Aquascape Updates + NEW Setup by MD Fish Tanks, Low Tech System at Aquarium Gardens!

Summary

Dave from the Aquarian Garden showroom provides an update on their aquascaping projects. He discusses the improvements made to the aquascaper 1500, highlighting the refreshed layout with better plant heights and an opening in the middle for fish and shrimp. The aquascaper 1200 is noted for its new Skylight hyperspot, enhancing plant growth and color. Dave also introduces a new low-energy, low-maintenance scape by Mark from MD Fish Tanks, emphasizing its suitability for beginners and its potential as an entry point into the hobby. The setup includes a 60-gallon tank with a focus on easy-to-grow plants and minimal maintenance requirements, making it an ideal starting point for those new to aquascaping or with limited time for tank care.

Takeaways

• 🌿 **Aquascaping Updates**: Dave discusses updates on the aquascaper 1500 and aquascaper 1200, emphasizing the beauty and maintenance of these aquascapes.
• 🎉 **New Showroom Addition**: A new aquascape setup by Mark from MD Fish Tanks is introduced, featuring a low energy, low maintenance design in a 60 tank.
• 🌱 **Plant Health and Growth**: The importance of plant health for a thriving aquascape is highlighted, with mentions of plants like ralas and rotala hatra.
• 🐟 **Fish Inhabitants**: The aquascaper 1500 houses honey gourami, harlequinn rasboras, shrimp, and bottom feeders, showcasing a diverse aquatic life.
• 📈 **Tank Age and Maintenance**: The aquascaper 1500 is nearly 16 months old, and Dave shares his enjoyment in its development and the nature-inspired design.
• 🌳 **Background Plant Choices**: Recommendations are given for simple, easy-to-grow plants like Java ferns, Trident brya, and crypts for beginners.
• 💡 **Lighting and CO2**: The significance of proper lighting and CO2 for plant growth and the overall health of the tank is discussed.
• 🛠️ **Equipment and Maintenance**: Dave offers to share details about the equipment used and maintenance routines for those interested in recreating these setups at home.
• ⚙️ **Aquascaper 1200 Changes**: The aquascaper 1200 is running a new Skylight hyperspot, and plans to revamp the tank with a new hardscape and dominant plant species are mentioned.
• 🌟 **Nano Low-Tech Corner**: A new section for low-tech, nano tanks is introduced, aimed at hobbyists with limited time or those looking to start at a lower cost.
• 🔧 **Upgradability**: The equipment and tanks used in the low-tech section are good quality and can be upgraded as the hobbyist's skills and interest in the hobby grow.
• 👍 **Community Engagement**: Dave appreciates the support from customers and viewers, encouraging them to visit the showroom and learn about aquascaping.

Q & A

What is the main update on the aquascaper 1500?

The main update on the aquascaper 1500 is that it has been thinned out to maintain the shape of the overall layout. The plants at the back have reached perfect heights, and the center area has been opened up to reveal the gravel and some star guppy reaping at the bottom.

Who set up the new aquascape in the showroom?

Mark from MD Fish Tanks set up the new aquascape in the showroom. It is a low energy, low maintenance scape in a 60 tank, in his signature MD style.

What changes were made to the aquascaper 1500 to improve its appearance?

To improve the appearance of the aquascaper 1500, a lot of plant mass was removed to open up the center area and allow for better visibility of the gravel and fish activities. The background plants were also trimmed to maintain a lush look.

What type of plants are recommended for beginners starting out in the hobby?

For beginners, simple plants like Java ferns, Trident, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and background plants such as Rotala and Micromfilm Guyana are recommended. These plants are easy to grow and with CO2, fertilizer, and light, they can look lush and transform the tank.

What is the Skylight hyperspot used for in the aquascaper 1200?

The Skylight hyperspot is used in the aquascaper 1200 to enhance the growth, color, and condition of the plants. It is a popular light choice, especially for larger tanks, as it provides fantastic color rendition and minimal glare.

Why is the aquascaper 1200 going to be broken down soon?

The aquascaper 1200 is going to be broken down soon because it is over 2 years old, and the layout is getting tired and hard to manage. The showroom aims to keep things fresh, and there is a big idea for a new setup involving a dominant plant species never before featured in the showroom.

What is the purpose of the new nano low-tech corner in the shop?

The purpose of the new nano low-tech corner is to provide a space for low-energy, low-maintenance nano tanks and small setups. It is designed to cater to those who are just starting out in the hobby or prefer a simpler, less demanding aquarium experience.

What is included in the setup of the new 60-gallon aquarium by MD Fish Tanks?

The new 60-gallon aquarium setup by MD Fish Tanks includes a light, a filter, and the tank itself. The entire setup costs around 85-90, providing good value. It is designed for non-CO2 tanks and requires minimal water changes.

What type of fish are suitable for the low-tech, low-maintenance 60-gallon aquarium?

Ender Guppies are suitable for the low-tech, low-maintenance 60-gallon aquarium. They are easy entry-level fish that are active, colorful, and ideal for beginners.

What is the substrate used under the gravel in the new 60-gallon aquarium?

The substrate used under the gravel in the new 60-gallon aquarium is Neutras from Columbo. It is nutrient-rich and supports plant growth and bacterial activity.

What is the philosophy behind the setup of the aquascaper 1500 and how does it relate to the hobby of aquascaping?

The philosophy behind the setup of the aquascaper 1500 is to create a classic nature aquarium style that is enjoyable and satisfying to maintain. It represents a natural and organic approach to aquascaping that is recommended for anyone starting out in the hobby, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, ease of growth, and the transformative effect of proper lighting and CO2.