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Art
Art
Staff member I Donated 2026 Founding Member
Last reply · posted in Planted Aquarium Discussion
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Have you heard about the dry start method? I spoke about this way back on ScapeFu Episode 27.

From what I said back then:

Popularized by @plantbrain back in 2007, the Dry Start Method is intended to solve a problem people have with setting up an aquarium with tiny carpet plants. The problems are:
  • These plants, like Hemianthus callitrichoides or HC, have tiny roots that are extremely difficult to plant.
  • There’s a tendency to float when you flood the aquarium with water.
  • HC also needs a lot of light and CO2 to grow well and carpet the aquarium bottom. Pressurized CO2, strong light and clear water are needed to get it established well in the aquarium. Not everyone can start with the right equipment and frequent water changes needed for clear water.
  • Algae is a risk until HC really takes root.
The benefits are many:
  • No algae
  • No water changes/loose pieces floating around/being pulled up
  • No replanting
  • No cycling the aquarium
  • No dosing
  • No fiddling with CO2
  • No having to buy a lot of plant material initially
  • No transition from emergent to submersed states(some plants will, but with good CO2, this is greatly minimized)
  • No extra electrical cost running other equipment during the dry phase.
  • No labor
  • Can do it outside in a tray even………

img10993442544.jpg dry_start.jpg

Tips:
  1. Light for full 10–12 hours to power photosynthesis and growth.
  2. Cover with cling wrap or glass or plastic. 100% for a few days then slowly peel corner.
  3. Hills are OK but you may want to pre-saturate. In fact, always pre-saturate. No puddles!
  4. Inert substrates will require liquid fertilizer. Dilute foliar fertilizer
  5. Patience! Resist the urge to flood! Wait 3–6 weeks at least
  6. When flooding, do 3–4 large 80%+ water changes to flush out substrate.
  7. Mould or fungus – H2O2 1:4 with water or Excel straight up
Well, have you tried it? Willing to try it?
3 Replies · 994 views
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Wildwhimsy
Last reply · posted in Equipment Discussions
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I’m in the process of setting up this 36 gallon bow front. I’m using an oase bio master thermo 250 for my cannister filter and I have inline co2. I’m seeing an issue with circulation, especially in the bottom of the tank. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks! (I’m not sure the brand of Lily pipes but they’re the biggest ones I have and were gifted to me.)
3 Replies · 22 views
Dennis Wong
I Donated 2026 Expert in Residence MOTM Winner
Last reply · posted in Journals
I came into some Hygrophila polysperma "white" by Tropica recently. Grew it out and it seems to be able to be shaped into good midground bushes so I decided to create a layout to showcase it. Contemplated whether to use it as the only white plant in the tank, but decided to use some Anubias white petite as well so that the white polysperma doesn't stand out awkwardly.

2hrAquaristDSCF1921 hygrophila white.webp
29 Replies · 1345 views
JayP
Supporting I Donated 2026 Rockstar
Last reply · posted in Lounge
Amazon prime day is less than 2 weeks away so I thought I'd start a thread in advance to discuss any bargains we might see.

The reason this came to mind now was that I just happen to be browsing for other things when I noticed this small curved edge low iron tank pop up. I would probably buy one of these if it drops even lower for prime day.

10 Gallon Ultra Clear Glass Rimless Curved Edge Aquarium
38 Replies · 621 views
JayP
Supporting I Donated 2026 Rockstar
· posted in Lounge
As if Amazon Prime Day wasn't enough to hurt your bank account, Waterbox Aquariums Summer Refresh sale is live. 15% off all freshwater tanks and equipment.

OK, I'll stop enabling you....maybe. :sneaky:

Edit: Tanks are 15% off but cabinets aren't.
0 Replies · 35 views
BenB
Rockstar
Last reply · posted in Lounge
I don't know where I saw it, but I read somewhere that the US imports its CO2. So people were reporting not being able to get it because it is stuck in the Straight of Hormuz. Who knew? Seems weird to me. Anyway, yeah, it's open now, but it might take awhile to get back to normal supply levels. You might want to check with your vendor if you're getting low.
19 Replies · 602 views
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R
Last reply · posted in Journals
Hi guys!

I'm new here, but not entirely new to planted tanks though I've been out of the hobby for the better part of the last decade between kids and moving a couple of times - but finally in a spot where I can do something again. I'm mostly going to be making things up as I go along, but plan on a lot of automation (I want to integrate everything into home assistant) and a lot of DIY as I love the challenge of building things out myself.

The starting point:

I picked up a 90P rimless, low-iron tank on a great deal.

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I have a rough idea in my head for a stand to be built from plywood - just have a couple other house projects to finish off before starting that built.

Wife says I can only have one aquarium, so for this tank, I want to go all out with a sump to allow for auto top off, and auto water changes, auto fertilizer dosing etc. etc. I have half a plan in my mind.

I've also started on the light fixture which I've modeled up in CAD, and plan on making out of an 8020 extrusion, and some 3D printed bits.
Screenshot 2026-06-01 092809.webp
I'm using bridgelux gen 3 thrive CW (3000k) and WW (5000k) LED strips which have super high CRI at 98+ along with some specific XPE2 wavelengths that I'll solder onto some starboards. Far Red (730nm), Red (654nm), Cyan (495nm), Blue (455nm), Visible UV (415nm). Each segment of the white channels will be on its own driver so I can adjust left to right brightness in thirds, and each colour channel on its own driver so I can vary each channel on a time-based approach.

These will be run from a custom PCB board with Meanwell N-LDD drivers, and will run ESPHome on an ESP32 so it can link up with my Home Assistant installation.
1780321317096.webp

That's it for now, this will probably be a very slow build so be warned if you follow along!
36 Replies · 1556 views
mrmoss
Last reply · posted in Journals
Ive reorganized the order of my tanks so I can better keep track of them ie. Tank 2 moss tank is now tank 3. This helps in any confusion I had when tracking tanks they are in a sort of order now. Rather than taking time editing my old journal id rather create a new thread. Pics will be current (for the most part) as they are posted. I am not aquascaping. I am just farming.
32 Replies · 1436 views
Art
Art
Staff member I Donated 2026 Founding Member
Last reply · posted in Forum News/Feedback
This is the future home for the announcements when someone obtains an achievement badge. Let the games begin!
1986 Replies · 48741 views
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Art
Art
Staff member I Donated 2026 Founding Member
Last reply · posted in Planted Aquarium Discussion
It's Christmas morning and the gift-receiving is coming to an end. What hobby-related gifts (if any) did you receive this holiday season?

Please share!

No aquarium gear for me this year but I did get a snazzy pair of shoes!
17 Replies · 1054 views
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Reactions: Kwyet and *Ci*
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