nicely.
  33. George Farmer

    Finally... UK aquascaping competiion.

    Looking forward to it. So who's entering?
  34. George Farmer

    new IAPLC judging criteria.. your thoughts please ?

    Hi all, I think it's an interesting move, and one that may have been brought about by feedback regarding a somewhat recent 'diorama' backlash. If so, I think that's good... A point of note. When I judged the 2008 AGA contest, with Amano on the panel too, his favourite 'scape was a diorama...
  35. George Farmer

    IAPLC 2014

    Yep. I'm a sucker for punishment!
  36. George Farmer

    Who's read the Daily Mail today...

    It's good to see aquascaping reaching more folk. But it is a shame that it's not represented accurately in this case.
  37. George Farmer

    Half price fish

    TGM decided not to re-new their sponsorship. They did not say why. Please don't make assumptions and criticise their pricing policy on UKAPS. If you take issue with them, do so with them directly. Cheers George
  38. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Guys, I've deleted the last few posts because I don't want this thread to descend into personal insults. You know the rules. If you don't, please read them. They're posted at the top of every page. Please post in a constructive manner. Cheers George
  39. George Farmer

    Aquarium sizes

    "Less is more" and "quality over quantity". That's my bag.
  40. George Farmer

    Your personal aquascaping/aquarium highlights from 2013

    All great highlights guys! :) I really like the nomination/award idea. Watch this space...
  41. George Farmer

    Your personal aquascaping/aquarium highlights from 2013

    Hi all, With the end of 2013 fast approaching I thought it would be interesting to share our personal planted tank and aquascaping highlights from the year. They can be anything from your own successful 'scapes, breeding fish, beating algae, new kit, new plants etc. Mine was setting up my...
  42. George Farmer

    Breaking rules

    +1 on the low PAR, especially the NA-Green. I had more PAR over same tank using 25w LED. They look bright because our eyes are most sensitive to green, but there's relatively little blue/red which is responsible for PAR. Scape looks great though, despite lack of consistent maintenance. There...
  43. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    I have one running myself now. I'll report back soon.
  44. George Farmer

    Glass cleaning at substrate levek

    Yes, credit card is great for getting between substrate and glass (perfect for preventing BGA), but I find sometimes the algae build-up at and just above the substrate can be very stubborn. The stainless steel blade of the scraper I linked makes it a bit easier and in shallow tank you don't...
  45. George Farmer

    Glass cleaning at substrate levek

    I use this occasionally - Rena Maintenance - Algae Scraper | Birstall
  46. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    I "give in". I'm getting one. :)
  47. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Hi Darrell How do you think the O2 is produced? By separating the O from the H2O using electrolysis? Cyano does pearl too. I've had it myself (insert puking noise here).
  48. George Farmer

    Trouble finding inspiration

    Hi Dominic I took the liberty of checking out your earlier posts to see your level of experience, so my advice would be appropriate. So as a newcomer to aquascaping with a non-CO2 system my biggest tip would be to understand that you will need patience. Find an aquascape you love that's...
  49. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Good points, NatureBoy. :) What I see is an interesting product that seems have some benefits. Sure, we've only seen them on nice scapes so far, but it's still useful to see. But yes, it is clever marketing also.
  50. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Interesting point, Luis. Personally I'm prepared to try new stuff without fully understanding it. Heck, I still don't fully understand so much about this amazing hobby. That's a massive part of its appeal for me and certainly nothing to be fearful of. I thank folk like Viktor for trying out...
  51. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Hi Nathaniel I have a huge amount of respect for Viktor (and Dave Chow) and believe this unit does something, even though we don't know how. To post such a flippant insinuation is a little disrespectful to the work that Viktor has done and shared with us here on UKAPS.
  52. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Could it be a fancy version of this from the 1970s? Patent US3891535 - Aquarium water treatment apparatus - Google Patents
  53. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    A colleague in the industry is also sure it isn't ozone. They are hopefully getting one to test. Apparently with two simple experiments they'll find out how it works for certain. Unfortunately they won't tell me more than that, but if I find out more I'll let you know.
  54. George Farmer

    Difference between TMC ADA SIGNATURE

    ADA is perceived as the most premium and luxury aquascaping brand available - a yardstick by which others are measured, so it's only natural that similar products that cost less will be discussed. If I find a product that I see as equal in terms of quality, and good value, then I'm certainly...
  55. George Farmer

    Difference between TMC ADA SIGNATURE

    Hi Nathaniel, No, I never said I was selling my TMC Signature. But I did say I was getting an NA. And I did say I couldn't afford an ADA. My (affording ADA) comments were tongue-in-cheek. I'll try to make it clearer in future. :)
  56. George Farmer

    Difference between TMC ADA SIGNATURE

    Also consider the 60x30x45 TMC Signature. The shallower 30cm height makes it much easier to maintain, easier to provide good circulation, better light at the substrate and more opportunity for exposed wood and emergent plants. I'm also not sure if the 60x45x45 is available in clear silicone -...
  57. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    I have to say, if I were plagued with algae and all else failed (addressing lighting, CO2, circulation, maintenance, ferts) then I would buy one. It maybe hard to find how it works in fear of 3rd party rip-offs.
  58. George Farmer

    Twinstar..what is it?

    Thanks for the comprehensive post Viktor. Very interesting product. :) I wonder if they'll develop an inline version!
  59. George Farmer

    Easy carpeting plant

    Sounds like you have a good set-up so your choice could be more related to aesthetics rather than easiness. Think about your aquascape and what plant suits it best. E. parvula is faster growing and easier than E. mini. It's probably one of the easiest carpeting plants commonly available.
  60. George Farmer

    Protip: If you're not Plantbrain, stop posting like you are

    Hi wet, Interesting topic. Your title scared me a bit. I thought you were a troll! I hope to see you more active on here - maybe in a slightly less controversial manner... The more experts the better, and maybe you'll offer something refreshing in terms of advice. :) Cheers George
  61. George Farmer

    Discussion on substrate and fertilization

    I like to use both active soil (ADA Aqua Soil, TMC nutraSoil etc.) and water column nutrients. This ensures the plants are always well-fed, and if I miss the occasional liquid dose, it does not matter. For epiphytic plants water column nutrients is important too, especially in higher-energy...
  62. George Farmer

    Discussion on substrate and fertilization

    Yes. Providing other growing conditions are met. :) This aquascape is plain quartz gravel. iwagumi2 by George Farmer, on Flickr Specialist substrates certainly help, but they're not necessary. Appropriate light, CO2 and other nutrient dosing and delivery, and maintenance are far more...
  63. George Farmer

    2 days at aqua telford

    These are two I did as demonstrations for the visitors at AQUA. :) Two lucky punters got to take away the whole set-ups at the end of the show, aquascapes included.
  64. George Farmer

    2 days at aqua telford

    There was no official UKAPS involvement. It's just all the aquascapers involved happen to be UKAPS members invited along by the trade. Sorry for the hijack, Alistair.
  65. George Farmer

    2 days at aqua telford

    Nice scapes mate, and great to see you all there! Shame you guys couldn't stay for the dinner and ceremony.
  66. George Farmer

    Live aquascaping on twitter - tonight

    Nice idea. If I'm free I'll check it out. :)
  67. George Farmer

    Lily pipes for shallow tanks

    From UKAPS Sponsor... :) Cascade Glass Nano Inlet Pipe 17mm
  68. George Farmer

    What waste do plants produce?

    Sorry for the diversion but... Hi Darrel, Can you explain why I get BBA only on my wood? I assumed it was the wood breaking down (it's very soft) and the organic matter feeding the algae.
  69. George Farmer

    Want to set up a display tank in your LFS?

    No problem. It's all written in the UKAPS Rules & Guidelines but I realise few folk actually read them. :)
  70. George Farmer

    Want to set up a display tank in your LFS?

    Very nice. Please consider starting a separate thread to do your tank more justice. :) As a retail employee though, I would ask you politely not directly mention your employer as they are not a UKAPS sponsor. Keep up the good work. :) George
  71. George Farmer

    Visit to Planted Tanks shop, Selby, N.Yorks

    Hi all Planted Tanks has ceased trading so please don't visit on the basis of this thread. Cheers George
  72. George Farmer

    New aquascaping journal...

    A beautiful publication! Love it. :)
  73. George Farmer

    List-like FTS thread?

    Done. :) Let's get some 'scapes on there! UKAPS Members' Full-Tank Shots | UK Aquatic Plant Society
  74. George Farmer

    List-like FTS thread?

    I think FTS, aquascape title, dimensions and link to journal (if available).
  75. George Farmer

    List-like FTS thread?

    It's a great idea. I would be happy to moderate it. We could keep it really simple with an intro post stating "post a finished full-tank shot of your aquascape and the following details (spec list). Any other posts will be deleted." Or words to that effect.
  76. George Farmer

    Amano's use of diffusers

    I personally much prefer inline diffusers. Aesthetics are a priority for me so to eliminate as much equipment from the aquascape as possible is a good thing. I also find that the CO2 mist created from my Up Aqua inline diffuser is very effective with microbubbles reaching all over the water...
  77. George Farmer

    Amano's use of diffusers

    Hi guys, I'm not sure it is high CO2, as relatively little of the CO2 mist gets distributed all over the tank (compared with a decent inline diffuser and lots of flow), with much of it hitting the surface. Also in Amano's earlier publications where he stated his CO2 levels; they were rarely...
  78. George Farmer

    Amano's use of diffusers

    Hi Murf The tanks in the NA Gallery have been discussed a few times on UKAPS. This is what I wrote last time (extracted from Iain's Asia Dreams journal). 1. Very frequent maintenance. Likely daily. Big maintenance team always on hand to nip any issues in the bud. 2. Low lighting levels. Sure...
  79. George Farmer

    A bit of a plug for Dobbies in P'boro.

    Yes, you're best getting there soon after delivery of new stock. The plants tend to die quite quickly in their poorly lit and underfed holding tanks otherwise (unless things have changed in recent months).
  80. George Farmer

    What's new pussy cat?

    Welcome back mate. :D My word you've a lot to catch up on in the planted tank and aquascaping world. Things move pretty quickly round here. :) Are you still in Deeping? You're welcome to pop over for a beer and a proper catch-up! :)
  81. George Farmer

    Congratulations Mark Evans of Tropica!

    Well done mate. Those that can pursue a successful career in a subject they're passionate about - well that's a great position to be in. I was going to say "lucky", but you've worked your butt off over the last few years, and in this case you've certainly created your own "luck". I'm really...
  82. George Farmer

    Open tanks...advantages and disadvantages.

    Advantages - Looks better especially if complimented with nice gear such as glassware and suspended lighting. Open top gives additional viewing points. Exposed wood and planting add a further sense of nature too. Maintenance is easier. Disadvantages - Water loss through evaporation and...
  83. George Farmer

    Converting from Marine reef setup

    Hi Rich and welcome. I'm pleased you've chosen UKAPS to ask your questions. I can vouch for the quality and consistancy of information from our members. Have you read this article yet? Setting up a “higher” tech planted tank | UK Aquatic Plant Society With regards your lighting; do you have...
  84. George Farmer

    Aquatics live cancelled.

    UKAPS at Festival of Fishkeeping is happening. Details soon. :)
  85. George Farmer

    Aquatics live cancelled.

    I won't go into the full story but it is not PFK's fault at all that this year's event is cancelled. Please stop bashing PFK without knowing the facts. Aquatics Live 2012 was publicised in PFK; mag and web. Cheers, George
  86. George Farmer

    right move or schoolboy error ?

    If in doubt, prune it. :) If your growing conditions are good then there's absolutely nothing to worry about.
  87. George Farmer

    Merchandise

    Offer to set up a display tank for them. :) Want to set up a display tank in your LFS? | UK Aquatic Plant Society
  88. George Farmer

    Merchandise

    Resources | UK Aquatic Plant Society :)
  89. George Farmer

    Merchandise

    Dan Crawford is our merchandising guy. He's super busy at the moment so try pinging him a PM if he doesn't spot this thread. :)
  90. George Farmer

    so far 1 massive dissapointment . happier now

    I love a happy ending. A worthwhile thread anyway, especially for other newcomers to the hobby who are inexperienced with mail-order plants, so nothing to be ashamed of.
  91. George Farmer

    I got wood!

    Nice one mate. Can't beat a nice bit of wood for your aquascaping pleasure.
  92. George Farmer

    so far 1 massive dissapointment . happier now

    Hi plantnoob Your plants look relatively normal to me for brand new plants fresh from shipment. They will soon perk up in the right conditions. Bent stems etc. are to be expected from mail order plants. If you wish to make a complaint regarding the lack of plant mass then please contact the...
  93. George Farmer

    Cherry shrimp deaths

    Sorry for your loss. I assume you've just added the cherry shrimp. Did you acclimatise the new shrimp? How long for? How much CO2 are you dosing? How different was the water chemistry from their origin to your own? It sounds like they've had a hard time adjusting to their new home.
  94. George Farmer

    The evolution of ukaps

    Thanks, Martin. :)
  95. George Farmer

    Blender, yogurt and moss

    George's TMC Signature - new pics pg27 | Page 12 | UK Aquatic Plant Society :)
  96. George Farmer

    Bit of eye candy...

    I've been a huge fan of Norbert's work since the early 00s. One of the best European Nature Aquarium aquascapers there are, and probably partly responsible for Poland and other Eastern European countries being so involved in aquascaping. Thanks for sharing! :)
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