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Old 13-07-2012, 06:23 PM   #101
edng
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fascinating read from the very first post .... got me really poisoned ... will check into this thread again in September .... you should be introducing plantscaping by then (juciest part for me )
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Old 13-07-2012, 07:56 PM   #102
JadeIceGreen
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fascinating read from the very first post .... got me really poisoned ... will check into this thread again in September .... you should be introducing plantscaping by then (juciest part for me )
Thanks. I'm glad this thread has been interesting for you.
Why September?
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Old 13-07-2012, 09:43 PM   #103
JadeIceGreen
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Default EcoPico LED Arm - 27 watts




Earlier in this journal, I mentioned that I will be upgrading my EcoPico LED Arm from 1 LED strip of 9 watts to 3 strips for a total of 27 watts. The strips have now been added to the LED Arm and 27 watts is really bright!

These LEDs are of the best quality and they should not have any problems supporting the aquascape I have in mind.

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Old 14-07-2012, 10:21 PM   #104
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Default Aquascaping - Hardscape

We're here! The actual aquascaping.




The laying down of the hardscape is a personal favourite, but also one that is the most challenging aspect of aquascaping for me. Flora can be shaped and replanted if necessary but hardscape is of a more permanent nature and to get it right is essential for the foundations of a great aquascape.

Except for a specialised few, most local fish shops do not carry good materials that are needed for a good hardscape. They rocks and wood they carry are of an ordinary quality and will not aid in the creation of a good looking aquascape. In larger tanks, it may still be possible to pull off a decent aquascape as there is space within the aquascape to hide and if need be, shape less than ideal hardscape into an acceptable form. But in a nano tank, there is often little leeway for correction, purchasing good materials is therefore paramount.




When purchasing materials for the hardscape in a nano tanks, the best are those with lots of micro details found in them. These micro details will allow for the impression of an aquascape that is larger than it is, scaling it nicely with the nano tank.

When visiting good aquascaping stores, I will stock up on any wood or rock that catches my eye. Although the good looking ones can be pricey, excellent materials are always a good investment and can be repeatedly used over the years. Building up a small but quality stockpile of materials has enabled me to not compromise on the hardscape I have in mind.




When building the hardscape, it is important to do it naturally and not force its creation. If I fail to achieve a hardscape that I'm satisfied with within 30 minutes, I will take a rest of a few hours before attempting again. Takashi Amano often emphasises this point and builds the aquascape more by feeling, than by actual thought.

However having said that, the basics on aquascaping composition, layout and flora selection should be studied. Equipped with these knowledge, creating the aquascape can then be a natural process, relaxed and pressure-free.

Here is Mark I of the hardscape. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your valuable comments.

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Old 15-07-2012, 12:33 AM   #105
Jon-san
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*ClapClapClap*... A very good Mk I aquascape. Love the detailing on the woods and lava rocks. You've got an excellent eye for details as always, Isaac! We want more!

PS. That setup would sure look good with a couple of my latest interest... Emperor Tetras! A finely detailed fauna, for a finely detailed aquascape...
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Old 15-07-2012, 12:39 AM   #106
darrenchuasy
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This is a slow but steady thread with wealth of information to spur one to try it too. Can't wait to see your final product so that I can persuade my 7 years old daughter to join me in building one together.
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Old 15-07-2012, 01:56 AM   #107
edng
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Thanks. I'm glad this thread has been interesting for you.
Why September?
ha ha dont worry about it .... thread is totally fascinating but it began in may ... its mid July already and the tank is still dry ..... apologies its my bad manners .... just too kang cheong to see final product

please go at your own pace that you're comfortable with bro'
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Old 15-07-2012, 01:57 AM   #108
edng
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you are so right about that ADA tank ..... in your pic above i could not even notice the glass between my eyes and the DW
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Old 15-07-2012, 09:47 PM   #109
JadeIceGreen
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*ClapClapClap*... A very good Mk I aquascape. Love the detailing on the woods and lava rocks. You've got an excellent eye for details as always, Isaac! We want more!

PS. That setup would sure look good with a couple of my latest interest... Emperor Tetras! A finely detailed fauna, for a finely detailed aquascape...
Really thanks for the encouragement. I was pretty surprised that the Mk I turned out well, was not expecting that. I will try to get you guys more soon! I'm deciding on flora selection at the moment.

I differ from you bro, I don't like Emperor Tetras. No real reason why though, they just don't appeal to me.


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This is a slow but steady thread with wealth of information to spur one to try it too. Can't wait to see your final product so that I can persuade my 7 years old daughter to join me in building one together.
Slow and steady wins the race! lol.
I am also looking forward to the finished aquascape and when it has matured. It's a good hobby to start in children.


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Originally Posted by edng View Post
ha ha dont worry about it .... thread is totally fascinating but it began in may ... its mid July already and the tank is still dry ..... apologies its my bad manners .... just too kang cheong to see final product

please go at your own pace that you're comfortable with bro'
No worries bro, I can understand. The planning takes some time, including the ordering of the equipment. But what takes the most time are the pictures.


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you are so right about that ADA tank ..... in your pic above i could not even notice the glass between my eyes and the DW
Yes. An ADA tank is definitely worth the money.
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Old 23-07-2012, 09:10 PM   #110
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Default Flora Selection



Flora selection in such a small tank requires careful planning as every inch of soil is important. After some thought, here are my choices.


Foreground | Hemianthus callitrichoides ''Cuba"

I wanted to go with my favourite foreground, Glossostigma elatinoides. However, I didn't want to hide the splendid 'root' that can be seen at the foreground and decided on HC instead. Also, Glosso will be slightly too big for a Mini S.


Mid-ground | Eleocharis acicularis, Riccia fluitans, Christmas moss, Anubias barteri var. nana

The middle ground will be the transition between the low lying HC and the taller Dwarf HG and Java fern. As I have some space on the right hand side of the aquascape, I will be adding Riccia to give the Dwarf HG carpet a more nature look. Christmas moss will be sparingly used on selected parts of the driftwood as using too much will destroy the perspective on the aquascape. Aubias nana will also be used in very small quantities to soften the lava rocks but still allowing for their strength to be felt as they are visually anchoring the entire wood structure.


Background | Eleocharis acicularis, Microsorum pteropus

A single bunch of small Java fern will reinforce the focal point of the hardscape. It will also break up the monotony of a background filled with Dwarf HG. In a taller tank, I would have used Vivipara, but for the Mini S, Dwarf HG will suffice.


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