Aquatics techniques

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.

Jun 01 2010

An Introduction to Planted Aquariums

Man has been fascinated with fish for over 4,000-years: the ancient Sumerians were known to keep fish in artificial ponds as far back as 2,500BC and this has continued throughout history to the present day.

It was not until the 18th century that the importation of goldfish from the far east led to a demand for aquariums within Europe and as time has passed, better and more reliable materials have been developed that have seen the modern aquaria turn into a natural representation of the underwater world.