Dutch aquascaping trimming tutorial

[Pepere]

Are there any good trimming tutorial videos for a dutch aquascape?

I would love to see an in depth video on different techniques and thoughts on when to top and replant discarding the base, vs trim the top and let that grow out. Shaping a stem bunch, Thoughts on how to trim for different growth rates between species so they grow in to shape and height desired all together…

 

[Pepere]

Well, 21 views and no replies…


I am guessing that means nobody knows of a good video, and yet there is interest in having a good video…

So, Dutch Aquascapers, who wants to be a Youtube presenter?

 

[Unexpected]

There’s a Tom Barr video on YouTube. But no real instructional videos that I know of.

 

[Pepere]

I searched Youtube with the term Dutch Aquascaping trimming tutorial. Lots of videos came up, but very few true Dutch Aquascapes. Yes, lots of plants and lots of reds, but not Dutch…

And many videos showing a tank ridiculously overgrown being hacked back down….

I sort of doubt many competition tanks are dealt with in this manner…

It strikes me trimming is a very important skill to cultivate in Dutch and there seems to be a dearth of information on developing that skill.

I would think a well done video tutorial would be the best way to teach as you can have it demonstrated, but until that comes in to being, are there any written descriptions of best practices?

Does everybody who get good at trimming and manicuring their Dutch simply stumble in to it for themselves?

There are no shortage of resources on layout, plant selection, and fertilizing and growing…

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

I think part of the issue with this kinda instructional video is that you have to have the knowledge on how long it takes each plant to peak. Like for example lobelia cardinalis vs myriophyllum species grow at much different rates. And if you don't know how long each takes then it's hard to create the appropriate look at the right time. This is just my opinion on the matter.

I know I saw Dennis Wong mentions trimming in one of his articles but do not remember which one and that might be the best source but again not a video same with @Burr740 journal as he has mentioned trimming in some of his post and shows what he does. But it is definitely a skill that you will have to learn to master.

 

[Pepere]

I think part of the issue with this kinda instructional video is that you have to have the knowledge on how long it takes each plant to peak. Like for example lobelia cardinalis vs myriophyllum species grow at much different rates. And if you don't know how long each takes then it's hard to create the appropriate look at the right time.

I agree completely. I would love a primer video that covers that. So, do you log each species in your tank as to when you cut them last and how long it took before they were where you wanted them? And how much they grew in that time period, so you can better guage timing?

And yes, the same species will vary from tank to tank depending on lighting, co2, nutrients….

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

Pictures go a long way in helping with gauging time frame. Take a picture when trimmed and I have been taking one weekly for the most part.

 

[Burr740]

A lot of this is plant specific, not dutch specific. Some stems look better grown out from cut stumps, others replanting tops works best. Some plants can be contoured easily into different shapes (by cutting down to stumps in the contour you want then growing out) Others are better suited grown tall and vertical

Also staggering the heights of replanted tops, ie tallest in back, a little shorter, a little shorter, etc

And as mentioned there is the factor of how long it takes a plant to grow or grow back out. Most of these things come with experience of keeping a plant and going through trimming cycles with it

Keeping a journal (such as on here) is a good way to record how long a plant takes to grow back out. There is really no one way to trim a Dutch

 

[Pepere]

A lot of this is plant specific, not dutch specific. Some stems look better grown out from cut stumps, others replanting tops works best. Some plants can be contoured easily into different shapes (by cutting down to stumps in the contour you want then growing out) Others are better suited grown tall and vertical

And best learned by trying both on a particular plant and seeing the progression?

 

[Burr740]

And best learned by trying both on a particular plant and seeing the progression?

Yep. Of course you can pick up tidbits from what others do with particular plants. There are several posts in my journal talking about this or that plant. I know thats not exactly what youre looking though. You just have to apply some generalities to your own type of plants and go through cycles of trimming and growing them yourself

 

[gjcarew]

I made one just now, let me know if this helps:

 

[Kwyet]

That was so helpful! Thanks for doing that @gjcarew!
I would love to see more trimming session videos from other members as well with explanations of their thought processes. Really great stuff!

 

[Pepere]

I made one just now, let me know if this helps:

Yes. Excellent info on thought process and seeing the difference…

To quote Oliver…

“Please sir, May I have some more?”

A series showing progression over time would be ever so helpful for people wanting to learn and develop…

 

[Ernesto]

it is german, but worth a watch with english subtitles. these guys have a complete playlist about this tank.

 

[Pepere]

it is german, but worth a watch with english subtitles. these guys have a complete playlist about this tank.

Thank you Ernesto..

I will watch it later tonight…

 

[Kwyet]

I didn’t see an English subtitle option, just German.

 

[Pepere]

didn’t see an English subtitle option, just German.

Watching at youtube I was able to translate close caption to English subtitles.