substrates

In private conversation, a member of this community asked me some questions about using plain silica sand as a substrate. In my country, silica sand ever was and still is a default substrate, so talking about its pros and cons seems rather redundant. Yet I have noticed that within this...

Here's my take on running a successful low maintenance low tech low budget tank. I have adopted these rules over many years of aquatic experience and have learnt by my mistakes Pick a theme. My particular themed tank simulates a medium flow river bed. Do your research. Learn the water...

Hey everybody So I’ve a Juwel Lido 200 that I think is ready for an makeover. I’m looking to go heavily planted but have no co2 etc as of yet (just the lights/heater/filter). Happy to go co2 to ensure a better balanced tank. We can talk everything from substrate to hardscape to plants. All...

hello guys, so i went today to the aquarium design centre and bought Tropica Aquarium Soil 3kg for my new 50litre aquarium. I did the setup and think I need more substrate so i ordered on amazon the Fluval Plant & Shrimps Stratum 4kg. Should i put the fluval on top of the tropica, mix them or...

Hi, I feel my CPD's and shrimp need more space and so they are getting an upgrade from 40L tank to 54L (60x30x30). It will probably take months to set it up since I cannot afford buying all the equipment at once...The idea is to go for a heavily planted nature scape with both stone and wood. I...

I came across this video by Dr Anne Jefferson who runs the Water Hydrology Unit at Kent State University. Thought it was worth a share for those who've not seen it. She has a great blog as well.

Can under gravel filters be made to work in a tank with few fish and shrimps? I'm thinking of different layers of the right substrates, a power head etc. I like the unobtrusive nature of these filters. I suppose I am talking extremely low tech. It needs to be a simple set up as SWMBO is a...