Planted Tank Setup & Maintenance

Planted tank setup and maintenance The 2Hr Way: water changes, trimming, cycling a new tank, and the routines that keep a scape stable. Here's what works.

Monte Carlo vs HC Cuba: same same?

Monte Carlo vs HC Cuba: same same?

HC refers to Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba', sometimes called Dwarf Baby Tears. MC refers to Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo'. Both are common and popular. However, although they look similar, they are very different.

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Stronger is better?

Stronger is better?

Is more flow always better in a planted tank? Is there such a thing as too much flow? What are the disadvantages of too much flow?

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Tank Reset? 3 Hacks

Tank Reset? 3 Hacks

Performing a major tank reset or revamp can be a daunting task. We share 3 useful hacks to make the project easier.

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Holes in leaves?

Holes in leaves?

Holes in leaves are often associated with poor nutrition.
And they may be. But often they are simply the victim of hungry fish and shrimp, what we call 'herbivore damage'.

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Soak before use?

Soak before use?

In using wood in an aquarium is it a good idea to soak the wood prior to use? What happens when wood is submerged in water?

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Is it a problem? Deep substrates?

Is it a problem? Deep substrates?

Is deeper substrate a problem? Why are many hobbyists concerned over deep substrate, and what to look out for.

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Messy aerial roots?

Messy aerial roots?

“Aerial roots” refer to roots that often grow out of the internodes of stem plants midway up the stem, above the substrate. Why do these roots appear? Are they cause for concern? What can we do if we find them unsightly?

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How to get rid of surface scum

How to get rid of surface scum

What is that oily, milky film on my tank surface? Is it bad? What can I do to reduce, avoid and/or remove it? Surface Scum- let's find out more.

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Floaters: a dangerous love affair?

Floaters: a dangerous love affair?

Floating plants such as Salvinia minima / Water Spangles are popular and can be beautiful (and useful) to have in a planted tank. So why do we need to be so careful with them?

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