Hot Topics

How do you start building hardscape? This article examines the various methods of bonding hardscape. Gel superglue, silicone, epoxy putty, and liquid superglue with cigarette filters are all popular methods in aquascaping. Depending on the type of joint, some methods work better than others.

What is the best way to do a major 'tank reset' that includes changing the substrate, hardscape and plants?

The biggest pitfall for beginners is that aquarium shops often stock nonaquatic plant species that do not grow well in the aquarium long term. This guide highlights some common nonaquatic species that hobbyists should avoid, and also shows the difference between emersed forms and submerged grown forms for common aquatic plant species.

If you live in a tropical zone- what is the real cost of running a chiller?

Want to set up a planted tank without injected CO2? This low tech planted aquarium setup guide will help.

New planted aquariums that are not yet biologically matured present a volatile environment for inhabitants. What are the steps that we can take to make plants acclimatize faster and skip the initial algae phase if possible? This article describes the steps one can take to stabilize the tank as quickly as possible.

This guide covers on how to achieve dense stem plant bushes and how to maintain stem plants in good form long term. Trimming and replanting is both necessary and important. Aquatic stem plants take replanting well, and regrow root systems quickly compared to other types of plants.

Aquarium plants not looking healthy, with many aerial roots and yellowing leaves. What is the problem?

When starting a a new tank, it is common for users to have seemingly 'perfect' water parameters and still face significant plant melt and algae. Why is this so?

Iwagumi aquascapes Iwagumi layouts are rock focused planted aquariums inspired by Japanese and Chinese rock gardens and by Japanese/Chinese rock appreciation - (水石) Suiseki in Japan and (供石) in China. This article goes through the key steps in setting up an Iwagumi aquascape, and how to maintain such aquariums algae free in the long run.

Regular water change is critical to maintaining the biological balance within the closed ecosystem of planted aquariums. It is best to do so weekly, changing 30%-50%of the water. While most aquarists know this, the majority miss this critical step. Watch to find out more.