Promoting Planted Aquariums

[George Farmer]

Hello everyone,

I’m posting these photos in an attempt to boost the planted aquarium hobby, especially in the UK. All these aquascapes were created by fellow forum members.

The aquariums featured here follow high-tech principles i.e. plenty of light (typically over 2.5wpg), CO2 injection, nutrient-rich substrate, nutrient-rich water column and of course effective biological filtration (typically via external canister).

Many are put off by the high-tech hobby as it may appear quite demanding and expensive. This is true to an extent but the rewards speak for themselves.

So why not take the plunge? The planted forum here on TFF is full of good information and friendly advice, although I have to admit I’ve been rather busy recently.

For those who have access to Practical Fishkeeping magazine there is soon to be (6th Sept - sooner for subscribers) published a three-part series on the high-tech subject. The series is written in a style that should prove accessible to all experience levels.

For some idea of what to expect you can take a look here (you’ll have to register but the site it excellent).
http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...g.php?blogid=45

 

[Rafael Dilone]

That is some very good aquascapeing 8) I have to say that the cardinal tetras are the best fish to have in a true planted aquarium as you have shown.

 

[demonmagus]

awesome pics, going to make my tank planted now

 

[andywg]

So why not take the plunge?

Simply? 2 reasons:

1) I like fish, not plants:

I particularly like larger fish which come with a higher oxygen dependancy and a need for more rigorous water filtration. As such, my FW tanks all run on wet/dry filtration making CO2 supplementation useless. Also, most of my fish are fairly reclusive, and so prefer the far darker lights over my tanks, again making plants a fairly strong no go.

2) I prefer SW:

As my FW fish die off, they will not be replaced allowing me more room to set up SW tanks. While one could argue that by growing macro-algae and the symbiotic algae oft utilised in marine systems I am going "planted", I do not believe it is really comparable.

Don't get me wrong, the planted tanks look quite nice, but I would far rathr have a tank with frogfish, lionfish, groupers or morays; even aros and FW rays than some greenery.

You really have to decide, do you want a planted system with fewer, smaller fish, or a more dedicated fish system with more rigorous filtration and surface agitation/gas exchange.

And to each his own.

 

[Afroman22]

Dude, if you don't have anything nice to say about George's amazing tanks and plants you shouldn't say anything at all. I mean that was flatout rude.


Amazing tanks george!

 

[Barracuda518]

Wow, very impressive. Im going to start me a planted tank soon, after some more research. Then Im hoping to make all my tanks planted. Thanks for the pictures

 

[Gankutsuou]

I;ve been doing some heavy planting, but not THAT much

I love the grass like stuff though. What is it and where could I get some

 

[Wisperian]

I;ve been doing some heavy planting, but not THAT much

I love the grass like stuff though. What is it and where could I get some

I think its microsword. But I'm just guessing but its probably not. My microsword is darker

 

[wuvmybetta]

It's hard to believe that several of those are only 8 gallon tanks, they're stunning.

 

[planter]

quote 'All these aquascapes were created by fellow forum members'

does Justin law use this forum?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

very nice, i'm contemplating it with my 8g tank. Just got my betta for it and he's stunning as it's obviously very lightly stocked and betta's don't need a lot of oxygen in the water, also the tank comes with t5 lights so I'm half way there. Just getting the marine tank set up is the first major expense then maybe I'll put some time into doing it as a little nano planted.

 

[Captain Retardo]

The people who have tanks like this are completely amazing! I would do something like that, but I don't have anything fancy schmancy, I will get a good light soon, and that is it, so I hope to add atleast some plants to my tank, as I still think it looks a little bare

 

[George Farmer]

I like fish, not plants.... and to each his own.

Indeed. I understand that some prefer fish tanks to planted tanks. Thanks for sharing your views, it's always nice to hear from other angles.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Let me ask you something George Farmer: Is it possible to have a tank that even remotely resemble those tanks with just a good light?

 

[George Farmer]

Let me ask you something George Farmer: Is it possible to have a tank that even remotely resemble those tanks with just a good light?

Possible, yes. With high lighting however CO2 and other nutrients are essential. So if you choose low-med light then you will be limited by plant species.

For more info check out the pinned threads in the planted section and ask any questions there.

Thanks for your interest.