Methodologies For Planted Aquaria

[lljdma06]

In recent weeks, I've been coming across some healthy and some not-so-healthy, debate regarding the pros and cons of the several methods of keeping successful planted aquaria. How would we feel if there was a pinned topic outlining the basic principles behind these methods, with their advantages and disadvantages laid out plainly, so those new to the hobby can make choices on their own? I'm not advocating one method or the other. Do we even want to read another pinned topic?

Methods I know of so far, and I know I'm over-generalizing:

High-tech (EI dosing, unlimited plant choices, higher light, CO2 injection, weekly or more waterchanges)
Low-tech (No CO2, soil substrates, minimal water changes)
"Old school" (least familiar with this one, but lean water column, CO2 injection, nutrient subststrate, lower light levels than high-tech, more limited plant choice, etc.)
Hybrids Tanks that don't strictly conform.

Can anybody think of any others? I'm just putting out feelers for now. I know this is being done in magazines, but I wonder if it wouldn't serve TFF well to have a topic like this? If this has already been done, than count me as a moron.

llj

 

[geo7x]

sounds good llj,

there is another pin i would like to see that could perhaps be combined with this one to make one thread, and that is a thread on how to aquascape successfully, outlining the 'rules' there are and information about points of focus etc.

 

[SuperColey1]

The main problem I have with all the routines, dosing, methods etc are they always talk about a light fish load and I can never find examples of methods with Heavy fish loads (mine is 1.5 x the inch per gallon) and therefore I have to do everything calculation wise off my own back and can't see any other experiences.

Would be nice to read other experiences of EI or Excel dosing in heavy load tanks, and see if I can learn anything from reading rather than just go from one algae to another whilst experimenting.

Andy

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Llj, you are right it is needed for the newbies. You must of read my thread on AE forum about the same subject!



Geo, that would help again. But remember art is subjective so we cant tell you how to paint but more on the technique's of painting, then the art is up to you.

Regards,
Graeme.

 

[lljdma06]

sounds good llj,

there is another pin i would like to see that could perhaps be combined with this one to make one thread, and that is a thread on how to aquascape successfully, outlining the 'rules' there are and information about points of focus etc.

I agree with Graeme on this one, geo. Though an aquascaping section is a great idea, that is a very subjective art.

The main problem I have with all the routines, dosing, methods etc are they always talk about a light fish load and I can never find examples of methods with Heavy fish loads (mine is 1.5 x the inch per gallon) and therefore I have to do everything calculation wise off my own back and can't see any other experiences.

Would be nice to read other experiences of EI or Excel dosing in heavy load tanks, and see if I can learn anything from reading rather than just go from one algae to another whilst experimenting.

You know, Andy, as a heavy stocker myself, about 1.5-2 inches per gallon (depending on fish type), I found that I had to adjust my EI dosing by quite a bit when I was doing high-tech in IL. I ended up dosing less Macro than normal. Now, I don't use any ferts other than rootabs for crypts and other root feeders. I have to adjust the way I do low-tech too. No going 3-4 months between Water changes for me. With all the fish I keep, according to stocking standards, that would be bad news.

Llj, you are right it is needed for the newbies. You must of read my thread on AE forum about the same subject!

Geo, that would help again. But remember art is subjective so we cant tell you how to paint but more on the technique's of painting, then the art is up to you.

Yeah, Graeme, I read that thread, but it was actually the Q/A session held in March at AE that really sparked my interest on the different methodologies. I was really bummed I missed that one.

llj

 

[Dave Spencer]

I think it is a good idea.

Is there such a thing as "mid tech"; lighting approaching the 2WPG rule, CO2, good substrate and trace elephants, but with no N and P dosing?

Dave.

 

[ICEEGRL]

I think mid tech is where I am going to fall. More info would be great!
I personally love the pinned stuff. I have learned tons from them, and they are a lot easier to find than trying to search old threads. I still have trouble with the search thing on here.

Dave... elephants?

 

[plantbrain]

I have clients and they love high fish loads, but after several years, I've yet to encounter any issue other than low nutrient levels with the higher light tanks.

I'm talking some very serious sensitive fish and fish loads.

More loading= more water changes is a good rule.
You cannot over filter either.

Regards,
Tom Barr