Oct 23 2020
0 Comments
beginner
DIY
guest blog
guide
low tech
tips
Advice on How to Fake a High-Tech Aquarium Written by: Bryson (@unso.fish.ticated) As the title suggests, there is a strategy to achieve the high-tech look on a low-tech tank! Let’s dive right in (pun intended). When it comes to high-tech aquariums, CO2 gear, high lighting, and a strict fertilizer schedule is typically the standard. Although, let’s explore ways to create the high-tech look without all of the expensive gear. Thoughtfully Design Your Layout In terms of constructing your hardscape, practice makes perfect. Practice is necessary in order to be able to put together a nice composition that looks...
Oct 15 2020
0 Comments
algae
beginner
guest blog
guide
maintenance
shrimpery
tips
How to Do Planted Tank Maintenance Without Going Crazy by: Chris (@shrimpery) Tank maintenance is one of those topics that planted aquarium hobbyists sort of gloss over when talking shop. Most hobbyists recognize the importance of keeping their tanks clean and healthy, but it can seem difficult to get good information on the subject beyond the basics. Routine upkeep is often portrayed as a tedious task, outshined by more interesting details such as specs, setup, and flora/fauna. In reality, it’s the cornerstone of having a great-looking scape. I’d like to share my process in an attempt to show that...
Oct 09 2020
0 Comments
beginner
guide
high tech
tips
video
Glass Lily Pipe Maintenance Is your planted aquarium pristine all around EXCEPT for your lily pipes? Trust us, you aren’t alone. Many aquascapers (including us at Team BP!) struggle with keeping this prestigious piece of equipment squeaky clean. However, cleaning your glass lily pipes is not as difficult or time staking as you may think! Follow these 8 easy steps to tank perfection. Scroll to the very bottom of this article for a quick How To Video! Step 1: Materials Needed Gather the necessary cleaning equipment: Disposable gloves Bleach Dymax Hose Pipe Brush Two empty containers Clean water UNS Microfiber...
Oct 03 2020
0 Comments
beginner
guide
maintenance
plants
tips
Nutrient Deficiencies: Different Symptoms in Aquatic Plants Written by: BP Team member Simon Zhu (@sz_aquatics) Do you have a tank with perfect lighting, CO2, and water parameters, but still having trouble with plant health? Have you noticed that your freshwater aquatic plants aren’t looking healthy for some reason? Are your aquarium plants mysteriously dying and you can’t quite figure out why? It’s possible that your planted aquarium is missing one or several necessary micronutrients that are important for plant growth! Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals needed for all living organisms to have healthy growth and immunity. We will be reviewing the...
Sep 25 2020
11 Comments
aquarium
beginner
guest blog
guide
snail
All About Pest Snails in Your Planted Aquarium Written by Tammy Law (@aquarist_tl) There may have been a time when you bought or received live plants for your aquarium, and then immediately placed them into the tank once you arrived home. Several days or weeks later while you’re observing the tank, you spot a random snail or two. A few weeks or months pass by, and suddenly there are snails in every spot of the aquarium you look at! This overpopulation is a common occurrence for those who first encounter pest snails in the hobby, and leaves many aquascapers...
Sep 04 2020
1 Comment
beginner
guest blog
guide
layout/styles
substrate
tips
Planted Aquarium Substrate: Soil, Gravel, and Sand Written by Tammy Law (@aquarist_tl) Thinking about starting a new aquarium and wondering which substrate is right for your setup? Or if you need any substrate at all? Every aquarium has their own style and unique layout. Some serve a more functional purpose while others are more for aesthetics. This article will go over the benefits and disadvantages of bare-bottom tanks vs. tanks with substrate, as well as the pros and cons of the three main types of substrates used in the freshwater aquarium hobby: gravel, sand, and soil. Bare-bottom vs....
Sep 02 2020
0 Comments
beginner
DIY
dry start
guest blog
guide
layout/styles
tips
Dry Start Method Step by Step Guide Written by Team BP & Bryson Zheng (@unso.fish.ticated) The initial weeks of starting a planted aquarium are often the most frustrating. You might experience plants that seem set on floating and sparse growth. Let me introduce you to the dry start method (DSM). This bad boy solution gives you the opportunity to bypass all of the aforementioned problems! The dry start method simply allows your plants to grow quicker while emersed until their roots are established. It is also the easiest and quickest way to grow carpet plants. The DSM gives your plants more abundant access...
Aug 27 2020
1 Comment
beginner
guide
tips
Beginner's Guide to Aquarium Filters and Types of Filtration Written by: BP Team member Simon Zhu (@sz_aquatics) A filter, or the “heart” of the tank as we like to call it, is a crucial part of a fully functional and balanced tank. Like with many other things in the aquarium hobby, there is an overwhelming amount of brands, types, and sizes. What kind of filter is best for you and your tank? First, you will need to understand the basics in order to choose the right filter for your aquarium. Why does a tank need a filter? The filter basically acts as...
Aug 19 2020
0 Comments
beginner
guide
maintenance
tips
How to Cycle a Planted Aquarium Written by: BP Team member Simon Zhu (@sz_aquatics) Want to make sure your planted aquarium is a success? The first stages of tank setup are critical. It’s helpful to know the science behind what keeps your aquatic plants and their animal friends thriving. Cycling your tank is by far one of the most important parts of tank setup. In order to keep a balanced and healthy aquarium for fish, shrimp, and plants, then you must know a little about the nitrogen cycle. This article will go over: The nitrogen cycle The importance of a...
Aug 13 2020
0 Comments
guide
layout/styles
lighting
Which Twinstar LED Light is Best For You? Purchasing the perfect LED light for your planted tank is crucial to your scape’s success. That being said, we understand how the process of buying the right aquarium lighting can be overwhelming. With an abundance of brands and types, where do you even start? Our answer: Twinstar. This company is globally known for their full spectrum LED lights that will enhance the coloration and bring your tank to life--whether it be a planted aquarium, terrarium, shrimp tank, or fish tank. Twinstar lights come in sleek, minimalist designs that range in price...
