Lay out materials are one of the most important aspects of aquascaping. Materials such as stones and pieces of driftwood help create a more natural scene inside a planted aquarium. The type, shapes, and placement of the these materials can evoke moods and feelings for the observer. The combination of wood with rock or simply using one or the other can greatly improve your aquascape. Continue reading ‘Design Attractive Aquascaping Layouts’
Living in an apartment or condominium certainly can be advantageous. I’m happy just not having to maintain a lawn! I do, however, yearn for a little slice of my own outdoor area from time to time. With spring fever hitting hard, desire for the outdoors starts to peak! So, what’s one to do living the city life with no outdoor world to call your own? You create it! I’m going to show you how to create your own small water garden, perfect for patios or even a sunlit balcony! Continue reading ‘Urban Pond’
Creating Depth and Perspectve in an Aquascape
Published by June 7th, 2008 in Freshwater and Plants. 0 CommentsI am going explain the principle of perspective, a very important consideration to take into account when aquascaping an aquarium. For the purposes of demonstrating these principles I have used photos of my own aquaria. There are a number of ways to give your aquascape perspective. I will explain how to create depth and perspective effectively.
Substrate Positioning
Before you even begin to aquascape the aquarium, you can create a sense of depth and perspective using only the substrate. By sloping the substrate towards the back of the aquarium, you immediately give the impression that the tank is deeper than it really is.
Sand paths through the “centre” of the tank are popular, and can greatly increase the perspective of the aquascape. The path should start out wide at the front of the aquarium, and get progressively narrower the further back it goes. This gives the impression of the path disappearing into the distance. An excellent example can be found in Peter Kirwan’s iwagumi feature in the April 2008 issue. Continue reading ‘Creating Depth and Perspectve in an Aquascape’
Eheim 2213. Flow rates, and DIY flow reducing mods for nano tanks.
Published by May 24th, 2008 in Equiptment. 0 CommentsWritten by: lescarpentier The discontinuation of the Eheim 2211 in America created a void in the filter market that has yet to be filled.Owners of nano tanks who need or desire a canister filter must now resort to filters that are, at best, of questionable quality. A top quality canister filter is no longer readily available to the nano community. Continue reading ‘Eheim 2213. Flow rates, and DIY flow reducing mods for nano tanks.’
Eheim 2213.Removing the media basket to increase media capacity.
Published by May 24th, 2008 in Equiptment. 0 Commentswritten by: lescarpentier The 2213 is the only filter in the Classic line that is provided with a media basket. I found that the basket actually made the servicing of this filter more difficult than my much larger 2217. After I noticed snails between the basket and the outer canister I knew that at least some water was bypassing the filter media,so I made the decision to eliminate the basket.
Lattice screens, part # 7273050, are available to make this conversion,however I found them a little difficult to find, and in limited supply. Another alternative is to purchase lattice screens for the 2215, part # 7274050, and remove the outer ring on the screen to produce a carbon copy of part # 7273050. Continue reading ‘Eheim 2213.Removing the media basket to increase media capacity.’
Eheim 2215 and 2217 facts and DIY performance mods.
Published by May 24th, 2008 in Equiptment. 0 CommentsWritten by lescarpentier
Dispelling a myth.
Compelled by the many contradictions on flow rates and overall lack of information available, I purchased a new Eheim 2215 and a 2217 for testing purposes.My primary intention was to test for flow rates on new filters,with and without filter media,and to see if these filters would actually produce their advertised flow rates.I also conducted tests with and without the included spray bars.Upon close examination of the filters I noticed that the impeller assemblies were identical on both of the filters except for the 2217 having a 6 blade impeller,and the 2215 having 3 blades.I then decided to test the 2215 using the 2217 impeller to overdrive it and to consequently boost the flow rate.I likewise ran a test on the 2217 using the 2215 impeller to under drive it to reduce the flow rate.As I expected,I was able to boost the flow rate significantly on the 2215 using the 2217’s impeller assembly,and predictably got a corresponding reduction of the flow rate on the 2217 using the 2215’s impeller. Continue reading ‘Eheim 2215 and 2217 facts and DIY performance mods.’
Great online place to order Planted tank supplies.
Published by May 10th, 2008 in Freshwater and Plants. 0 CommentsGreenleafaquariums.com is a great resource for needed planted tank supplies. I have dealt with this individual a few times and the customer service is second to none.
Good prices, fast shipping and great customer service. What more could you ask for?
Over the years dedicated aquatic plant hobbyists developed many different methods to maintain vibrant freshwater flora. After having tried almost all of the popular fertilization techniques, I have finally found one that produces consistently healthy aquatic plants. That fertilization method imparts essential nutrients by using mineralized topsoil as a substrate. Continue reading ‘How to Mineralize Soil Substrates’
Written by Roy Deki
There are many places in this world that have spectacular views and re-creating such views in an aquarium is just the first of many challenges for an aquascaper. I find inspiration for my aquascaping from many sources. My current aquascape idea came from a beautiful but rugged place called Big Sur California. The coastline along this majestic place is so spectacular that I just had to try to re-create it in an ADA 60p. This is just one example of how you can get inspiration for your next aquascape. Taking a piece of nature, whether it be a whole mountain range or just a small out-cropping of rocks is a great way to start an aquascape.
Continue reading ‘Finding Insperation.’
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