How do you?

[alan53]

I have just come across the planted tank by Justikanz/Thomas Low which won the Winner of the Plants in Aquarium category award earlier in the year, and I am so curious as to how it is done that I need to ask. How do you put together a tank like that? I mean, do you start off with the finished tank in mind or do you just add things until it appears 'right'? How do you know how fast plants grow, so that by the time some plants have grown as you would like, others may not be as you imagined them. Is it necessary to trim the plants as in a normal outside garden? Sorry good people, I have so many questions, but I have never had a hobby like this that seems to interest me as there is so much science attached to keeping fish, as well as the artistic nature in presenting them. Every day, I can see what it is that attracts you to your fish and their tanks.

[|squee|]

At the beginning, I think most of us started off with "add things until it appears right". Yes it is necessary to trim the plants. Trimming helps to shape the plant to our liking (especially so for stemmed plants) and helps invigorate the plant to new growth.

Knowing how fast plants grow needs experience and time.

This is a good hobby! If you want to start, read up the stickies in the Beginner's Corner. If there is a hobby that requires extensive reading and more reading, it's this hobby. The more you read, the easier your first foray will be, and the more enjoyable it will be. Most give up because of difficulties in growing plants/algae, and that happens because they aren't getting the information that is so easily available on the Internet!

[alan53]

[squee] I have printed off some of the stickies to read tonight and investigate when I get time. There is just so much information here that I would be sitting here a long time just to read it all. I have an inquisitive mind. I guess it comes with being an engineer. I like to find out how things work, and if they dont work then find out why not. I never guessed that keeping fish would occupy my thinking. But it does. If you guys dont mind, I would very much like to stick around and continue to read the information that you have put up and also ask a question when I get a bit stuck. Thank you very much for you kindness.

[|squee|]

Sure no problem! There are a number of engineers here including myself.. a computer engineering student anyway.

I was lost too when I started, but reading here and there plus endless scrolling through forums in my free time got me here.

[Justikanz]

Ehh... Thanks for noticing that photo...

I guess a lot of effort would be needed to read up on the plants... Get some good literature on plants and go through them when you are free. But reading is not enough.

One need to actually experience them by growing them...

I learn mostly from experience...

[CT]

As a start maybe use some standard layout with some standard plants (For example amano's tank.)... Try to read and understand more on different type of plants and then try growing them yourself...

[alan53]

All the information that is provided here has made me very curious as to what will work and what will not work. I have decided to buy another tank just for experimenting with plants and what will make them grow. Once I understand the science behind it I will add a couple of fish and moitor the effect theyhave on the water and the levels in the water. I will post photos and observations as necessary. Thank you all once again.
Alan.

[|squee|]

I believe Australia (hope I've got the flag right) has strict laws on the import of plants, therefore you might experience difficulty in getting some plants you desire.

I recommend trying the legendary Java Fern as your first plant. Do a Google image search and you can see how it looks like. This plant is easy to care for, and can be tied onto driftwood/stones/left floating in the aquarium. A tankful of Java Fern looks really nice if done properly with nice driftwood too.