Search results for query: *

Thank for taking the critique in a constructive way. It is a good point about the difficulty of creating height with rocks. Also, if you do a massive stacking up to the top it tends to take away a lot of good swimming space. One way around it would be to do a rock background with concrete or...

There is definitely an interesting challenge in scaping without plants. Personally, I would have gone for a much more biotope oriented scape. There are some great examples of Rift Valley biotopes each year at the BADC. The rocks look too white and remind me almost of corals rather than rocks...

I have always sucked, but it will not be the same after this :rolleyes:. Thomas

Something to think about at next WC when you put that hose in your mouth...:oops: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hundreds-of-elephants-in-botswana-may-have-died-from-toxic-algae-2020-09-21/

Paludarium has now been running approx. 6 months. Tank is 75x45x45. Main fish are the gorgeous Pseudoepiplatys annulatus. There are no plants underwater. Water is pure RO. Sorry about glare and low photoquality.

Yes, can confirm that Japanese Rush is excellent, it is even winter hardy in Denmark, a very versatile and in my eyes beautiful plant, the leaves arch nicely over the surface. An addendum to the Persicaria: not only does it grow well emersed, I found that cuttings don't even need to be planted...

Persicaria ap. Sao Paolo is a beautiful plant that did well for me in room humidity. Awaiting some today for a new paludarium. M. keisak dried out for me. I am currently experimenting with E. montevidensis at a depth of 5 cm, but not much happening after two-three weeks, but leaves do not seem...

Some of these might work. In the US I know, but might guide your search... https://www.joshsfrogs.com/instantsearchplus/result/?q=pump

That's easy then! Now we are getting there, thanks mate. How did I miss that? The downside is too many connections, but combined with an acrylic pipe or one of the cut glass pieces it would definitely be an acceptable option. T

Thanks for suggestions. Was hoping for something more straightforward than 3D printers and glassblowers :):). Took a look at CalAqua, they have one that is 35 cm but the slits seem to be placed rather high up. Another solution: has anyone come across U-type glass in 12/16 or 16/22 mm, similar...

Hi all, I am planning my new 75p, possibly as a paludarium. The tank is 45 cm high and my goal is to have the water surface go to about 15-18 cm. Out flow will be through a glass spray bar with the water output angled towards the glass. Problem is to find a glass inflow that is long enough to...

I think there is every reason to admire these diorama works. They really are impressive artistic creations. The problem for me is not that there is such a style, but rather that they compete against more classical NA styles. It is just pears and oranges. Also, as the diorama dominance becomes...

Good point. It may be unjust to speak of the diorama style as a deviation when you see things in this broader historical perspective. At the same time it is hard not see the diorama as a kind of further development of NA when you look at the sequence, but yeah, it could be argued that it...

The Nature Aquarium style in my view has never pretended to be a replication of nature (this is the domain of the Biotope Aquarium style). It rather takes creative inspiration from nature and insists on using natural materials like wood, stone, sand, etc. These are then subsumed to distinctly...

Hi all, Thanks for your interest, much appreciated. I forgot to say the tank is 75x50x60. It has been used as a frog vivarium earlier. See here: https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/dart-frog-vivarium.40566/#post-440463 I use an old ADA light with 2x36w. Filtration is just an air sponge. I...

Hi all, Long time since I was active here. I have been working on this Riparian rhapsody since the summer. "Rhapsody" because it is composed of so many different plants and elements. It has not been until the last months or so that the back has completely greened up with mosses, ficus, and an...

That is not ideal. Since CRS etc hail from cooler regions in China/Asia, it is generally recommended to keep them around 20 degrees and definitely never above 24-25.

Added some Mic. "trident" to the manzanita area. url=https://flic.kr/p/LF18hd][/url]DSC_0474[1] by Thomas Olesen, on Flickr

I think there is a bit of confusion around the naming of it, but it is this one: https://www.aquasabi.com/aquatic-plants/foreground/helanthium-parvulum-broad-leaf Like most of our plants it is probably terrestrial or semi-terrestrial in the wild, but is sold and used as an aquatic plant. T

This is Helanthium parvulum "broad leaf" (if I remember correctly). Yeah, the stalks there look really cool, like tiny bells. I am nor really sure if they are flowers (maybe some more botanically wise could chime in), because they have been looking like this for probably six months. Yes, it is...

Good to hear. Yeah, feel free to ask any question - and keep us updated on progress. Do you have ideas for planting? T

Nor worries, I appreciate your interest. Forums are all about sharing information. I think you would do alright with the lid you describe. I would try to start out with that. In fact it is good thing with some gaps to allow circulation (I also have some gaps around the rim). You should expect...

Thanks! I started the WK about a year ago. The Utricularia started by melting completely and I thought it was a lost case for me. Then after some months it suddenly came back alive and started spreading. However, it was not until I started adding some fertilizer to the water I supply...

My office wabi that has been left more or less to its own devices. All initial plans have been lost somewhere along the line, but I am a big fan of the UG lawn and the very nice flowers they produce. The Buce skeleton/achilles in the last photo is another favourite: amazing leaf structure. It is...

Hi all, A small warning should anyone be considering these fish (see above). I have lost three on/to the floor in just a couple of days. I normally try to research on jumpiness and had not encountered anything. Will try to lower the water level some centimeters to see if that can halt the...

Thanks. They are not nano fish, around 3 cm or so. According to habitat descriptions they seem to appreciate a good deal of flow. I was looking for such a fish because I have rather strong flow. T

Played around with backgrounds. This is a white acrylic sheet placed at an angle to create a fade-out effect. The nice thing in my view is that it makes the manzanita stand out much more clearly than the black background. The black, on the other hand, is better at bringing out the green. So I...

Hi all, After a tour in the world of dartfrogs - http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/dart-frog-vivarium.40566 - I am ready to do some scaping in the No-Fly Zone. It has been up for for two weeks now and is running quite smoothly. I am struggling to see any algae yet, which is something I have...

Hi Jordi, No problem, I enjoy the questions :). The backwall is a 2 cm thick pressed cork plate cut to size. Onto this is glued some natural bark that was first pressed to make it as flat as possible. The cork wall is siliconed to the back glass. The sides are pretty simple, just some large...

Hi, Thx for your interest. Equipment: The viv is a custom built all-glass. There is a small pvc frame in which rests two removable glass pieces. Each piece has about 10 holes with a 3 cm diameter for ventilation. For some of the day I have a computer fan sitting over one of the holes. This is...

Hi all, For those interested in the world above water, here are a few shots of my dart frog vivarium housing 2.2. Ranitomeya amazonica "Arena blanca". The viv is 75x50x60. All roots are DIY done with a concrete product called MakeMake (can also be used under water). I hope you enjoy. I would be...

Rams are delicate fish. In my view they require more space and a dedicated tank with R/O water. They also need temps 26-30 degrees, which is not compatible with many shrimps. Thomas

I will definitely second Jordi on RO. There is nothing worse in my view than vivaria or paludaria with white stripes and lines from hard water on glass and plants. Thomas

They are, but I sold them a couple of weeks ago. After a year with frogs I am taking a step back into the world of water. I have a couple of fun projects going and hope to show some of it in some months. Alternating between projects is what inspires me. Frogs are just on pause for the moment. T

I don't think you will have problems keeping high humidity - or keeping aquarium plants (which are mostly bog plants anyway). Rather, I think you will get a lot of condensation on the glass, but this can easily be wiped off when you want to sit and have your zen moment. T

There is some normal potting soil here and there, which is from the plants as they were potted before being introduced to the viv. But the basis is Amazonia. Basically, you can use any kind of soil, but I would always use some kind of aquarium soil as it is much easier and tidier to work with...

In this vivarium http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/terrascaping-poison-dart-frog-vivarium.36534 I used Amazonia. Works very well and does not smell like other more earthy substrates will. On top of it you can place leaves and twigs to create the sense of a forest floor. Thomas

Amano created a whole new way of thinking. A true pioneer. What a legacy. Thomas

Next item in the ADA product range: diving suits with scissor gloves and hoover on the back. Thomas

Thanks, guys. On a side note I used ADA Amazonia as substrate in the vivarium. This works really well. Surprising that this is not used in the frog hobby more. So a lot of reuse from aquascaping (to which I will surely return) :). In fact, it is strange that froggers are not more readily...

Hi all, Many thanks for all the likes. Much appreciated given that this is not even a planted tank. I managed to get a decent shot of the frogs. Size is hard to see from the pictures, but they are around 3 cm.

Thanks, guys! The fern is an Athyrium sp. from Madagascar (purchased at Ben's Jungle). Do you have a thread about your viv, Alastair, or is it in the planning phase? Thomas

Hi all, It has been a while since I was active here. After the summer I decided it was time for a different challenge. I kept poison dart frogs some years ago, and felt the urge to go there again. The vivarium is 70x40x50. It is built as an aquarium; that is, has no drain or false bottom and is...

According to this Interaquaristic.de (did not check the others) will ship shrimp to UK for 19,95 Euro: Versandkostengruppe 2: Für Garnelen, Krebse, Krabben, Schnecken, Muscheln (Wirbellose) & Lebendfutter: Wirbellosenversand von Montag bis Donnerstag per DHL Paket national und per DPD...

I think something like 7,4-7,6 was measured at the type locality in Myanmar. You could check Seriously Fish. Ender is right, they do best in a group: aim for 10-15. In my shallow tank I had a few jumpers, but in a taller tank with good planting this should be less of a problem. Thomas

Obvious choice is Danio margaritatus (celestial pearl danio). Lots of interaction, small and ideal for your size tank, breeds easily, prefers hard and alkaline water, and, of course, are among the most beautiful fish in the hobby. They don't need a heated tank and can actually be kept outside...

Thanks for this input, Orchid. Finally some kind of evidence. Thomas

Looks really nice. What are the stones? I am just starting up an ADA 60P, which is the same size except only 36 cm high. I also have the Aquasky, but only the 601, as well as the same plants that you do (and lots of others). I absolutely enjoy the design of the lamp and its colour rendition. I...

Good point, James. Coincidence is not causation. Even if there is a link between high placers and ADA related people, the causal arrow may be different. I assume you only become an ADA dealer or representative because you are a pretty good scaper. My knowledge of the world of aquascaping is...

I think drainage is useful if you have an automated misting system. If you just mist manually it is easy to control. The drain system just ensures that the water never rises above a specified level. Fans can be useful in an aquarium type viv because it is not possible to create a draft. In the...

I see your point, but some hard evidence would be nice to back it up. I don't know all the top the names, but do you suggest that they are all somehow related to ADA as dealers or distributors? If you can show that this is the case your theory holds up to scrutiny. Otherwise it is just...

For CPD you should really consider hatching brine shrimp. They love it and color up nicely. Thomas

Nice pictures on that site, Jordi. The real attraction of vivaria (for people coming from our side of the hobby): no water change and no worrying about algae. The real drawback of vivaria (in my eyes): that you have to culture your own food, i.e. fruitflies and springtails. The latter is not...

A nice thought, definitely, but also a bit naive perhaps. If there was no business interest involved, we would not have a contest at this scale and quality. A contest with more than 2000 entries is surely quite resource demanding to handle properly. Just out of curiosity (and I am asking this...

Will be good to follow. Vivariums have a lot of scaping potential and should be of interest to people here. Are you planning to keep frogs in it? If so, you really need to think about how you solve the top lid problem. This should fulfill two criteria: (a) be absolutely tight fitting to prevent...

So no more CO2 then ;)? IAPLC, get ready for the low-tech invasion... I agree this is a good step. I do read it as a move towards a more classical conception. The focus, for example, on long-term maintenance prospects does seem to go against certain diorama style layouts, which seem short-term...

Roy and Alex. Thanks. Just was I was looking for. Thomas

Hi Raffik, By burping I simply mean that sometimes a build-up of gas comes out through filter as a swarm of bubbles, causing a little "noise". I don't do anything to counter this as I don't think it is an issue at all. The airlock sometimes occurred on my previous Eheim filter, causing a...

Well done to everyone. It is a pleasure to part of a community with such high standards :). BUT next year I will beat the crap out of all of you :mad:. Joking aside: Does anyone know the criteria that the committee uses for their evaluation? I can't seem to find it. Thomas

Note that he didn't say he won the IAPLC :). Thomas

Probably the opposite. With this method the co2 is totally dissolved in the water that flows back in the tank, i.e. no loss of co2 in the filter. I am using this method and find it the best: optimal dissolution and no micro bubbles in the water. Burping and airlocks can occur, though. Thomas

I understand my own placement better now that I see Viktor's coming in at 222 :). The level of aquascaping is extremely high today. Great to be part of a genre that is developing so strongly. Thomas

Yeah I thought so...I will definitely enter. It is really great that you keep such a strong focus on biotopes. Thanks for the effort. Thomas

Hi, Would Sulawesi fit in the Eurasia or Australia/Oceania category? Thomas

Well done Iain, that is actually a very good result. I blasted into the best third ;) with Alpine Gardens. 731 or something like that. Good to have a reasonable basis for improvement :). Thomas

My optiwhite is clearly blue-ish. I associate green with normal float, but as Ollie says there may be different types. But I would be a little bit suspicious too. Thomas

Correct: I don't get oil, but for me the skimmer gives me that 10-20% extra in making the surface looking crisp clean, which I enjoy in an open tank. Thomas

In metal there are the Borneo Wild Skimz and ADA Vuppa (I have the latter and like it a lot). Thomas

Thanks, Viktor. The lighting level on the 60-P's looks quite good to me. As always, inspirational photos. I can see the point about the colors, but you need to be really pro to handle this amount of lighting (that is why I chickened out and chose the 601). Thomas

Viktor, do you find that the 601 has any limits as to what type of plant it can grow (provided co2 injection of course) on a 60-P? (hope you don't mind me asking this in your thread, Daniel). Thomas

I recently got the 601 for the 60-P, which I think will suffice. My guess is it will suffice too even on the 45 cm wide given that depth is only 30 cm, but perhaps you need to consider which plants you choose and where you plant them. The light can be easily moved to provide most intensity where...

Hi all, As promised a few more shots. I hope you enjoy them. Thomas

"Shallow" is not a fixed concept, but relational to the length of the tank. So if you are set on 50 long I think you need something like 15 or 20 cm high to get a shallow effect. In my two previous scapes (see signature) I used a 75x45x25 tank, which I think is only medium shallow even with 75...

Thanks a lot guys. I am glad to share this and really appreciate your response. Alex, I actually don't have a specific new idea resulting from this experience. For me it was rather about getting a deeper understanding of the nature aquarium approach and how it is part of a wider cultural idea...

Thanks for all the likes. Here is a treat for all the moss lovers out there.

Hi all, I visited Japan this summer as part of a conference. Fortunately, I managed to take out a couple of days for traveling. Some of that time I spent hunting ADA stuff in Tokyo. See the result here: http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/ada-prices-in-japan.30535/. On a more cultural note, I...

Oh, sorry, so most of what we see in the left are actually stones weighing the ivy down? It will sure become lighter when these are removed. Missed that. Thomas

A truffle: that is a beautiful image. I will think of this next time I pass a mirror. And reconsider the wording of the ad. Thomas

Looks wonderful Tom: the only thing that bothers me a bit is the big "chunk" in the left side. This is not part of the main root as I understand it? If not I would remove it to create an even wider and emptier (not sure that is proper English) space in front. This is what is so great with a tank...

I can see my ad: "overused and unfit for reproductive purposes, but could add an exotic twist to your stew". Thomas

Thinking about it, but there is so much to see and do in Tokyo. And I am here professionally, so don't have that much time ;). Was also considering the gallery in Niigata, but it is only open sundays. Thomas

Just to follow up on this thread: I am currently in Japan and visited a couple of shops with ADA stuff in Tokyo. In general ADA is quite a lot cheaper, about 30-50% or more compared to European prices. The best bargain is probably the Aquasky. I picked up the 601 for about about 95 British...

As mentioned, springtails are cultivated by dart frog keepers. I did it too when I kept darts, really simply, some kind of moist substrate, ventilation when you occasionally open the box, and basically you can feed them with anything, just not too much or you get fungus. Fish flake is probably...

I think the plant popularly known as Ammania "bonsai" is now scientifically described as Rotala indica. The plant known as Rotala indica before this name was transferred is Rotala rotundifolia, as I understand it. But I am no botanist either...:). Thomas

That the correct name of Ammania "bonsai" is Rotala indica. http://www.flowgrow.de/db/aquaticplants/rotala-indica Thomas

Ammania "bonsai" or as is correct, Rotala indica, grows very bushy if happy. You can see how it looked in my previous scape Alpine Gardens. I really liked it. Responds well to pruning and is not too fast growing. Thomas

Thanks, Alex. No, actually the tank is squeezed in between the wall and the girls' clothes closet (it's big), so I view it more or less frontally. Thomas

Final pics from this journey. Not actually taking it down just yet, but since I will be away for most of the summer I expect the scape to fall apart, so decided to take the final pics now. Thanks for all the positive feedback and thanks again to Tropica for sponsoring the plants. What's next...

Hi Rasmus, Good to see a fellow Dane on here. I am also considering a riparium for my next set-up, but am worried about humidity issues. Do you have to spray/mist your Echinodorus to keep the leaves looking good? Thomas

Robert, thanks :). Alex, I have a small group of D. margaritatus, a wonderful fish that does well in my rather hard water (actually found some small fry the other day). I have lost a few to jumping so not an entirely open-top safe species. Thomas

Thanks a lot for all your positive comments. Martin: There are not that many Buce as you might think. Many of the low plants at the back are Anubias "petite". In total there are 8 species/variants of Buce. Zanguli: Thanks, glad you see what I see regarding the trip. How is your own scape...

Why the obsession with "full" set-ups? There is an increasing number of high quality products that allow you to mix your own package so that it reflects your wallet's capacity as well as your functional/aesthetic preferences. I for example have an ADA lamp because I think they are among the best...

The ES600 is probably too small, at least if you subscribe to the high flow philosophy (which ADA does not as far as i can tell). One thing to note is that their filters come with lily pipes included. Thomas

Slowly nearing completion. As discussed above I recently added some H. trip around the edges of the wood. I think it has a strong effect in softening the lines and creating some light in an otherwise dark scape. The moss hill is now also more or less covered. Sorry for the undercleaned...

I would definitely go for an old dream of mine. A large group of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (of course, wild caught or descendants thereof), which, as I remember from other Mikolji videos, is also an inhabitant of the morichales. With a tank that size you should be able to see some complex social...

Hey Pedro, Thanks for this alternative aquascaping video - and for the thoughtful finale. Enjoyed it. I only lacked an answer to how world hunger can be stopped ;). Thomas

Agree, if you ever doubt that aquascaping is an artform, just check these images out. Also, I really appreciate your willingness to share knowledge, Viktor. I learn something every time. Thomas

Inspirational, Viktor. Thanks for sharing these. Thomas