How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

Paul's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPxwZiaS5vr7S7AM1TpiB0w Truthfully doing organic soil and capping it is harder and more work than Aquasoil with Osmocote+. Yes one costs less, but what is actually easier and more plug and play. No mess-which saves new impatient hobbyists a headache. No cap-which saves money you can put towards Aquasoil. My plants are pearling and I haven't added any Excel or dosed anything to the water column. Have the tank set at 7.5 pH 10 dKH 8.4 dGH. PLANT LIST: Hygrophila corymbosa Compact Hygrophila Pinnatifida Cryptocoryne Wendtii Cryptocoryne Lutea Dwarf Sagittaria Anubias Nana Needle Leaf Java Fern Java Moss Staurogyne Repens Blyxa Japonica Amazon Sword To see more Aquarium videos SUBSCRIBE to my channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/Daveguitarfish Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Sound Effects by http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects How+To+Aquascape+A+Low+Tech+Planted+Aquarium+part+2 Aquascape,ADA+Aquasoil,aquascaping,freshwater+aquariums,Takashi+Amano+nature+Aquarium,Dustinsfishtanks+Dirted+dirt,Finnex+LED+lighting,Fertilizers+EI+method,Seachem+Excel,Aquavitro+Seachem,Fluval+filters,Eheim+filters,Tropica,HC+baby+tears,Co2+pressurized,aquarium+Cichlids+African,hardscape+Iwagumi+Amano,Driftwood+hardscape,substrate+Eco+complete,DIY+Aquarium,aquascape,aquascaping,Marineland+filter,water+changes+aquarium,fish+tanks,tropical+freshwater+fish,plants+planted+tanks,killing+algae,How+to+grow+plants,drop+checker+water+chemistry,cycling+a+fish+tank,Tropica+plants,pumps+filters,dosing+fertilizers,T5HO+lighting,Halide+lighting,Baby+tears,Java+moss,stem+plants,Dutch+planted+aquarium,root+tabs,substrate+sand,soil+substrate,glass+aquarium,acrylic+aquarium,hardscape+dragonstone,ADU+Aquascaping,Aquarium+design+of+utah,Utah+dragonstone,cichlids+tanganyika,cichlids+malawi,cichlids+south+american,new+world+cichlids,hard+water,soft+water,Tropheus+cichlids,calvus+cichlids,mbuna+cichlids,peacock+cichlids,cockatoo+cichlids,geophagus+tapajos+cichlid,amazon+sword,ludwigia+cuba,hygrophila+corymbosa,hygrophila+compact,hair+grass,pogostemon+helferi,dwarf+sag,glosso+carpet,photoperiod+aquarium,Co2+tubing,hydrogen+peroxide+H2O2+kills+algae,bacopa+plant,limnophila+aromatica,fissidens+moss,IAPLC+aquqscaping,AGA+aquascaping,bushy+plant+growth,compact+plant+growth,+the+secret+to+bushy+plants, Make sure to subscribe so you can function from day to day. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Daveguitarfish Check out my “Secrets To Amazing Planted Aquariums” Playlist. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALNVCNiNFNQGqIRYCSio09hWeUonPCfv To see more aquarium aquascaping videos check out my channel! Click the link below. http://www.youtube.com/user/Daveguitarfish Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Sound Effects by http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2 sentiment_very_dissatisfied 23

Howto 10 years ago 214,641 views

Paul's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPxwZiaS5vr7S7AM1TpiB0w Truthfully doing organic soil and capping it is harder and more work than Aquasoil with Osmocote+. Yes one costs less, but what is actually easier and more plug and play. No mess-which saves new impatient hobbyists a headache. No cap-which saves money you can put towards Aquasoil. My plants are pearling and I haven't added any Excel or dosed anything to the water column. Have the tank set at 7.5 pH 10 dKH 8.4 dGH. PLANT LIST: Hygrophila corymbosa Compact Hygrophila Pinnatifida Cryptocoryne Wendtii Cryptocoryne Lutea Dwarf Sagittaria Anubias Nana Needle Leaf Java Fern Java Moss Staurogyne Repens Blyxa Japonica Amazon Sword To see more Aquarium videos SUBSCRIBE to my channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/Daveguitarfish Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Sound Effects by http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects How+To+Aquascape+A+Low+Tech+Planted+Aquarium+part+2 Aquascape,ADA+Aquasoil,aquascaping,freshwater+aquariums,Takashi+Amano+nature+Aquarium,Dustinsfishtanks+Dirted+dirt,Finnex+LED+lighting,Fertilizers+EI+method,Seachem+Excel,Aquavitro+Seachem,Fluval+filters,Eheim+filters,Tropica,HC+baby+tears,Co2+pressurized,aquarium+Cichlids+African,hardscape+Iwagumi+Amano,Driftwood+hardscape,substrate+Eco+complete,DIY+Aquarium,aquascape,aquascaping,Marineland+filter,water+changes+aquarium,fish+tanks,tropical+freshwater+fish,plants+planted+tanks,killing+algae,How+to+grow+plants,drop+checker+water+chemistry,cycling+a+fish+tank,Tropica+plants,pumps+filters,dosing+fertilizers,T5HO+lighting,Halide+lighting,Baby+tears,Java+moss,stem+plants,Dutch+planted+aquarium,root+tabs,substrate+sand,soil+substrate,glass+aquarium,acrylic+aquarium,hardscape+dragonstone,ADU+Aquascaping,Aquarium+design+of+utah,Utah+dragonstone,cichlids+tanganyika,cichlids+malawi,cichlids+south+american,new+world+cichlids,hard+water,soft+water,Tropheus+cichlids,calvus+cichlids,mbuna+cichlids,peacock+cichlids,cockatoo+cichlids,geophagus+tapajos+cichlid,amazon+sword,ludwigia+cuba,hygrophila+corymbosa,hygrophila+compact,hair+grass,pogostemon+helferi,dwarf+sag,glosso+carpet,photoperiod+aquarium,Co2+tubing,hydrogen+peroxide+H2O2+kills+algae,bacopa+plant,limnophila+aromatica,fissidens+moss,IAPLC+aquqscaping,AGA+aquascaping,bushy+plant+growth,compact+plant+growth,+the+secret+to+bushy+plants, Make sure to subscribe so you can function from day to day. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Daveguitarfish Check out my “Secrets To Amazing Planted Aquariums” Playlist. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALNVCNiNFNQGqIRYCSio09hWeUonPCfv To see more aquarium aquascaping videos check out my channel! Click the link below. http://www.youtube.com/user/Daveguitarfish Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Sound Effects by http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

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Most popular comments
for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
ADU Aquascaping is excited to announce their partnership with BucePlant!
When ordering type "ADU15" into the code section and you will get 15% off of your first order, so make it count!
To get to their website click on the BucePlant link that I have provided below!
http://buceplant.com?rfsn=512608.61055d
outlander271
outlander271 - 7 years ago
How can your KH be greater than your GH?
xOGx-B4L15T4
xOGx-B4L15T4 - 7 years ago
I have a 45 gallon bowfront corner aquarium which has been running 4 a few years and i want to restart cuz it crashed due to a parasite, which was my fault for not doing a couple water changes. Im thinking of making a planted tank and using no filter to keep it real simple. i heard it works just as good. Does any1 have tips or advice?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
It works well enough. It can be done with the right kind of plants and proper maintenance. In most cases plants and fish will benefit from some filtration. You could always add a powerhead for circulation and current if you don't want to use a filter. Thanks for watching.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Well this is all relative. Working as good is an opinion. for optimal growth, health, stability and assurance a filter is always preferred. You can look into Diana Walstad if you want to do an El Natural type tank, but you have to keep the fish population lower and make sure to always keep organic waste to a minimum and ensure that the plants are producing enough oxygen for the inhabitants.
xOGx-B4L15T4
xOGx-B4L15T4 - 7 years ago
I also plan on using beginner plants obviously, and without co2 injections
surabhi singh
surabhi singh - 7 years ago
What's that filter variety m sorry but m a beginner
surabhi singh
surabhi singh - 7 years ago
Thanks a lot....so I guess I would go with a canister filter ....in my case what would you recommend ..mine is a 45 gallon tank...
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
surabhi singh yeah underwater filters can work, but may trap too much detritus and nitrate levels can get high. It is more risky in a large planted aquarium because the plants themselves add a lot of organic waste to the system. I believe Eheim does make an internal filter. You can also use just a standard hang on the back HOB filter.
surabhi singh
surabhi singh - 7 years ago
Are all canister filters External? It would b good if I could install a filter inside my tank and of a reasonably small size so I don't have to worry about making space for installing it outside my 45 gallon tank
surabhi singh
surabhi singh - 7 years ago
Mine is a 45 gallon tank
surabhi singh
surabhi singh - 7 years ago
Thx for enlightening I thought I can do with an undergravel one for my planted aquarium which I am about to set up looks like it's not the right choice?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
surabhi singh for a small aquarium such as this 10 gallon a Sun Sun 603 nano canister filter works great. Also, Eheim and Fluval are great companies. Canister filters are preferred for planted aquariums.
Marvin TheMusicMan
Marvin TheMusicMan - 7 years ago
Another great informative lesson. Thank you for your time, it really is appreciated.
Keeping my sleeves wetMarvin
jsfreediver
jsfreediver - 7 years ago
Wath substrate you use on this tank
jsfreediver
jsfreediver - 7 years ago
Ok my is jsfreediver1971@gmail.com
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
yeah my email is fishfinaticsdob23@gmail.com
jsfreediver
jsfreediver - 7 years ago
Do you have email or fb to talk for some tips for my new set up
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
jsfreediver ADA Aquasoil
Haris Abdulla
Haris Abdulla - 7 years ago
super dude, can you please send me some Amazon sword plant,unable to get it in my India☺️
Tyler Kirkes
Tyler Kirkes - 7 years ago
Could you please tell me what type of bulb you are using? Give me all the juicy details please!
Yannik Handle
Yannik Handle - 7 years ago
Man you really need to look after the needs of the animals you keep in the tank! Corydoras NEED fine sand otherwise they might hurt themselves at the sharp volcano rocks or the raw soil youre using, another thing is, its way to small for Corydoras and Tetras
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Creamshaker yeah you are right. I ended up getting rid of the Cory cats. It was just too small.

10. comment for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

Brad Burkman
Brad Burkman - 7 years ago
Next video: "How to understand what the hell I'm talking about for beginners".
Brian J.P.
Brian J.P. - 7 years ago
what other plants would go well with this species?
Brandon Ho
Brandon Ho - 7 years ago
I'm new to hobby and started with a 10 gallon tank, I know they're harder to maintain than a 20 gallon (upgraded and am now using the 10 gallon for an experimental DIY windowsill aquaponics) but I actually appreciated having the 10 gallon to learn on. It was way easier to see how what I did effected what was going on in the tank.
Riley Ford
Riley Ford - 7 years ago
This may be a stupid question but, if I'm starting up a new tank, do I need to cycle like I would a reef tank? I have multiple saltwater tanks and before I can even put anything in them I need to cycle it for about a month. Is it the same for planted tanks?
jaydie frey
jaydie frey - 7 years ago
What light and fixture do you have on this tank?
Kyle Parker
Kyle Parker - 7 years ago
What kind of substrate are you using?
clint millona
clint millona - 7 years ago
What is your CO2 system do you use in your setup? BTW, great setup mate!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
In this tank there is no CO2. It is low tech. Thanks for watching.
drjude518
drjude518 - 7 years ago
Great videos. Really and truly.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
thanks for watching!!!
Kristian Groth
Kristian Groth - 7 years ago
the dimensions are a bit off imo.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
It is just a fun little tank for beginners. you can design it however you like. Thanks for watching.
felipe zunino
felipe zunino - 7 years ago
I've been watching a lot of vídeos once i'm trying to learn more about aquascaping and planted tanks. What I can say is that you convey  an image of a very reliable guy doing your best at this hobby. Also , I find your vídeos really didactic and very helpful. Thank you so much for that. :)
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
felipe zunino thanks for the support and for watching. It means a lot man!

20. comment for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

sdq sdq
sdq sdq - 7 years ago
can you run a Hygrophila Pinnatifida test ?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
sdq sdq It can grow in 7.2-7.6 pH, not sure about 8+ pH. If dosing CO2 than it will be easier to grow in higher pH
sdq sdq
sdq sdq - 7 years ago
see if it grows in high ph and hard water conditions
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
sdq sdq what do you mean? Hygrophila pinnatifida can be hard to establish, but once it does it is easy to grow.
Greetje Buijert-Nijdam
Greetje Buijert-Nijdam - 7 years ago
You movies are beautifull. I love aquascape tanks and stone and reef tanks.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Thank you!! I am glad you like it. Check out my cinematic videos playlist!
nekesha clayton
nekesha clayton - 7 years ago
I watched this video numerous of times because of its beauty. I saved it to my list. Good job!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Thank you!! Glad you liked it.
Patrick Maslowski
Patrick Maslowski - 7 years ago
How did you cycle this tank before adding the fish? I have a 29 gallon tank that is fully established and I totally understand the nitrogen cycle process but my question is, how is the cycling process accomplished with a planted tank?

Before plants? After plants but before fish?

Great video
Patrick Maslowski
Patrick Maslowski - 7 years ago
Awesome thanks, I didn't want to harm the plants when cycling.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Patrick Maslowski there is no difference really.
Patrick Maslowski
Patrick Maslowski - 7 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Did you use ammonia for dosing? I'm familiar with tank cycling, I was just unsure how to approach the situation with plants...
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
The plants can suck up residual ammonium, but it will still take 3-4 weeks no matter what for new filter media to become fully cycled. They don't speed it up, but can take up some ammonium in the process.
Amel H.
Amel H. - 7 years ago
Can I have a nicely planted low tech aquarium with pool filter sand substrate?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
you can, but you will want to dose liquid fertilizers if using an inert sand substrate. Check out my "true definition of low tech" video. It is a recent video. I am doing a low tech aquascape and only using inert sand for the substrate. I just dose liquid fertilizers and make sure to have a bicarbonate buffer of some kind for an additional carbon source for the plants. I keep it a little on the hard side- 7.4 pH.
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
I do sDa same thing but i do 20% water change 10 ro and 10 normal one..but idk why my plants not growing now i tried to put some feetilization..it grows for like a week and now my java moss is like burned>▪< any tips? Idk what to do now huhuu i run 9h to..now i will try to put in 8
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
now i bought exel to.... im planing to put it and i know and i hope it will help a lot but if i can grow it w/o that exel better >.< now im planning to change light to...this one https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01EF75ABW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1JSUHS1R4LWWD&coliid=I34HB4GNSKG3YG&psc=1 low cost ...or maybe u can tell me what i can do or buy ?^^
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
btw tnx a lot bro ur the only one who spent time answearing mg need :D tnx a lot realy apriciated ^_^
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
i do got 24 temp,.. they said that i need to put it up for like 26-27? wut u think...coz i htink 24 is just low =(
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
joseph nicolan or if you did over fertilize it could have burned it, BUT! with aquatic plants this is rare. Not as common as many hobbyists believe, because we overdose with the EI method and don't burn our plants. They don't respond quite the same as terrestrial plants do to fertilization.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
joseph nicolan oh, okay than you have acidic water it sounds like. Hmmm could be higher temperatures? mine like lower and when I upped my temp from 70 to 76 degrees some died back.
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
what do u mean alkaline? i do use 10% of my water to RO water when i change my 20% water evry 2 weeks...i buy the ro with 6.1 ,1 ,1 so i htink its ok with that...but the prob is other plants grow normaly even faster but my moss >.<
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
well you can keep dosing liquid fertilizers, but do you have any root tabs in the substrate? That can help. Also, if your water has a really high KH it can slow down growth, so it could be that your water is alkaline?
joseph nicolan
joseph nicolan - 7 years ago
i use gravel >.<... but i put something at the bottom its like some sort of soil with some pelets blabla...
the only thing is other plant grow but my moss >:< java and i bought xmas moss with a wood on it already for like couple of days but as i see it not growing and i think its dying hahaha so i realy dnt know what to do...why its not growing...i do normal water changes..i put right dosage of ferti..and yet lolz...i realy dnt know >.<
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
are you using a soil substrate? What is your substrate?
Red Hawk
Red Hawk - 7 years ago
Question brother, by any chance do you need some sort of air pump? I really want to get into aquascaping
Red Hawk
Red Hawk - 7 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping thank you man, Happy New Year!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Red Hawk no you don't. Just adequate surface agitation from a powerhead. To help with circulation and O2.
Yaf Mil
Yaf Mil - 8 years ago
I just got a 5 gallons tank aquarium for my daughter, and after watching your video she is passionate with aqua plants. We would like to have a go very soon, can we mix the osmocore plus with the Flourite Premium Aquarium Plant Substrate?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Yaf Mil Yes you can, a tank that size will only need 2 ml of volume worth of O+. A single 00 capsule is about 1ml of volume. Fill two capsules full and then sprinkle them around the aquarium evenly. Only need a small amount and to be safe. Of course cycle the media in the filter for 4 weeks, unless seeding from another aquarium. Make sure to have at least 10x the total aquarium volume per hour of total filtration and water circulation. Dose small amounts of liquid fertilizer if you see chlorophyll reduction. Chlorosis. KNO3 will supply nitrogen and potassium. You may already know all of this. Test water for pH, KH, and GH. Do you have soft or hard water?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Yaf Mil Yes you can, a tank that size will only need 2 ml of volume worth of O+. A single 00 capsule is about 1ml of volume. Fill two capsules full and then sprinkle them around the aquarium evenly. Only need a small amount and to be safe. Of course cycle the media in the filter for 4 weeks, unless seeding from another aquarium. Make sure to have at least 10x the total water volume per hour of total filtration and water circulation. Dose small amounts of liquid fertilizer if you see chlorophyll reduction. Chlorosis. KNO3 will supply nitrogen and potassium. You may already know all of this. Test water for pH, KH, and GH. Do you have soft or hard water?
Nikko Ebueza
Nikko Ebueza - 8 years ago
how often will i change my water to avoid increase of amonium and maintain the pH level?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Nikko Ebueza once the tank cycles, after 4 weeks, you don't need to worry about ammonia. Unless a fish dies or you put too much Osmocote plus in your aquarium. Dona weekly water change. Start out at 50% of aquarium water.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
Do you think a 8w LED bulb 800 Lumen (60 watt incandescent equivalent) 5000k bulb on a desk lamp and a 3w LED bulb 225 Lumen (25 watt equivalent) 5000k on a clamp reflector will be able to grow a lush val forest and dwarf sag (basically all the low tech plants) successfully on a standard 10 gallon?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme to spread it out more you could use 0 capsules instead of 00 capsules. Single zero are smaller and could spread it out more among the plants.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme yeah and then replenish with it in root tab form from time to time. Every 4 months, or sooner depending on health of the plant. Put root tabs next to plants once they get more established, but don't add much more than 5mls per 10 gallon. Possibly a bit more as plants grow in and if you notice pale coloration on leaves.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping Okay thanks. So I shouldn't dose correct? O+ is all I need?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme haha, sorry dude. I keep forgetting. You are doing O+ right? Okay, well when you use soil it is a safer bet without dosing. We can't forget about the fact that I did use Aquasoil with O+. It should be able to be done with Fluorite too! Just may have to add more and may be more risky, because there is no set dose. As of now I would only do 1 teaspoon (5ml) for every 10 gallons of O+ sprinkled on the bottom. Fluorite really isn't bad and will D great job. Low Techs just take longer to fill in and mature, so just be very patient and consistent over several months. My 10 gallon tank took 6 months to mature. But your plants are very easy and fast growing, so you may not have to wait that long.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping I'm glad to hear that. I'm going to have to research Liquid NPK (my first planted tank still lol). Just a question, why would your low tech tank not need to dose NPK when compared to mine?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme Yeah that works. just go slow. Only use 5ml of volume of O+ per 10 gallons. A 00 capsule is about 1ml of volume, so that would be five 00 capsule fulls at the most for a 10 gallon- staring out. Or just sprinkle 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons on the bottom. A teaspoon is 5ml. If you see chlorosis - lack of chlorophyll production you may want to start dosing liquid NPK and micronutrients.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping Oh I really didn't plan on dosing. I was going to dose Excel but you informed me that Jungle Val won't work with Excel. I'm going to be using DIY Osmocote+ tabs if you count that as a fertilizer.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme what are you using for fertilizer, and dosing method, what kind of water do you have? maybe you already told me
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme that will work well. If you start having reduction in chlorophyll or more algae reduce the light. Check out my latest video. It will explain what I mean. Higher light isn't always your friend.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping I was thinking about buying a 12 watt LED bulb to accompany my 8 watt so I would have 20 watts all together.
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping I can add another LED bulb. What would you recommend I add to accompany my 8 watt bulb already?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
Brandon Cosme it should. The current satellite plus 18" is only 13 watts, you would be at 11 watts. May want to start with that and if it isn't enough try 16 watts. Also having softer water helps and a good bicarbonate buffer at decent levels 7-10 will help for a good carbon source.

30. comment for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

symbolicsin
symbolicsin - 8 years ago
How long does it take for Brown Algae to go away, I'm a newbie. Thanks.
symbolicsin
symbolicsin - 8 years ago
thank you!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
symbolicsin Usually a month or so, if it is longer than you have improper filtration. Need better filtration and O2 levels.
Shivam Sharma
Shivam Sharma - 8 years ago
hey I am asking out of the box question but can you please let me know whether I can put my discus fish and black skirt tetras with artificial plants?
Shivam Sharma
Shivam Sharma - 8 years ago
thank you so much buddy! what quantity should I use of laterite?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
you can get an LED desk lamp that would help produce more power. Usually a mix of 6500K and warmer 4500K is a good mix. Substrate you can use a Laterite base layer with root tabs, Clay based, or Osmocote + based, or can buy manufactured ones. The Laterite holds the nutrients and is a good media for plant roots and bacteria. And then you cap the Laterite with sand. You can also use this method, but instead of using too tabs and Laterite you can use dirt. Dirt of course works because it is soil, top soil. But it can be harder to manage.
Shivam Sharma
Shivam Sharma - 8 years ago
actually I have a 20 gallon tank ( Rs 580 A) model with LED lights and a over the top filter so I am confused whether live plants can thrive in it? also the substrate for live plants is quite high priced so if could suggest me any cheap alternative for substrate then it would be very helpful.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
you could, but why? Can you not find any live plants locally? If you used Amazon swords and cryptocoryne plants it would be easy to do and take care of.
Robert Krais SR.
Robert Krais SR. - 8 years ago
Hey Dave can I start a Low Tech tank with a 90 gallon set up, and what is the GH / KH reading  Thanks Rob
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
yeah you can do a low Tech with any size aquarium. You will have to test your water to find out your GH and KH. Good numbers to aim for are 3-6 dKH and 8-10 GH. Measured in degrees not ppm.
Pperrault
Pperrault - 8 years ago
What kind of shrimp are in the tank?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
and Cherry shrimp
Brandon Cosme
Brandon Cosme - 8 years ago
I think Amano shrimp. I saw something like that on Dustin's website.
Georgina
Georgina - 8 years ago
Amazing!!! Can you do this exact video 'for dummies'?! I feel like I cant understand every 2nd word haha :) Thanks for the video
Fowerhorn Fish
Fowerhorn Fish - 8 years ago
so beautifull
rhys young
rhys young - 8 years ago
"My water is liquid rock"
WAIT your water is lava?!
metallica fan
metallica fan - 8 years ago
Sounds too complicated ... Most of the things u r saying are bouncing over me... Haha may be I'm not ready for a planted tank yet
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
metallica fan I would recommend getting the book " encyclopedia of Aquarium plants" the full version. It is green. pocket version is white. It was my plant Bible when I started out.
Nati Whatever
Nati Whatever - 8 years ago
metallica fan Hey I'm late but: It's not that complicated once you get into it a bit. really. Sounds all terrible, but ph levels and the whole equipment yaddayadda, becomes all very self explanatory once you check it all yourself every week. :) Don't be scared! haha! Aquaristic is a very slow, relaxing and patient hobby, you'll have all time you need to get everything right.
taher abbas
taher abbas - 8 years ago
hi what's lights are you using
mef1975
mef1975 - 8 years ago
Very cool light to have, the Satellite Freshwater LED+.  Fully adjustable spectrum.
OnlyArchonOfficial
OnlyArchonOfficial - 8 years ago
i thought cories need to be in a 20+?
roggerfrogger2
roggerfrogger2 - 8 years ago
Lovely tank!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+roggerfrogger2 Thanks, glad you like it.
MELODY MUNRO
MELODY MUNRO - 8 years ago
Dave ...what are your thoughts on using indian almond leaves to soften water? My tap water is 7.6 pH..I am not sure of the figures for hardness but my LFS uses same water as me and they said our water was hard...I dont care too much about lowering pH as mine is stable..but I would like to see if IAL's could soften the water therefore making some of my fish more comfortable -tetras, corydoras etc..have you ever used IAL's?..just want to know your thoughts on them...
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+ORANGE FISHHEAD yeah the tannins would be nice and the fish love the natural habitat. good to know.
MELODY MUNRO
MELODY MUNRO - 8 years ago
I use them with my siamese fighter fraternity tank ( 40 gallon) and also in another tank that houses some corydoras (20 gallon)...I just use one leaf in the small tank and two in the larger...more for the medicinial benefit and I like the tannin colour...I just let them go until they look like they are breaking up and then put some new ones in..
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
did you end up using some? I never have. Can just use Aquasoil, or soil to acidify the substrate and pH of the water.
Vivienne Damone
Vivienne Damone - 8 years ago
What is the light on this/brand and watt
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
current satellite plus
Mitchell Staley
Mitchell Staley - 8 years ago
i have a 75 gallon tank that i plan on planting heavily. i have had success with plants in the past. but i think it might just be hardy plants and dumb luck. now i want to do it right this time and use fertilizer and substrates in addition to lighting. to experiment im going to start with a 10 gallon and see where that takes me. do you have to use aqua soil? why not just fluorite or eco complete? im probably just going to have rotalla indica, amazon swords and java fern. would i need a really complex set up for that? or just fluorite and some occasional liquid fertilizer. im going to have 4 t5 bulbs for the 75, will that be enough?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Mitchell Staley you can use soil and cap it with sand, or you could do Laterite, root tabs and cap that with sand. You don't have to have Aquasoil. Flourite or laterite will work with root tabs. Eco complete works well, but really doesn't have many nutrients. And you could dose some liquid ferts to the water column. Just tiny amounts each week. Nothing crazy. Just monitor your plants, if they be mosses or Anubias, ferns, to make sure there is enough nutrients in the water column. It is easier if your water is lower in pH with a lower TDS and KH. Tap water that is hard and alkaline makes the hobby way harder. If you have to use RO water I would, Makes it so much easier to have low KH.
Ayub Ali
Ayub Ali - 8 years ago
o
Jeffrey Saude
Jeffrey Saude - 8 years ago
Love watching your videos. I decided to follow your set up because honestly it was the most straight forward. The only difference is that I use eco complete as the substrate and my tank is a 29 gallon. My question is.... Does the osmocote produce false readings with the api test kit? I ask because I'm on the seventh day of a fishless cycle and I'm getting some confusing results ammonia 4ppm, nitrites 2.0ppm and nitrates at 20ppm. Not sure if it's the osmocote or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Jeffrey Saude yes some of the ammonium nitrate will leak into the water column. Great for plants, but bat for test kits and can kill shrimp if you use too much.
Herbshirt
Herbshirt - 8 years ago
Do you only use 'Starfire' (or whatever you want to call it), the ultra clear glass, or just regular tanks from a regular pet shop?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Herbshirt I wish. I have one ADA low iron glass rimless tank, but my other tanks are just cheap standard tanks.
Herbshirt
Herbshirt - 8 years ago
Brilliant vid. Thankyou. I was going to go hi-tech straight up but now I'm leaning toward lo-tech. Plants still the focus.

Is that a 2 or 3 ft tank?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Herbshirt Thanks, it is a cheap 10 gallon aquairum, about 16-18 inches I believe. yeah low tech can be fun and easier to do for most beginners.
Noah Ellis
Noah Ellis - 8 years ago
Hey dave question for ya, I want to start a planted tank with proper substrate and low tech, and i dont want it to be too expensive, and i also want to achieve low maintence in a planted 30-50 gallon tank, and i dont want to spend too muich money as I am working a job but i really want a planted tank with livebreader`s, any ideas on how i can achieve this without spending too much money?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
yeah it works. And you will probably want to dose ferts or use root tabs, or both.
Noah Ellis
Noah Ellis - 8 years ago
I bought two bags of florite substrate, would that work just as well?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Noah Ellis you can either use organic top soil and cap with sand. Or use Laterite clay as a base layer with root tabs and cap with sand. Both will supply a lot of nutrients and are cheap to do.
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums - 8 years ago
yes I ironically just bought some plants from paul. he's very knowledgeable and his plants are amazing! new subbie. Dave you inspired me. I want a low tech planted take then put some Pure breed endlers in there
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+
Zoe Kim
Zoe Kim - 8 years ago
Have you ever used eco-complete with cories? Is it too rough on their barbels, or would chemical imbalances be responsible for any erosion?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Zoe Kim I think people say to stay away from using it, and if you are going to get a bunch to use fine soft sand or Aquasoil. I never did Cories with Eco, but I did have them with quartz sand before.

50. comment for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

Ron Griese
Ron Griese - 8 years ago
you have great advise and enjoyable intelligent videos. Thanks
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Ron Griese Thanks for the feedback and for watching.
Max The G
Max The G - 8 years ago
Where do you buy all your plants from?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+max williams a local LFS called Animal Ark.
Fish Tales
Fish Tales - 8 years ago
Hi im doing a planted tank in a 20g and i also have a current led system, also a canister filter and using some Co 2 so i hope when i have it all set up it looks as cool as yours.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago
+Fish Tales just be patient and consistent and it will.
Zaq G
Zaq G - 9 years ago
Will waste from fish not fertilize the plants on its own?
Bryan Colliver
Bryan Colliver - 7 years ago
fish dont have iron
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Zaq G it can, but that kind of system takes a lot longer to mature, and you may never get the results that you want.
The Raul Guerrero G
The Raul Guerrero G - 9 years ago
i really wanna star doing this, it looks cool and i think it'd hep my mind focused
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 7 years ago
Bajaheat yes it works well. They are nano 603 canister filter. $30 or so on Amazon. Sorry I don't get notified unless you use the + symbol. And even then sometimes YouTube doesn't notify me.
Bajaheat
Bajaheat - 7 years ago
ADU Aquascaping how much was your sun sun? Still recommend it?
The Raul Guerrero G
The Raul Guerrero G - 9 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping yeah!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
I have some ideas swimming around in the old fish bowl
The Raul Guerrero G
The Raul Guerrero G - 9 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping yeah man, you should really do it
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
good idea. This series is kind of a beginner model, but I could think of some other technique ideas that beginners may want to see.
The Raul Guerrero G
The Raul Guerrero G - 9 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping I'd be good if you make a beginner's guide to aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+The Raul Guerrero G yes! you will love it. It is for people that need or love to focus. It really calms you down, and has helped me become more focused and patient.
William E
William E - 9 years ago
Looking good
Paul Roadz
Paul Roadz - 9 years ago
Hi great advice what media are you using in the filter and would you use carbon in the filtration for a set up like this ? thanks .
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Paul Roadz I am packing the filter full of tons of sponge, micron sponge, and ceramic bio media. No carbon. The secret is to jam your filter full of media. I never cleaned the filter once, and it never got built up with detritus because there was so much bacteria in the filter that were almost completely metabolizing all of the waste. When I opened the filter after over nine months it wasn't even dirty inside. Just get some micron sponge as well to polish your water. I was using a SunSun 603 mini cansiter filter on this 10 gallon tank.
DMAN D
DMAN D - 9 years ago
Its weird I have 5 tank and have never had brown alge
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+DMAN D Yes, that is a good thing, I never have plants melt for some reason. Each have good luck somewhere.
viki gall
viki gall - 9 years ago
so I'm trying to start and aquascape in a 40 gal tank, so from what I understood I just need hard water ph of 8 or so, osmocote and soil?
viki gall
viki gall - 9 years ago
ok thank you!! my fiancé and I are trying our hand at a landscape tank so we want to get it as close to right the first time around
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+viki gall You don't want hard water. You want soft water with low bicarbonates. 6.6 - 7.5 pH, not hard alkaline water. You can use Osmocote and soil. That is a great combination to use.
Ryan Knowles
Ryan Knowles - 9 years ago
hey, I just moved to Logan utah and I want to set up a planted tank. I haven't checked yet but I think it is liquid rock as well. should I do half filter half tap water for water change
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Ryan Knowles I would, check and see what your alkalinity and pH is at! If it is in the high 7's or above 8. I would...
Marie R Les Savon Bains Marie
Marie R Les Savon Bains Marie - 9 years ago
I love your videos you gave great information, I am just starting out with a 20 gallon high tank and a 32 gallon tank the only thing is that I probably charged my tanks with too many plants they both look crowded next to yours, thanks for sharing.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Marie Racciopoli It can be easier to balance if you start with a lot of plants, so that is good. It may be your placement of the plants that makes it appear that way. It will just take practice and patience. Thanks for watching.
Akeem Mohammed
Akeem Mohammed - 9 years ago
You got yourself another sub!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Akeem Mohammed Thanks for the support and for watching.
colinbarsby
colinbarsby - 9 years ago
Watch, listen and learn.
Simple planted aquariums stripped down.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+colinbarsby Amen, I don't even touch this tank and it is rolling! thanks for watching man.
DeepFriedFuzzball
DeepFriedFuzzball - 9 years ago
Just read a comment, 10 gallon tank for $15?! Damn a 30 - 35 odd litre tank here in the old UK is around £50!!!! That being said I got my 70 litre tank with LED lighting for I think £60 or £70 on offer. It's been great. Came with a 100W heater too. I'm running a nice Fluval 206 on there and it's the best thing I ever did for it! Great video :)
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+DeepFriedFuzzball Yeah, for the really cheap tanks. All of my tanks are super cheap and I would love to get a low iron glass tank because it really does help the clarity especially in videos!
samuricexful
samuricexful - 9 years ago
What's the PAR hitting the S. Repens?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+samuricexful I am not sure on the exact numbers, I was using a PAR meter and was getting around 30 PAR with the Current USA Satellite Plus LED fixture, but most PAR meters do not accurately read LED light that goes beyond full spectrum, so it isn't accurately reading the red and blue light from the LED. I don't dose this tank, and the S. repens was doing okay, but not great, so I replaced it with dwarf sag to make it a really easy and simple low tech for beginners, the dwarf sag is of course carpeting. I am sure you could get the S. repens to carpet, you could try two fixtures and dose liquid ferts to the water column along with Flourish Excel, and it would work as long as your water isn't too alkaline.
Rich Blondin
Rich Blondin - 9 years ago
I plan on doing a planted tank.  My tank is 150gal.  How many bags at 20lbs do I need for this tank?  Also what depth should I use at the front and at the back?  Can you recommend some rocks to use?  Lastly with a tank this size can I go low-tech or will I need Co2?  Thanks for the help and your video's are a big help.
Rich Blondin
Rich Blondin - 9 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping Thank for the info, I'll see what I can afford.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Rich Blondin Another winning combo is to use API laterite, some type of quartz sand or Eco complete, and then put DIY Osmocote plus root tabs in the substrate. First layer laterite, then the slow release pellets capped with Eco or quartz sand. The laterite will provide nutrients and hold nutrients, basically it organically chelates the nutrients so they stay in the substrate and are slowly released. I am not sure if this would be cheaper, but if you bought pool filter sand, API Laterite, and Osmocote Plus you may actually save tons of money. Both the Laterite and the Osmocote plus would only be used in small amounts compared to the sand, just a thin layer is all you need, 1/4" or so. It has instructions on the box for recommended amounts, and I would say 6 tablespoons of Osmocote plus sprinkled on top of the Laterite would suffice when first setting up the tank. And then you can replenish every 4-5 months with O+ by using gelatin capsule and making DIY root tabs.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Rich Blondin With a tank that size it will be pretty expensive to use Aquasoil, but it is worth it in the end. If expense isn't an issue I would use Marfied Controsoil. If you need to save on money I would do a dirted tank, but that is more effort and more of a pain. To get a lush tank you don't necessarily need to go high tech, you just need to choose appropriate plants for your low tech. Really you can carpet or get a bushy look in a low tech, it just takes more time, and possibly more skill, depending on the plants you choose. With a tank that size it would be easier and a lot cheaper to go low tech, you can always transform your tank into a high tech later on.


First what is the footprint of your tank? What type of look or scape do you want to create?
At least 2" in the front, and really whatever you want in the back from 4-10" depending on your slope.


You don't want carbonate based rocks so stay away from any clay or carbonate type rocks like limestone.
I sell Dragon Stone, it is an inert lava rock that will not alter your chemistry. You can also go to a rock yard and ask for quartz based rocks or lava rock.
Maurice Aquariums
Maurice Aquariums - 9 years ago
great info Dave thank you very much for the info. I have a question, are there any low tech, mid - low light plants that can make a good carpet in a low tech tank? I have a carpet of Dwarf sag in my low tech, but it's more like lawn lol. Is there anything else I can carpet with? Thanks for all your advice and help +ADU Aquascaping
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums - 8 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping this is a big help thanks
Maurice Aquariums
Maurice Aquariums - 9 years ago
Lol!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Maurice Aquariums Yeah man, there is a guy here on YT that carpets HC and downoi in his low tech, so it is possible. His YT name is Carlmelo. Check out his low tech tanks to get some ideas.


I think I may do Laterite and sand next just to piss everyone off! LOL
Maurice Aquariums
Maurice Aquariums - 9 years ago
Thank you so much for the info that mix that you just described, is what I actually use as substrate atm. It grows plants fast and robust with no fertz and co2. I have pearlweed available to me and it's already in that said tank, It's now catching on though, and tend to grow taller rather than horizontal. I was told to prune it and plant the clippings. So I'm going to try that. Thank you for all you assistance. You are a great help and inspiration. Thank you.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Maurice Aquariums Really you can grow most any plant in a low tech. A lot of hobbyists carpet hair grass, monte carlo, pogostemon helferi, staurogyne repens, and even HC! In low tech tanks. Dennis Wong claims he has carpeted HC.
I would start with monte carlo, it seems really easy to grow, mine always works, or it seems people have good luck with pearl weed. But if you have to start dosing and using Excel is it a true low tech? That is the question. I don't mind, but a lot of people freak out say that is not a real low tech. So that is why I don't dose anything in my current low tech tank, to try and see what kind of results I get. I do use DIY root tabs though, and that probably isn't good in the Elitists eye, lol. I really want to try a mineralized top soil tank with laterite and peat moss, and maybe some red clay. Just all organic and dose nothing to the tank. The substrate I am using in my 10 gallon low tech is super old crummy Eco mixed with Aquasoil, so I can only imagine the results you could get with a properly dirted low tech tank. The results would probably be stunning if done correctly, which is why I am surprised there are not more high tech looking low techs on YT. I think it has to do with peoples gardening techniques and not their substrate.
chicearth ski
chicearth ski - 9 years ago
Cool
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+chicearth ski Thanks!
Joey Slávik
Joey Slávik - 9 years ago
How much does it cost? +ADU Aquascaping
Joey Slávik
Joey Slávik - 9 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping Thanks a lot.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Joey Slávik LED light was $70, 10 gallon tank was $15, substrate is around $20, plants around $30, and fish probably around $20, heater around $15, and filter is a SunSun 603 canister, which was around $30-$40 shipped.
Kay Cresswell
Kay Cresswell - 9 years ago
Hi could you give me some advise please I've got no idea about things like co2 , what to use Ect can you please leave a message explaining , how do I get this co2 machine Ect thank you
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Kay Cresswell Usually anything in a kit has a small non reusable CO2 cylinder. I would recommend either getting a paint ball cylinder or a 5lb aluminum CO2 cylinder from beveragefactory.com. As well as a permanent ABC seal for the cylinder. this way you don't have to change out the nylon seals that most people use. It is a permanent seal.

You usually have to get your tanks filled at a sporting goods store, like sports authority where they have paintball gear. A paintball store, a beer brewing store, a welding shop or store, they will usually want to trade out your cylinder that you just bought for one of theirs, so don't get attached to the shiny aluminum. This way you are in a continuous trade. You drop it off and they give you one they have on hand. They do not refill on the spot. Beer brewers or ice cream/soda stores-if you can find one usually will refill on the spot. Same goes for paintball cylinders in sporting shops.

The cheapest regulators that I endorse are AquaTek of California regulators. They have cheap regulators that actually work.
You can get either one that fits on a paintball cylinder or a regular 5lb cylinder.

You want to buy beverage grade PVC tubing off of US plastics.com or if that is too much you can get CO2 rated tubing from greenleafaquariums.com. Just cheaper if you go to usplastics.com. Beverage grade PVC tubing is what all the main retailers are selling everyone. It is what you want to use.

If you are first starting out I would recommend getting a bubble counter and a drop checker to monitor your CO2 levels. Eventually you can graduate from using a drop checker, but a bubble counter is always nice to have.
Make sure your bubble counter, diffuser or CO2 line has some kind of check valve, most diffusers and bubble counters nowadays have check valves installed into them so no water gets into the regulator.

If using a cheaper regulator you will have to get an in-tank diffuser, do not get an inline, they do not work properly with cheaper regulators, but in-tank diffusers will work fine. A great cheap one to use is the Fluval diffuser. It works really well.
You want to clean your diffuser every two months or so. just soak it in bleach for 5 minutes and rinse off. that is all.

You don't need bubble counter solution or special diffuser cleaning solution. Just put water in your bubble counter and use bleach for the diffuser.

The drop checker will come with reference solution. It is blue, when your CO2 is at about 30ppm in our tank it will turn a light lime green color. The solution inside is at 4dKH carbonate hardness, so to get more accurate readings you want your tank water to be at a 4 KH as well. So you need to be familiar with carbonate hardness and KH.
This isn't super crucial, but it does help to match the levels for more accurate readings.

Make sure to tighten the regulator to the cylinder as tight as you can. No need to break it, but get it on there tight with channel locks or vice grips.

Start by running your tank at one bubble every second and then over the course of a few weeks you can up it to 2-3 bubbles per second. No need to do any more than that.

Put the CO2 on a timer and have it come on 2 hours before the lights come on, and have it turn off 1 hour before the lights turn off.


Have everything closed, then hook the regulator to the cylinder. Then open the cylinder, and watch the pressure rise in the regulator. Then hook up the tubing to the regulator. You can now turn on the needle valve on the regulator and wait as the pressure builds and the CO2 will start coming out of the diffuser. Try to put the diffuser as low as you can and preferably under your filter outtake or a powerhead that way the CO2 will get pushed into the current.


That is really it. If for some reason your fish start gasping for air then turn the CO2 down. Make sure to monitor your tank closely for the first several hours after setting up. Best to do it on Saturday.


I can't think of anything else, but if I do I will let you know, in the meantime run through my 10 quick tips videos and they may give you some more info and ideas.

Thanks for watching.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Kay Cresswell I will try to get a list together. I recently wrote out a list for another hobbyist, so I will try and find it and the copy and paste it into the comment. Thanks for watching.
Laura Wrenn
Laura Wrenn - 9 years ago
Hello,
Do you use a co2 drop checker? If so, can you recommend one to me?
Thank you
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+Laura Wrenn I actually have one that you could buy if you'd like. It is the Cal aqua labs Oracle drop checker. Let me know, if interested PM me here on YT.
Dakari Howell
Dakari Howell - 9 years ago
did you keep the bottom rim on ?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+_DAKARI HOWELL_ I left the bottom rim on the tank and took the top rim off on the original ten gallon. It won't ruin the integrity of a ten gallon tank. My first one broke because my old man, who is getting old, accidentally crashed into the first tank with a chair and busted it. I just didn't want to embarrass him when I made the video. So you can take the top rim off of smaller tanks like this with no issues, bigger tanks it can cause problems. Thanks for watching man! Peace!
after12345
after12345 - 9 years ago
Can you post the spelling of the cory cat fish for me please? Sterba's
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 9 years ago
+after12345 Yes indeed. It is Sterbai or Sterba's. 
FiveCardArmy
FiveCardArmy - 10 years ago
I love your Amano Shrimp they add so much to the tank.
Nati Whatever
Nati Whatever - 8 years ago
FiveCardArmy I love those shrimps. When I got mine my mom said I'm crazy for putting in ugly, gross looking creatures, but I find them so pretty and interesting and she loves them now too!
parula321
parula321 - 10 years ago
Sorry to hear that!! I just had an innovative marine nuvo 8 nano break on me after only being setup for 4 days. Literally just split a crack down the side out of the blue in the middle of the night.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+parula321 Funny how it is always at night. Pressure changes I assume. I have had several tanks break in half for no known reason. Sucks ass. The video is uploading right now! Part 3!
parula321
parula321 - 10 years ago
Part 3 ready yet? :) I might be a bit impatient.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+parula321 Funny thing is I was just thinking about doing part three. This tank is doing great, but actually had a little setback. The tank broke so I had to buy a new one and rescape the tank with a whole new substrate so the tank have to cycle again and it stunted the plants so they aren't much bigger. The S. repens is looking really good.
Stefan
Stefan - 10 years ago
I took an interest to fish keeping over a year ago due to watching videos like these. Just wish I stumbled across your channel a lot sooner when designing my tank, mine looks so amateur it's laughable. The beauty about your channel is, I can watch and learn :) 
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Stefan Blackwell Yeah man, that is the beauty of YT. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel. If you have any questions just hit me up in the comments or private messages. Peace!
almcloud
almcloud - 10 years ago
Great info, thanks for sharing Dave!
AQUADESIGN by aquamaniac
AQUADESIGN by aquamaniac - 10 years ago
Good video.
And great low_tech. It can actually pass for a high_tech if one does not know.
That's how good it looks.

And your channel intro looked really cool.
How did you do it?
I am still stuck on movie maker.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Aquamaniac And it was created in Adobe After Effects.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Aquamaniac Thanks man, it is a fun tank. I don't worry about it much. I use Adobe Pro CC and a template for the intro. I did a lot of the music, but not so much the motion. Color, lighting and a few added effects as well.
Stephanie Olley
Stephanie Olley - 10 years ago
BTW I love this series!!!
Stephanie Olley
Stephanie Olley - 10 years ago
In the first video of this series, you mentioned that you removed the rim of the aquarium. I would also like to do that on my ten and on my 5 gallon that I am going to plant. Do I need to add any bracing to the tank or is it ok to just leave it unbraced?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+S Olley No it is not needed on such a small tank. Pretty easy to remove as well. Good luck and thanks for watching.
Doug Cunningham
Doug Cunningham - 10 years ago
Nice tank.  Always like the low tech.  Which light do you use?
parula321
parula321 - 10 years ago
How would you aquascape a 30cm cube? I want it to be low maint but beautiful!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+parula321 Probably the same way I aquascaped this tank.  Same maintenance, equipment and method. Actually a bit bigger than this ten gallon long if it is a cube.
thunderjack1000
thunderjack1000 - 10 years ago
Great looking tank ADU love the plants and great info and support. keep up the great work that you do.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+thunderjack1000 Thanks for the kind words. Tank is a breeze and really fun because I don't do anything! Other than pluck dead leaves, bi monthly water changes and occasionally scrape algae off the glass. Thanks for watching.
Jake Tracy
Jake Tracy - 10 years ago
How do I PM you about getting some of that rock?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Jake Tracy Go ahead and email me at, fishfinatics@live.com. I am going to make an email designated for rock inquiries. With the new google messages YT is a mess and I don't like it. But for now use that email. Thanks
Tim's Tanks
Tim's Tanks - 10 years ago
love the low maintenance tank!! I'm still pretty new to the planted tanks and when I hear people rattle off the plant names its like another language (almost like latin or greek hehe ;).
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Tim's Tanks Thanks for watching, yeah it can be confusing and hard to hear what they say at first. Haha, maybe it is a different language, who knows. Some of the names are just made up as well with a Latin feel to them. Yeah this tank is a really easy "Plug and Play" style tank great for beginners. Maybe not the cheapest because I am using Aquasoil vs just regular dirt, but for a beginner it is so much easier and cleaner to use Aquasoil and way less of a risk. Plus Aquasoil has high humic acid, way more than regular dirt. The Humates allow the substrate to hold nutrients, like the Osmocote Plus pellets I put in the substrate. They trap the nutrients where they belong. And then I used heavy root feeding plants to utilize the nutrients. It really is that simple. Just watch these videos and you can easily get these results. All I do is water changes every two weeks and pluck old or dying leaves from the plants and that is it! I don't have to dose any fertilizers or worry about pressurize CO2. A lot of low tech people that use dirt also dose Excel- a liquid carbon, and does either dry or liquid ferts to the water column, well I am not dosing anything!! So I save money that way allowing me to put that money towards the Aquasoil. So really it is just as "Low Tech" as other tanks out there, just a different approach.
Slim Tim
Slim Tim - 10 years ago
No dosing, nicely done
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Slim Tim Thanks man, yeah no need to dose when you use heavy root feeders and Osmocote Plus. A really simple "plug and play" style tank for beginners. Everything is easy for them to use and do. Maybe not necessarily the cheapest, but Aquasoil is comparable in price to Eco. And it has high humates making for a nutrient rich, clean, substrate. Dirt is cheaper, but not always the easiest for beginners. 
Venga
Venga - 10 years ago
Where can I buy in Europe such rocks?Are these volcanic rocks?
Venga
Venga - 10 years ago
+ADU Aquascaping
thx
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
You will have to look around for "Scoria" lava. I collect this rock locally and can ship internationally, but the shipping is really expensive. $70 per 20 pound box.
j03yYunG Aquariums
j03yYunG Aquariums - 10 years ago
Nice tank! 
NYCity Cichlids
NYCity Cichlids - 10 years ago
Thanks so much for the info
NickMach007
NickMach007 - 10 years ago
Forgot to mention, I just picked up a triggertrap (well it is in the mail) so I can do some timelapase stuff-- setting up the tank, maintenance, next time I tear down a tank, etc. Should be a fun toy to add to my camera. And I grabbed some extension tubes to play with some macro-ish photography. Are you on Instagram? If not, you should be. I just started posting some pics there...some good, some not so much, but still fun.
NickMach007
NickMach007 - 10 years ago
I resisted Instagram too for awhile-- and recently I have been curating who I actually follow. At first I was just on it to communicate with other hobbyists-- and I still do that to a certain degree. But now I actually am more interested in following folks who are into photography / art. There is a lot of creativity there. I was looking at picking up a 100mm macro lens, but $800 - $1000 is not in my lens budget at the moment. Nor am I a good enough photographer (yet?) to merit that kind of lens. 
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+NickMach007 That will be sweet, a real one should work great. The interval shooting on my camera works fine, but the image sucks after is processes. Unless I do slower intervals, my sensor overheats etc... Yeah I have some diopter magnification filters that work okay. I actually just got a vintage 200mm with a macro setting. Has auto aperture so that is nice. It is pretty soft on macro, but works great otherwise. I don't have instagram, who knows maybe I will get it. I have some pics I could upload.
Brian's Fish Tanks
Brian's Fish Tanks - 10 years ago
Great vid Dave!  Looking forward to seeing this fill in!
J B
J B - 10 years ago
This is great.  Looking forward to updates on this.
Luis Q.
Luis Q. - 10 years ago
Liking this setup Dave too bad the wife refuses to let me have more tanks in the house or I would have set something like this up just for kicks
Glen Hawkins
Glen Hawkins - 10 years ago
I have a few tanks set up like this being low tech as well as high tech tanks and some that are in between. Great video and nice tank. 
Glen Hawkins
Glen Hawkins - 10 years ago
It is a great low tech set up but like you said there are so many ways to set up a tank. I know currently I am going to have to rethink the one half of my divided tank that has the Aficana ADA aquasoil. A week after I set it up. I am getting hair algae on everything but only on that side and cant figure it out.  Maybe too much light but why is the other half algae free. It is suppose to be low tech also but if I cant get this is issue resolved I will tear that half down and take a different approach. 
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Glen Hawkins Thanks man, yeah there are so many different approaches to setting up a tank. My argument is a lot of people advocate for dirt, but for a beginner it really isn't as easy as Aquasoil. And a lot of people do dirt and then dose dry ferts and Excel. I am not dosing anything. Then they have to buy gravel for a cap and the water is usually yellow with tannins for quite some time or even the life of the tank and the dirt usually has chicken shit in it. Some risk of infection if you have cuts on your hands, IMO.
So this tank is a "Plug and Play" tank. Easy for a beginner. Aquasoil has tons of humates allowing it to hold nutrients in the substrate and suck organics out of the water column, making for crystal clear water. And it is baked so it stays clean. Has way more humic acid than regular top soil. Plus the added Osmocote Plus pellets add tons of awesome nutrients to the substrate. I used heavy root feeding plants to utilize the nutrients. Again, a DIY clay root tab may be cheaper, but not as easy for a beginner to do. All I do is pluck the old and dying leaves off the plants, do a bi monthly water change and that is it. No dosing of any kind. So it is just as Low Tech as other tanks out there just a different approach. I challenged Tom Barr's EI method with high techs and now I am challenging Dustin's, really Diana's method with low techs. I like to incorporate modern techniques to make it easier.
NickMach007
NickMach007 - 10 years ago
Great advice. If I can ever find some "free" time I am going to set up a 5gal low tech. Looks like a ton of fun. 
NickMach007
NickMach007 - 10 years ago
I'll keep my finger crossed for the GH4...we need some 4k fish vids. And even if I upgrade my Canon down the road, I don't think they are going to start putting 4k in their DSLRs for a few years. They are really focused on separating their "cinema" line video machines from their DSLRs. Even if I won the lottery and patiently waited for the 5D mark IV, I don't think it will have 4k. I hope I am wrong though. I like Canon otherwise. The camera feels good in my hand and all the dials and menus are actually starting to make sense to me to the point where I actually know where things are without looking. 
Back to lighting though, yeah, I know the lens gave better spread on the E-series fixtures, but even so I would have been surprised if one was enough. I have been having a nightmare experience with Jacob's Aquarium and some dwarf baby tears I ordered from him. And he has stopped responding to my emails. So, my tank is still down. I am hoping to get some other dwarf baby tears from a different supplier today and then FINALLY start the tank using the dry start method to let them root in. I am going to stick with 2 RayIIs for now and see how they do. Updates to come. 
Can I ask a quick question though and get an opinion. Would I be a total jerk to post a video of my negative experience ordering from Jacob's Aquariums? I think I can do it in a professional way and be fair and honest. I kind of think we need to share our experiences with each other to build the community. But I also don't want to piss people off. Thoughts?
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+NickMach007 You definitely have time for a low tech. Anyhow I was reading your comment about CRI and now I can't find it. I swiped it off my notifications, but I think it got deleted. Anyhow I am sure we are on the same page. I just prefer blue temps to reds or pinks. I love the color rendering of my T5HOs, but a little too pink for me. Mixed with my E-series it looks killer. I get super awesome CRI with shimmer and shadow. Great combo. Truthfully I am having some growth issues with the E-series, so they are sending me another one. The PAR is about the same as the Ray IIs and I needed two of those over the 40 breeder to get good growth so I figure I need two E-series. With the added colors the E-series provides I am hoping the plants will benefit a little bit more from them, enough to make growth somewhat better than with the RayIIs. If not, I may be switching back to T5HOs, or better yet supplementing my LEDs with T5HOs. I love the color schemes you can program with the E-series, so hopefully two of them will do the trick. But you are right, the CRI with T5s is just awesome. May be getting the GH4 after all. I am trying to sell a big guitar amp I don't need anymore and then put the funds towards the camera. I have someone interested in the amp so hopefully I can sell it.
Zet Aquarium
Zet Aquarium - 10 years ago
Good talk! I found my self cant live without at least one low tech tank hah! its just like a " Safe place for everything" that i need  to have!
AQUAPROS
AQUAPROS - 10 years ago
Very nice, love that S. repens and need to get my hands on some! 
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+DIY AQUAPROS I read your message, sounds good man. I will write something up. This week is slow, so I better do it now.
Ruben
Ruben - 10 years ago
The tank looks great. I also had my Eheim 2213 crap out on me. Lucky I had pickup a SunSun 302 for $28.00 about a month before. The SunSun is working really good for the price and I have double the Eheim Bio Media in it. 
Thanks for sharing man. 
Erik Wappa
Erik Wappa - 10 years ago
great work Dave.
your plants look rely relaxed. and fish bright and healthy.
thanks for the info.

100. comment for How To Aquascape A Low Tech Planted Aquarium part 2

parula321
parula321 - 10 years ago
Btw where do you get you plants? Thanks!
parula321
parula321 - 10 years ago
Oh man this good! Thanks for updating!!
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+parula321 No problem, thanks for watching, glad I could help.
Gloday81
Gloday81 - 10 years ago
Nice visor, keeping it simple that's the way I puefer
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
+Gloday81 It is a fun little tank. Easy to take care of, I still love my high tech tanks. Thanks for watching.
carlmelo
carlmelo - 10 years ago
yep. low tech is closer to nature. thus, cooler. lol.
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
It can be great and way less of a headache that is for sure, but high techs allow for more options and insane growth. Easier to make extreme scapes. Low tech is, of course, easier to maintain overall. Thanks for watching. Just subbed to your channel.
Natural Aquatics Eco-Aquascaping
Natural Aquatics Eco-Aquascaping - 10 years ago
....."liquid rock"...... it's really that hard, huh....that's great!... You manage it well... I'm sure the RO unit helps...... looks good ! .. the Dragonstone is so cool... I'll have to get some from ya, someday....... Thanks Dave.....
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
Yeah it's like 8.6-9 pH. It is off the charts with 300+ ppm GH and KH. You can grow vals, anacharis, hornwort and what not, but my plants never did that great in my tap water. Way too much carbonate in the water which binds with a lot of nutrients making them unusable as well as converting any usable CO2 to bicarbonate. A lot of places in America have a 7-8 pH with moderate GH and KH. My water is perfect for Tanganyika Cichlids. So that is a plus. Thanks for watching man.  I have plenty of rock in stock. As well I have a smaller medium package that is great for nano tanks. Just PM me when you are ready to get some.
OZZYTHEOSCAR
OZZYTHEOSCAR - 10 years ago
Amazing results with no dosing whatsoever ! Looks really nice !
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
THanks man, yeah no dosing. It is a fun little tank.
MASS Aquariums
MASS Aquariums - 10 years ago
Nice one. I agree. Plants should take care of everything and beginners should be fine with a small tank
ADU Aquascaping
ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago
Yeah they will be fine. Thanks for watching man.

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