Aqua-Scaping Flashcards
What is aqua-scaping?
Arranging aquatic plants, rocks, stones, cave work, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner
What are some different styles of aqua-scaping
Bio-active (self sustaining)
Black-water (freshwater with dark, tea coloured water caused by natural tannins)
Reef (saltwater with corral)
Paludarium - semi-aquatic
Rockery
What affects which substrate should be picked?
Different species may require different substrates like gravel can cause impaction in axolotls
It can also affect which plants grow in it.
What are the pros for sand?
Some plants can grow in it
Suitable for most species
Usually very fine so less likely to cause impaction
Natural aesthetics
Relatively Low cost
Good for sand shifters
Comes in many colours/varieties
What are the cons for sand?
Can get dirty easily
Substrate can be lost during cleaning
Can be easily disrupted by water flow or fast movements
Not all plants will survive in sand
What are the pros for gravel?
Low Cost
Easy to clean
Suitable for most species
Available in different sizes and colours
Natural aesthetic (colour dependant)
Sturdy
What are the cons for gravel?
Can cause impactions (substrate gets stuck in digestive track)
Can be harmful to some species
Limited plants will survive
What are the pros for plant soil?
Ideal for most plants
Suitable for most species
Unlikely to cause impaction
Natural
Can be used with other substrates
What are the cons for plant soil?
High cost
Can be difficult to see waste
Can be disrupted by waterflow and movement
What are the pros for bare bottom?
No cost
Suitable for almost all species
Ideal for growing choral
No risk of impaction
Easy to see waste
Perfect for quarantine
What are the cons for bare bottom?
Not natural
Limited on plant growth
Not aesthetically pleasing
Easily get dirty
More likely to grow algae
What are some enrichment features?
Live Plants
Different passages and caves
Air stones (oxygen features)
