Planted Aquariums

Planted Aquariums: A Thriving Hobby in South Africa

The planted aquarium hobby is soaring to new heights in South Africa, becoming one of the country’s fastest-growing interests. Marine Magic has teamed up with Dennerle South Africa to offer enthusiasts top-quality products and a dedicated showroom. We guide you through every step of the process to ensure your planted aquarium thrives.

Setting Up Your Planted Aquarium

Creating a planted aquarium involves several important steps. Here’s a guide to get you started:

1. Select Your Tank and Equipment: Choose a tank that fits your space, along with high-quality lighting, a CO2 system, filters, and nutrient-rich substrate.
2. Initial Setup: Arrange your substrate, plants, and decorations like driftwood and rocks. Fill the tank with water and start your filtration and CO2 systems.
3. Cycling the Tank: Allow your tank to cycle for at least 30 days. This establishes beneficial bacteria, ensuring a healthy environment for your plants and fish.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your planted aquarium healthy and vibrant:

Daily Checks:

• Fertilizer Dosing: Instead of weekly doses, split your liquid fertilizer dosing into daily amounts to ensure optimal plant growth.
• CO2 Management: For carbon supplements, dose before the lights come on. If using a manual CO2 system, open the regulator an hour before lights on and close it an hour before lights off. Check your automated system for proper operation.
• Lighting Schedule: Ensure your timer is set correctly, especially during load shedding.

Weekly Checks:

• Water Testing: Test water temperature, pH, nitrates, phosphates, and hardness. Adjust filter media or perform water changes as needed.
• Algae Removal: Clean algae from glass and hardscapes using a suitable tool.
• Water Changes: Change 10-25% of the water weekly, siphoning plant debris carefully to avoid disturbing roots.
• CO2 Levels: Check and refill your CO2 bottle if necessary.
• Plant Grooming: Trim dead or dying leaves to encourage new growth and ensure light penetration.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Algae Outbreaks: Algae are common in new tanks due to high-output lighting, fertilizers, and CO2. Introduce snails and plecos to help control algae. Gradually increase lighting and dosing.
• Driftwood Fungus: New driftwood may develop a greyish film, which is normal during the curing process. Manually remove it or let it disappear over time with the help of plecos and snails.
• Cloudy Water: This is often caused by substrates and fertilizers. Pre-wash substrates and use quality products like Dennerle scape soil and gravel. A good filtration system and bacteria starter will help clear the water.
• Tannins from Driftwood: Tannins can lower pH and water hardness but may discolor the water. Regular water changes will reduce tannins over time. Boiling driftwood before use can also help.

Ensuring Plant Health and Growth

Newly planted tanks may experience plant stress, leading to dying leaves or rotting stems. Be patient as plants establish their roots and recover. Use Dennerle fertilizers to support plant growth and health.

Visit Marine Magic

At Marine Magic, we provide all the essentials for a successful planted aquarium. From custom tank kits to expert advice, we’re here to help you enjoy the beauty and serenity of a thriving planted tank. Visit us today and take your aquarium hobby to the next level.