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.

Best Temperature?

Best Temperature?

What is an ideal temperature for freshwater planted tanks? Does it really matter if mine is hotter or cooler? Does temperature influence algae? How does temperature affect aquatic plants?

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Phyllanthus fluitans red root floaters

"Reading" Red Root Floaters

While it takes some practice to ‘read' submerged plants, the common red root floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) above turns out to be a surprisingly easy-to-use indicator.

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Why this? Tips on keeping Java Fern and Anubias

Why this? Tips on keeping Java Fern and Anubias

Struggling with Java Fern or Anubias? These hardy plants have certain vulnerabilities. We explore them in this post.

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3 Hacks when starting a new tank

3 Hacks when starting a new tank

3 Hacks to Starting a New Tank....the 2Hr Way

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Competitive Aquascaping:  Matthew Manes

Competitive Aquascaping: Matthew Manes

Matthew Manes (MM) is an award winning aquascaper (World #1 IAPLC) and 2Hr Aquarist brand ambassador. Here we share some notes from our recent conversation.

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Hair algae on plants

Dealing with algae in new tanks

Hair / fuzz / thread algae on plants in a new tank? Avoid the common mistakes in tackling them.

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Optimal Lighting

Optimal Lighting

The amount of light plays an important role in plant health, colour and algae control. Here we share how we tune light- The 2Hr Way.

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Transition Stress

Transition Stress

During the transition, healthy plants in perfect parameters can easily look terrible for 2 to 3 weeks - with algae, deteriorating leaves and lackluster colors. But this is a natural, temporary phase of adaptation.

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Craftspeak with Yamada san of Aquarium Tallman

Craftspeak with Yamada san of Aquarium Tallman

Aquarium Tallman is a unique planted aquarium shop in Osaka city, Japan. What makes Tallman unique is that it uses fully aquascaped planted tanks as holding tanks for their fishes. 

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