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A little guide for those with little experience

L

Little

Member
Joined
26 Dec 2023
Messages
297
Location
Kent
I have little experience in this hobby. I have little knowledge too.

When I first started reading the site, I found a lot of great content to read. Honestly it was amazing… but a lot to take in.

I decided to distill a few things I picked up over this past year, in the hope it helps someone start out.

It’s a little basic and a little vague but I hope you like it… at least a little:

1. Patience is Key​

  • Nature Takes Time: Just like planting an acorn, growing a planted aquarium requires patience and time. Your strongest attribute in this hobby will be patience. While some shortcuts exist, they often come with higher risks.

2. Types of Aquariums​

  • High Tech: High energy, high speed, high risk, and high reward. These aquariums typically have:
    • High levels of light
    • Injected CO2
    • Nutrient-rich substrates and water column
    • Frequent water changes
    • Pros: Faster plant growth, vibrant and colorful plants, impactful viewing.
    • Cons: Rapid deterioration if things go wrong, such as algae outbreaks.
  • Low Tech: Low energy, slow growth, and less maintenance. These aquariums typically have:
    • Low light
    • No injected CO2
    • Lean nutrients
    • Fewer water changes
    • Pros: More stable system, slower growth requiring less intervention, often looks more natural.
    • Cons: Slower plant growth, less vibrant appearance.
  • Medium Tech: A balance between high and low tech, offering moderate energy, speed, and maintenance.

3. Substrate Options​

  • Active Soil: Often called Aqua soil, these are clay pellets that alter water chemistry and release nutrients. Commonly used in high tech setups, they require frequent water changes initially.
  • Inert Materials: Includes sand and gravel, which do not affect water chemistry. Nutrients need to be added separately, such as through root tabs or liquid fertilizers.
  • Dirtied Tank: Soil capped with sand, providing nutrients while preventing them from leaking into the water column. Often used in low tech setups for a more natural look.

4. Maintenance​

  • Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy aquarium. This includes:
    • Changing water as needed (more often in high tech, less in low tech).
    • Trimming overgrown plants.
    • Removing floating plants that block light.
    • Removing damaged or melting leaves.
    • Controlling algae growth.
    • Keeping the tank clean, especially at the beginning.

5. Essential Elements​

  • Light: Plants need adequate light intensity and duration. Fancy lights are more about aesthetics. High light and longer periods typically require more CO2 and fertilizers.
  • Water: Tap water is generally fine (make sure to treat it before use), but rainwater or RO water can give you more control when used with remineralization.
  • Fertilizer/Nutrients: Both macro (NPK) and micronutrients are necessary. Fertilizers can be expensive pre-made products or cheap homemade dry salts. Both works. Two dosing systems are:
    • EI (Estimating Index): Used in high tech aquariums, involves dosing a lot of fertilizer and frequent water changes.
    • Lean Dosing: Used in low tech aquariums, involves adding the minimum amount of nutrients based on plant growth.
  • CO2: Essential for plant growth. Some will be naturally present or more can be injected. Injection can be done via natural reaction systems or compressed bottles.

6. Aquarium Size​

  • Small Tanks (<18 liters/5 gallons): Harder to maintain due to instability and frequent maintenance needs. Suitable for snails and shrimp, possibility for a Betta but not recommended.
  • Medium Tanks (37 liters/10 gallons): Ideal for beginners, offering stability and room for plants and livestock. Get this size if space and budget allow. This will make your first experience much easier.
  • Large Tanks: Require more maintenance, are costlier, and need more space. When things go wrong on a large tank, it can be an off putting experience for a beginner.

7. Filtration​

  • Various types of filters can be used, including external, internal, hang-on-back, and sponge filters. Each has its pros and cons regarding price, space, noise, visuals, and ease of cleaning. They all work.
  • Flow Rates… movement of water helps distribute nutrients and CO2, and surface agitation adds oxygen. However, too much flow can stress livestock and plants.

8. Starting the Aquarium​

  • Plant and Wait: Fill the tank, add lots of floating and fast-growing plants, and let it stabilize. After a few months, you can swap in more sensitive plants and add livestock.
  • Other Methods: Dark Start (running the tank without light or plants for weeks) and Dry Start (not filling the tank with water, wrap the top in cling film, keeping plants moist. Finally add water when grown in).

9. Handling Problems​

  • Accept that things may not always go as planned. Patience and regular maintenance are key to success. Aquariums are dynamic and require attention.

10. Research​

  • Thorough research is essential before making any decisions regarding plants, livestock, and equipment. This helps avoid common mistakes and ensures a successful aquarium.

Conclusion​

  • Nature Takes Time: Measure progress in months and be patient.
  • Do Your Maintenance: Regular upkeep is crucial for a healthy aquarium.
  • Research Everything: Informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
 
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