Rather that siphoning water into buckets and then carrying these from tank to sink or drain, a simpler method is to use a small compact powerhead/pump. Once the basic vacuuming of the tank is over the rest of the water to be changed can be done directly to a waste source such as a window, toilet, or drain. A small but powerful pump can be used for this. Something like the MaxiJet 1000 is perfect.…
Rivers transport materials including rocks and stones in the direction of flow. Due to size and shape variations there is a natural spreading effect as materials are deposited in the riverbed. Therefore by replicating this in an aquarium a highly natural looking result can be achieved. An effective use of this technique can be seen in our Altum Angel Display tank. The photos show the gravel when it is wet, as it appears when submerged…
The above image shows the aquascape approximately three and a half months after planting- a testament to the excellent quality of ADA products. ADA contacted The Green Machine, a specialist planted tank and aquascaping retailer based in Wrexham and offered the shop UK distribution rights of ADA products. The owners, Jim and Mark, were understandably flattered by the invite; a reflection of the shop’s enthusiasm and dedication towards the aquatic plant and aquascaping hobby…
Italian ADA Europe Co. representatives visited The Green Machine on December 12th 2008 to give an aquascaping demonstration to regular customers of The Green Machine and over twenty members of the UK Aquatic Plant Society. The onlookers took their seats and listened intently to Franscesco Nardelli as he set up the aquarium from scratch – Nature Aquarium style. Assisted by Davide Chiacchio, the Italian pair worked together, commentating, installing equipment and answering questions from the…
Here at The Green Machine, we use the full range of Tropica Plant Nutrition ( TPN ) fertilisers from the well respected company Tropica of Denmark. Rule of thumb fertilisationAll planted tanks require some nitrates and phosphates to achieve their best growth. An excess however can lead to sudden blooms of algae and a shortage to poor growth. As a rule of thumb tanks with few fish and many plants will need more nitrates and…