Oct 13 2021
0 Comments
aquarium
Aquascapes
beginner
guest blog
guide
layout/styles
low tech
tips
The Walstad Method Tank Guide Written by: Tammy (@aquarist_tl) What if I told you it’s possible to set up a natural planted tank that does not require regular water changes or even a running filter once established? To many aquarists, this just sounds like a pipe dream, but it's actually quite easy to achieve! You just have to create a balanced ecosystem with aquatic plants and other organisms in your aquarium using the Walstad Method. Photo credit: @yoshelbey on Instagram What is the Walstad Method? Diana Walstad, the technical advisor for the Aquatic Gardeners Association and renowned ecologist, popularized the...
Sep 29 2021
3 Comments
Aquascapes
fish
guest blog
layout/styles
low tech
paludarium
pond plant
Heterandria Formosa Habitat Aquascape Written By: Chris (@shrimpery) Heterandria formosa is the smallest live bearing fish and one of the world’s smallest vertebrates in general. Native to shallow planted areas at the water’s edge, they are a perfect fit for my pond-style aquascapes. Membership in the Poeciliidae family makes the species a relative of guppies and mollies, although much less commonly kept. The fish also happens to be native to the area where I grew up, the extreme southeastern part of Alabama (as well parts of Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida) in the southeastern United States. Prolific, hardy, and...
Jul 30 2021
1 Comment
anubias
beginner
guide
low tech
plant profile
plants
All About Anubias Aquarium Plants Written by: Tammy (@aquarist_tl) If you’ve never kept aquarium plants before and you're looking to start your first planted fish tank, Anubias is an excellent choice for a starter plant! It's also a favorite plant to the most experienced aquascapers because of its versatility. Anubias is a popular plant for planted fish tanks due to its hardiness, easy care, and ability to thrive in different environments. In this article, we will give an overview of Anubias and its many varieties, its advantages against other aquatic flora, and popular types that you may encounter. Plant Profile -...
Apr 30 2021
2 Comments
anubias
beginner
bucephalandra
guide
low tech
paludarium
plant profile
plants
terrarium
tips
How to Plant Epiphyte Aquatic Plants Written by: Simon Epiphytes are one of the most popular types of plants in the aquascaping hobby. Although, they can't be planted into substrate like your normal stem plants. Aquatic epiphytes are aquarium plants that naturally grow on the surface of other plants, rocks, and wood. In the wild these plants obtain their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and surrounding debris. Epiphytes commonly grow from a rhizome, a modified stem that grows horizontally, producing both leaves and roots. The roots are used to firming attach and anchor the plant to whatever surface they are...
Mar 12 2021
2 Comments
beginner
guest blog
guide
low tech
plants
tips
7 Best Aquarium Plants for Beginners Designing a beautiful aquascape can be difficult for beginners. Learning about the specific care needs of each aquatic plant is a start, but actually meeting those needs in practice is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are a number of beginner aquarium plants that are not only easy to care for, but will also make your planted tank look amazing from front to back! Best Foreground/Carpet Plants: Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) Originally from Vietnam, Java Moss has become a staple carpet plant in beginner aquarium setups. It is easy to propagate, and its tiny green leaves...
Oct 28 2020
5 Comments
beginner
low tech
plants
shrimpery
tips
Best Plants for a Low-Tech Scape Written by: Chris (@shrimpery) Low tech, high tech- what is all this technology (or lack thereof) that aquarium people keep talking about? In short, it all comes down to CO2. “High tech” aquascapes inject pressurized CO2 into the water column, allowing plants to grow more quickly; the plants use the abundant CO2 to build their tissue, much like terrestrial plants do with ambient air. When forgoing CO2, most low tech enthusiasts also employ more moderate lighting and less additional fertilizer when compared to a high tech scape. Despite its many benefits, CO2 injection...
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...
Aug 07 2020
1 Comment
beginner
guide
low tech
plant profile
plants
6 Top Stem Plants for Your Aquarium We know that our site has a huge selection of plants and it can be a little overwhelming at first. Bucephalandra, anubias, crypts, ferns, moss, stems... Where do you even start? Trust, we get it! That’s why Team BP has put together our Top 6 stem plants for aquascapers. Stem plants are an aquascaping favorite. They are easily propagated and they quickly develop root systems. When planted in the right substrate (we recommend UNS controsoil) and given sufficient light, these plants will quickly fill your aquarium in a short amount of time. They...
Jul 24 2020
1 Comment
aquarium
beginner
guide
layout/styles
low tech
paludarium
plant profile
tips
Red Root Floaters: Care Guide Family name: Phyllanthaceae Origin: South America Red Root Floaters, or Phyllanthus Fluitans, are a freshwater floating fern plant known in the aquascaping game for their unique look, deep red roots, and easy care. These highly sought-after floaters are known as the “Red Root Floater” because of their remarkable & stunningly red roots. Although Red Root Floaters appear similar to green Salvinia floaters, the leaves are a bit larger and can turn a deep red color. It can also sometimes be misidentified as immature Water Lettuce. These floaters are not difficult to grow in any aquarium....
Jul 03 2020
1 Comment
low tech
plant profile
plants
Plant Profile: Bolbitis Heudelotii Difformis Family name: Dryopteridaceae If you’re looking for a stable, slow-growing aquarium plant with minimal care, Bolbitis Heudelotii Difformis is the perfect pick. This Bolbitis is unique greenery that will fill the midground or background of your aquascape or fish tank with leafy vibes. Bolbitis Heudelotii Difformis is also known as the African Water Fern. This bolbitis is an epiphyte found in tropical, shady water sources with strong currents. It is a stable and easy plant to maintain that won’t quickly overrun your tank which makes it loved by aquascaping novices and experts. They are comparable...
