Tips and Techniques

Aug 21 2010

Remember Your Roots!

One thing that we come across in The Green Machine time and time again is a common mistake of many of our clients - they under-estimate the importance of plant roots.

This is easily done, given that it is the least visible part of the plant. As a hobbyist gardener it is easy to focus your attention on the product that you are trying to produce (the rose on the bush, or the tomato on the plant). When all our attention is focussed on the end result it is all too easy to neglect the roots of the plant.

Aug 21 2010

Super Roots Air Pots - A Revolution in Growing

Super Roots Air Pots are a revolutionary new pot system that eliminate the need to use air cages with pot systems. Not only does this save you money, but these new air pots lead to increased, better growth by enhancing the quality of the root system of the plant.

Benefits...
The real benefits of using Superoots Air-Pots are that they;

- Eliminate root circling
- Reduce growing time in the nursery
- Simplify production
- Double - at least - the "shelf-life" of stock

Jul 30 2010

Aquarium Substrates Explained

The definition of ‘substrate’ is; ‘a substance or layer that underlies something, or on which some process occurs’. Therefore the term substrate can include any material that makes up the base layer of the aquascape, and this can include gravels, sands etc.

In recent times, specifically made products have come onto the marketplace from well-known manufacturers which are designed specifically to encourage plant growth. To keep this article concise we will mainly cover two of the most effective kinds of substrate available today;

Jul 02 2010

Building up height in Substrate

It can be very difficult to build up higher areas in substrate, because when water is added the substrate may collapse and fall towards the front of the tank. This can be extremely frustrating and may limit the boundaries to which an aquascaper may push themselves.

A simple solution is to cut up some sheets of thin plastic card and then push them vertically down into the substrate to create small dams which will effectively pin the substrate into position.

Jul 01 2010

Tropical Planted Aquarium Lighting Introduction

With a wealth of information available within the public domain, much of which is often conflicting, creating a successful and algae free planted aquarium can sometimes seem challenging and a little daunting. In fact, setting out and maintaining a beautiful aquascape is within everyone’s grasp; all that is required is a little dedication and a love of the hobby.