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Syndication

Black Brush Algae (BBA) - How to kill it

This is a first in a series on understanding algae that commonly plague our aquariums. We kick off the series with the infamous Black Brush Algae a/k/a BBA.

News

Get to know Black Brush Algae (BBA)

Black brush algae (BBA) is one of the toughest algae to get rid of in the aquarium. It’s tenacious and can overtake and suffocate your plants in a matter of a couple of weeks if not controlled.

It belongs to the Phylum Rhodophyta (Greek meaning, red plant) that includes 5,000 to 6,000 species of mostly multicellular, marine algae. There are 164 freshwater species mostly in the genus Lemanea and Audouinella.

Black brush algae (BBA) is stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to a coarse horsehair. You can recognize it in tight tufts on hardscape and will line the edges of your plant leaves. It’s also known ask black beard algae because it resembles coarse beard hair.

It’s blue-green to olive to dark grey in color when young. It’s typically found in fast-moving streams where it’s ability to anchor itself comes in handy. Unfortunately, that same ability makes it extremely difficult to remove.

How does black brush algae (BBA) get into your aquarium

Easy. It hitchhiked in via plants or even in the guts of fish or inverts. Once the spores are in, they can reproduce quickly under the right conditions.

Does CO2 deficiency or inconsistency lead to black brush algae (BBA)?

Yes, but this isn’t specific to BBA. Inconsistent or deficient CO2 will cause an imbalance in the golden equilibrium that will cause any algae to grow, not just BBA. So, although this is widely thought to be a cause of BBA outbreaks, it’s not totally correct.

Does vitamin B12 cause black brush algae (BBA)?

Well, that’s an interesting question. There’s a great thread on this at the UKAPS, entitled What exactly causes BBA? Part 2 - Bacterial imbalance.

Here’s the summarized version: High organics in the aquarium cause heterotrophic bacteria to grow exponentially and outcompete the common nitrifying bacteria that we’re used to. Heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase in vitamin B12 as a byproduct and a decrease in O2 further limiting nitrifying bacteria.

Black brush algae (BBA) uses B12 to grow and the decreased nitrification causes an excess of ammonium that algae use to grow.

Problems with this theory:

  • You don’t know if the species of black brush algae (BBA) that is in your aquarium, requires vitamin B12 to grow.
  • Decreased nitrification/increase of ammonium should be taken up by plants, if you are sticking to the golden equilibrium
  • An increase in heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase of CO2 that should improve plant growth
  • Focusing on B12 is a bit misleading because black brush algae (BBA), like any other algae species, requires a number of different nutrients not just B12. One study even found that caffeine cause a significant increase in algal growth

How to eliminate Black Brush Algae (BBA)

It is my opinion that, just like any algae, an imbalance in the golden equilibrium is what causes algae outbreaks. So, first and foremost, it is critical to rebalance the golden equilibrium.

Known methods to control black brush algae (BBA)

  • Maintain golden equilibrium - most important
  • Maintenance Crew - Siamese Algae Eater and black mollies
  • Hydrogen peroxide (H202) standard store bought 3%
  • Seachem Excel (gluteraldahyde)
  • Quarantine fish and dip your plants - Dip the affected plants or decor in the 1:20 bleach solution for about 10-15 mins and then thoroughly rinse in running water.
  • Don’t buy plants from unknown sources or big box stores

Housekeeping

Direct download: ScapeFu047.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 7:00am CET

Dosing Vinegar in Your Aquarium

Yes, I mean real vinegar. Literally.

Here's what you'll learn:

  • Why vinegar may be a good thing to add?
  • What does it do to cyanobacteria/blue-green algae?
  • Art's accidental experiment while on vacation
  • How to add vinegar to your aquarium

ScapeFu post on this episode.

Links mentioned:

If you're not listening to this podcast on the ScapeFu app, why not? It would help us out tremendously AND you get the app-only Ask Art Podcast.

Go get it:

iOS version

Android version

Direct download: ScapeFu046.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 6:00am CET

Aqvainnova is finally here!

In episode 45 of the ScapeFu Podcast, JJ talks with Esther Mous of Aqvainnova, a new company created to bring quality aquarium plants to the USA.

What you'll learn:

  • Why did Aqua Flora and Anubias create Aqvainnova?
  • What is so special about their Linea Zero Aquarium Plants?
  • When and where they will be launching?

ScapeFu Supplemental Post on Aqvainnova and ScapeFu #45

Links mentioned:

Housekeeping

 

Direct download: ScapeFu045.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 11:48pm CET

"I would love to set up one of those beautiful planted aquariums but I don't have the money right now."

Do you know someone who's said that? Perhaps, it's been your excuse?

In ScapeFu Podcast #44, Jurijs and Art commit to a new challenge. They will go from zero to a full aquascape for about $100. In the episode, they explain how they plan on doing it.

It won't be easy and thinking outside the box will critical. Can they do it? What do you think?

Here is Art's list of materials:

Total: $137.96 ($37.96 over at the moment)

Here is Jurijs' list of materials:

  • ADA mini M 36x22x26cm (float glas) 36,90€
  • Cheap 20x20x25cm cube 12,59€
  • ADA Amazonia 3 liter bag 15,90€
  • Philips Tornado 23watt 6500k 1500 lumen 9,87€
  • Ikea Lersta or Tertial 14,99€
  • Eden 501 Filter 300 l/h 26,18€
  • Invitro cub HC 8,5cm 6,95€
  • Nano pump Sera FD150 11,99€
  • Dennerle Bio Co2 kit 8,95€
  • Tropica plant growth 125 ml 6,95€

Total: 151.27€ (51.27€ over at the moment)

What do you think of the lists? Tell us in the comments below!

Why don't you join us?

Got an extra C-note to spare? Why don't you join us in this challenge?? We'd love to have company!

Tell us what your list would be and send us pictures as you build it. Let's build the $100 aquascape together.

Housekeeping

ScapeFu App - if you don't have it already, we would VERY MUCH appreciate it if you would help us out by downloading the ScapeFu App. Here's what you get:

  1. Easy download and listening to the ScapeFu Podcast
  2. The app-only Ask Art Podcast
  3. Access to every ScapeFu Podcast episode
  4. Great positive karma for help us defray the cost of bringing you ScapeFu
  5. A warm fuzzy feeling because you're awesome

The iOS version of the ScapeFu App.

The Android version of the ScapeFu App.

ScapeFu Tribe Community - we now have a small forum to discuss ScapeFu Podcast episodes. Go check it out!

Affiliate disclaimer- some of the links above are Amazon referral links. ScapeFu will receive a small affiliate referral fee if you purchase via that link. It doesn't increase the amount you pay and it helps us defray the cost of ScapeFu. We thank you for your help.

Direct download: ScapeFu044.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:09pm CET

Light Basics for Planted Aquariums Part 1 | ScapeFu043

In this episode of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art introduces the concept of light for the planted aquarium. It's intended for beginners and presents complicated concepts in an easy to understand format.

More advanced concepts will be explained in following podcasts.

Please read the shownotes in conjunction with this podcast episode.

Related ScapeFu Podcast episodes:

Lighting for the planted aquarium

Housekeeping:

  • The ScapeFu App is now available for iOS and Android. Please help defray the costs of ScapeFu by downloading the app today!
  • Please join the ScapeFu Tribe Community Forum. We are discussing this podcast episode and more. Looking forward to speaking with you there!
Direct download: ScapeFu043.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 10:24pm CET

Moss Graffiti: A Foolproof? Moss Starting Method | ScapeFu042

In this episode, Art walks you step-by-step through this method of starting moss for your aquascape. Want that old, moss covered forest look? This is how to get it.

The ScapeFu App:

Items mentioned in this episodes:

Direct download: ScapeFu042.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 11:47pm CET

We Are Back

Hi! We hope you had a great summer!

JJ, Jurijs and I are back to our regular ScapeFu recording schedule.

This is a short episode. We go over what we've been up to and Jurijs shares some of what he's going through moving his aquariums to a different city. Read more about it on Jurijs' Facebook page.

Announcements

  • ScapeFu Community Forums - you told us you wanted a place to gather and discuss ScapeFu Podcast episodes and grow as a community. The ScapeFu Community Forums is where we will do exactly that. Go sign up and join the growing community!
  • ScapeFu App - we now have an App for the ScapeFu Podcast! Not only are you helping us pay for producing and hosting the ScapeFu Podcast, but you get to hear every single episode of the ScapeFu Podcast and the "App-only" Ask Art Podcast. Please consider downloading it to your iOS iPhone, iPad or iPod. The Android version is coming soon!

Thank you so much for listening and supporting the ScapeFu Podcast. As always, you can reach us at feedback@scapefu.com

Best personal regards,

Art Pennom

Direct download: ScapeFu041.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:00pm CET

Update and Housekeeping

Art explains the reason for the recent lack of episodes. He goes on to make some announcements:

  • Ask Art Podcasts wll now be released via the ScapeFu App
  • We will be doing a tribute show remembering Takashi Amano. If he influenced you, please tell us how. We will read your email on the air during the tribute show.
  • In order to keep future podcasts serving you, please let us know what you like about your aquarium and what you're not happy with. Please send us an email and let us know.

 

 

Direct download: ScapeFu040.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:16am CET

Modding Your Aquarium Cabinet

Jurijs and Art discuss how you can, and should, modify your cabinet to make it as beautiful as your aquarium.

 

Detailed Show Notes

Direct download: ScapeFu039a.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

In episode 39 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art has a one hour conversation with professional aquascaper, George Farmer. It's a thought-provoking and educational conversation you won't want to miss.

Link to full show notes.

 

Join the ScapeFu Tribe to be notified by email when each episode is released.

Direct download: ScapeFu039.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:00am CET

Iwagumi Aquascaping Style Explained | ScapeFu037

Detailed Show Notes.

 

Please subscribe to the Ask Art Podcast. It's a short-format, question and answer podcast where I answer one of your aquarium-related questions each episode so that you don't need to search through the forums for an answer.

Direct download: ScapeFu037.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

5 Reasons Why YOU Should Enter an Aquascaping Contest

 

Detailed show notes.

 

Please also subscribe to the Ask Ar

Direct download: ScapeFu036.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

The 1 Thing Takashi Amano Does That YOU Don't is...

 

Practice.

 

Let me show you how to practice aquascaping.

Detailed shownotes.

 

Direct link to accompanying Youtube video.

Direct download: ScapeFu35.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 10:51pm CET

Beginning Aquascaper series - Nathan Perossa

In the first of a series on Beginning Aquascapers, ScapeFu #33 focuses on Nathan Perossa from Australia. He’s only four weeks into his aquascaping journey and shares what he’s learned so far.

Aquascape by Nathan Perossa

Show notes

Direct download: ScapeFu033.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

The Aquatic Gardeners Association Convention 2015 was held in beautiful Washington, DC on April 10-12, 2015. In episode 32, JJ and I take you there! We had a great time and we hope you’ll find our overview entertaining. Next time, maybe we can record you at the 2017 Convention!

Have a listen!

Show notes

Direct download: ScapeFu032.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

Low Tech Aquascaping: What you need to know

 

Low tech aquariums are the oldest type of aquarium but they've lost the limelight to high tech, full-throttle aquariums. In this episode, we give you what you need to know to set up your own low tech aquascape.

Full show notes: Low Tech Aquascaping

Direct download: ScapeFu31.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

CO2 Regulators are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a planted aquarium. In episode 34, we explain CO2 regulators in detail and tell you what YOU need to know to make an informed purchasing decision.

 

Detailed show notes

 

Direct download: ScapeFu034.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:30am CET

Aquarium Photography: Tutorial for Aquascaping

ScapeFu Podcast Episode 30 full show notes.

Learning to photograph your aquascape is like learning how to not kill plants. Your need to do it to improve your aquascaping and make your aquarium beautiful.

In episode 30, we tell you the secrets to taking winning aquascaping photos from famed aquascaper from Portugal, Filipe Oliveira, and professional photographer and aquascaper from the UK, Stu Worrall. Jurijs and I wrap up this pro tip-packed episode with the tips to take your aquarium photography to the next level.

Additional resources:

Direct download: ScapeFu030.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 11:00pm CET

Killing Blue Green Algae/Cyanobacteria - SFPT009

Today, it’s all about ways to knock out the smelliest of all algaes - blue green algae a/k/a cyanobacteria!

Yes my friends, those of you that have been visited by this nasty, slimy type of algae know what I’m talking about. It’s an ugly bugger. Here’s how to get rid of it.

More details available in the shownotes.

*****

Do you have a tip that is making your aquascape or life better?

Please pay it forward and share it with your fellow hobbyists! Send it to Art at art@scapefu.com and he'll share it on a future ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip!

Become a friend of the show by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes and leaving us an honest rating. It will really help us promote the show.

 

Direct download: SFPT009.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 7:00am CET

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip008.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 7:00am CET

Takashi Amano's Underwater Forests - Behind the Scene by Jurijs | SF029

The largest nature aquarium in the world is located at the Lisbon Oceanario. It's a temporary exhibit created by Takashi Amano called Florestas Submerses or Underwater Forests.

Our very own Jurijs was there as one of the volunteers. In ScapeFu Podcast 29, Jurijs takes us behind the scene and walks us through what it was like to spend a week with Takashi Amano and his team.

Questions covered include:

  • What was the typical day?
  • What substrate was used?
  • What equipment is being used to maintain the world's largest nature aquarium?
  • How was Takashi Amano like?
  • What planning did Aqua Design Amano do to prepare for this?
  • And many more

Read more about it and see pictures by visiting the show notes: http://www.scapefu.com/29

Please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast on:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2

or

Stitcher (Android): http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast

Join the ScapeFu Tribe and get email updates for FREE: http://forms.aweber.com/form/57/1084542957.htm

*****

Direct download: scapefu029.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 6:00am CET

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip007.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 11:06am CET

<a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/episode27header1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1250" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/episode27header1.jpg" alt="Perfect Substrate" width="730" height="350" /></a>

 

&nbsp;

<h1>5 Characteristics of the Perfect Substrate | ScapeFu028</h1>

<h3></h3>

<h3>What type of substrate should I use in my aquarium?</h3>

This is a question we hear all the time. Perhaps you’ve asked it? It’s a good one because the substrate you use in your aquarium has a lot to do with whether you succeed or fail. Depending on the size of your aquarium and your aquascape, it may be one of the more expensive things to buy as well.

<h3>News</h3>

<ul>

<li>Aquatic Gardeners Association 2015 Convention in Reston, VA April 10–12</li>

<li>Aqua Design Amano’s “<a href="http://www.adana.co.jp/en/release/detail?id=88">Largest Nature Aquarium in the World</a>” in Lisbon. The gag order on Jurijs is now lifted! Come back for the next episode of the ScapeFu Podcast where Jurijs will give us all the “behind the scene” details!</li>

</ul>

<h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/50758813d0f74.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1253" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/50758813d0f74-150x150.jpg" alt="Oliver Knott Substrate" width="150" height="150" /></a>5 Characteristics of the PERFECT substrate</h3>

<ol>

<li>Appearance suitable for the aquascape. Does it meet your vision for the aquascape? It’s got to look good to you or everything else doesn’t matter. Remember that you’re trying to <a href="http://www.scapefu.com/scapefu023-3-ways-put-story-aquascape/">tell a story with your aquascape</a> and the substrate must help you do that. Consider the color, size and texture of the granules and what sense of scale it will give the viewer.</li>

<li>Any good substrate must properly anchor your roots. It’s got to hold them down well. Use too large of a granual size and your tiny rooted plants will have a tough time staying down. Also, it should won’t turn to mush over time. If you use soil, for example, you’ll end up with a mess. Soil + water = mud…</li>

<li>The <a href="http://www.hallman.org/plant/soilchem.html">substrate must be capable of functioning as a nutrient storehouse</a>. What I mean by this is that a good substrate will have/absorb essential nutrients and hold them (out of solution or in solution but only in the substrate) so that plants can take them up. A substrate’s Cataion Exchange Capacity (CEC) is one way to measure how good a substrate is at doing this.</li>

</ol>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ADA-PowerSand-Special-S.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1255" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ADA-PowerSand-Special-S-150x150.jpg" alt="PowerSand Substrate" width="150" height="150" /></a>The all-knowning Wiki tells us that CEC is the total capacity of a soil to hold exchangeable cations. CEC is an inherent soil characteristic and is difficult to alter significantly. It influences the soil’s ability to hold onto essential nutrients and provides a buffer against soil acidification.</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Another way substrates create a nutrient storehouse is by providing the proper home to bacteria and microorganism that convert nutrients to forms available to plants. They also finish certain cycles such as the nitrogen cycle. They are critical for the long-term success of your aquarium.</p>

 

<ol start="4">

<li>The perfect substrate won’t negatively affect water chemistry. Substrates with limestone/calcium will change the hardness of your water. Pour some muriatic acid (CAREFUL!) on a substrate that you’re unsure of and see if it bubbles, fizzles or melts. Don’t use it if it does.</li>

<li>The perfect substrate won’t cloud the water by constantly releasing substances such as tannins.</li>

<li><strong>Bonus!</strong> The perfect substrate is cheap and easy to obtain. But, should it be cheap?</li>

</ol>

<h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Tropica-Aquarium-Soil-Powder-3-Liter_b2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1256" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Tropica-Aquarium-Soil-Powder-3-Liter_b2-300x200.jpg" alt="Tropica Substrate" width="300" height="200" /></a>Question: is a combination of substrates (for example, Power Sand + Aquasoil) better than only one substrate (Aquasoil)?</h3>

We’ve done it both ways and either works.

<h3>What are some of the commercial substrates we’ve used?</h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00025YSB0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00025YSB0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=aquaticplan06-20&amp;linkId=HQT3UF6X7V52VV2J">Seachem Flourite</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DH0QM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0002DH0QM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=aquaticplan06-20&amp;linkId=BNH5OWO42QMSZEXP">CaribSea Eco-Complete</a></li>

<li>Florabase</li>

<li>Dennerle</li>

<li>Tropica</li>

<li>ADA Power Sand and Aqua Soil</li>

</ul>

<h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ada-aqua-soil-amazonia-powder-3-l.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1258" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ada-aqua-soil-amazonia-powder-3-l-300x300.jpg" alt="ADA substrate" width="300" height="300" /></a>HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!</h3>

We would love it if you could please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http://www.scapefu.com/27">share this episode with your Facebook Followers</a>. We don’t advertise so this is the only way we have to get the word out about The ScapeFu Podcast.

 

If you like what you’ve heard, please go to iTunes and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">rate, review and subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast</a>. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss an episode. They will be downloaded automatically to your device to listen to at your convenience.

<h3>Ways to Subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast</h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">Subscribe via iTunes</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/feed">Subscribe via RSS</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast">Subscribe via Stitcher</a> (Andriod)</li>

</ul>

<h3>Feedback</h3>

We’d love to hear from you about today’s topic or anything else. How can we help you?

 

The easiest way to reach us is via email. Art is at <a href="mailto:art@scapefu.com">art@scapefu.com</a>, JJ is at <a href="mailto:jj@scapefu.com">jj@scapefu.com</a> and Jurijs is at <a href="mailto:js@scapefu.com">JS@scapefu.com</a>.

 

*****

Direct download: ScapeFu028.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 6:00am CET

<p>This Wednesday Pro Tip comes to us courtesy of Giuseppe! It’s using pumice as a base layer in your substrate and it makes a lot of sense.</p>

 

<p>If your aquascape calls for a thick substrate and you’re wallet is starting to hurt because it’s going to cost a lot to use 100% expensive substrate, think about using a base layer of pumice to build it up. Then cover this layer with the substrate of choice.</p>

 

<p>This is a great idea because:

1. Saving money because it’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIUCZH0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IIUCZH0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=aquaticplan06-20&amp;linkId=GKDU5QNP7GN5JYCZ">cheap and easy to get</a>.

2. It creates a great environment for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substrate_(aquarium)">microbes that are necessary in the substrate</a></p>

 

<p>It doesn’t have to be pumice. You can also use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4NAHXS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00F4NAHXS&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=aquaticplan06-20&amp;linkId=RMKW2VC2LSPJJS25">ceramic rings</a> like the ones you put in filters. Really almost anything that’s inert will work.</p>

 

<p>Thanks, Guiseppe!</p>

 

<p>If you have a tip that you want to share with your fellow hobbyists, pay it forward and send it to us at <a href="mailto:feedback@scapefu.com">feedback@scapefu.com</a>. We’ll share it with the world!</p>

 

<p>If you like what you heard, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast. It’s free and easy. All you need to do is use <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">iTunes</a> or <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast">Stitcher on Android</a></p>

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip006.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 12:02am CET

Dry Start Method - 7 Tips for Success | ScapeFu027

What is the Dry Start Method?

Popularized by Tom Barr back in 2007, the Dry Start Method is intended to solve a problem people have with setting up an aquarium with tiny carpet plants. The problems are:

  • These plants, like Hemianthus callitrichoides or HC, have tiny roots that are extremely difficult to plant.
  • There’s a tendency to float when you flood the aquarium with water.
  • HC also needs a lot of light and CO2 to grow well and carpet the aquarium bottom. Pressurized CO2, strong light and clear water are needed to get it established well in the aquarium. Not everyone can start with the right equipment and frequent water changes needed for clear water.
  • Algae is a risk until HC really takes root.

From Tom’s article, the benefits of the dry start method are:

  • No algae
  • No water changes/loose pieces floating around/being pulled up
  • No replanting
  • No cycling the aquarium
  • No dosing
  • No fiddling with CO2
  • No having to buy a lot of plant material initially
  • No transition from emergent to submersed states(some plants will, but with good CO2, this is greatly minimized)
  • No extra electrical cost running other equipment during the dry phase.
  • No labor
  • Can do it outside in a tray even………

Dry Start Method: 7 Tips for Success

Tips:

  1. Light for full 10–12 hours to power photosynthesis and growth.
  2. Cover with cling wrap or glass or plastic. 100% for a few days then slowly peel corner.
  3. Hills are OK but you may want to pre-saturate. In fact, always pre-saturate. No puddles!
  4. Inert substrates will require liquid fertilizer. Dilute foliar fertilizer
  5. Patience! Resist the urge to flood! Wait 3–6 weeks at least
  6. When flooding, do 3–4 large 80%+ water changes to flush out substrate.
  7. Mould or fungus - H2O2 1:4 with water or Excel straight up

Not everyone thinks the dry start method is the bomb. Niko’s post on APC for example. He suggests an ebb and flow system.

Focus on You

  • Five star iTunes Review! Yay!

The Best! by A_single_non from Australia “Art has come a long way since starting the podcast. He does a good job and is the only current podcast related to aquascaping. Keep it up! I really enjoy them and have listened to all of them.”

  • Barry from South Africa

    Hi Art. Thank you for allowing me to become a member of ScapeFu. I’ve been an avid ’scaper for about ten years now and find your site to be very informative and easy to navigate around. your articles are not only relevant and packed with good practical advice, but easy to understand as well. I found the WabiKusa article very informative and a few tips that I will definitely try on my next one.

  • Rob

    Hi guys, Just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for all of the work you do to share your experience and wisdom. I know the podcast/website is a ton of work to keep going, and is more of a labor of love for you instead of a revenue stream. One thought for topics - let’s help a newbie segment

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

We would love it if you could please share this episode with your Facebook Followers. We don’t advertise so this is the only way we have to get the word out about The ScapeFu Podcast.

If you like what you’ve heard, please go to iTunes and rate, review and subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss an episode. They will be downloaded automatically to your device to listen to at your convenience.

Ways to Subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast

Feedback

We’d love to hear from you about today’s topic or anything else. How can we help you?

The easiest way to reach us is via email. Art is at art@scapefu.com, JJ is at jj@scapefu.com and Jurijs is at JS@scapefu.com.

Links Mentioned in This Episode and Additional Resources


Direct download: ScapeFu027.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 6:00am CET

Shownotes are at http://www.scapefu.com/protip004

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip004.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 6:00am CET

Shownotes are at http://www.scapefu.com/26

Direct download: ScapeFu026.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 6:56pm CET

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip005.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 12:48am CET

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip003.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 1:18am CET

Direct download: ScapeFu025.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 1:02am CET

http://www.scapefu.com/24

Direct download: ScapeFu024.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 12:31am CET

http://scapefu.com/protip002

Direct download: ScapeFuProTip002.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 3:11pm CET

Direct download: ScapeFuTip001.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 2:18am CET

http://www.scapefu.com/23

Direct download: scapefu023.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 3:34pm CET

An interview with Balazs Farkas about his award-winning aquascape, Before the Creation of Adam.

Direct download: ScapeFu022.mp3
Category:Aquarium -- posted at: 1:12pm CET

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