My Objectives Of Setting Up This Blog

Provide support and assistance to both seasoned and inexperienced aquarists. 
To enhance the enjoyment of the aquarium hobby by providing creative ideas and useful information. 
To heighten public awareness of Nature Aquarium and it's benefits. 
To encourage responsible Tropical Fish and aquaplaning techniques and ideas. 
To bring together different aspects of the hobby in a way that makes it more useful and enjoyable. 
One stop Aquatic Blog shop for your Nature Aquarium and Aquarium Maintenance Services needs in Singapore . 
Do not miss out this wonderful long lasting hobby it bring peace and calmness to you and your 
Family at home. At work (office waiting lobby). At school educational science projects. 
The planted aquarium has enhanced the office aesthetically as it has provided to both the staff and the patients at Clinics 
and Hospital with a relaxed and calming effect.

Feel free to get a quote with no obligation from me or any information about this hobby. sending me an e-mail at

        
naturehabitat25@gmail.com or can call me at  92766180

ADA Products Highlight

Power Sand
Power Sand contains rich organic nutrients for plant roots, and helps to make an ideal environment for bacteria activity. Its porous volcanic stones secure water circulation, and avoid the stiffing of the substrate. It also contains rich nutrients for aquatic plant roots for a long period.The above three of power sand are of small,medium and large Sizes use depending on aquarium sizes.And is recommended to use together with Aqua soil below.

Amazoia
ADA's Aqua Soil - Amazonia is a popular substrate material which has been widely used for planted aquariums. Made of natural black soil, the soil encourages the growth of aquatic plants. In some cases, however, one of the active ingredients of Amazonia, humic acid, may leach out into the aquarium water and stain the water yellow. This is often reported during the initial set up period of an aquarium. Please keep the following instructions in mind when you first set up a new aquarium tank.
Aqua Soil-Amazonia was developed mainly for promoting the growth of aquatic plants effectively. Its black soil contains plenty of humic acid which helps the plants' healthy growth. Among the products of the Aqua Soil series, Amazonia shows the best performance in terms of the growth of plants.
However, humic acid has a characteristic for seeping into water and turning the water yellow under an alkaline environment. It is more likely seen during the initial set up period of a tank, when Amazonia's black soil contains a lot of humic acid. Humic acid is a natural substance and it will not disturb the health of fish and aquatic plants inside the tank. But if you are not comfortable with the cloudiness of water made by humic acid, we recommend you to take out excessive organic matter by frequent water changes. It will help reducing the cloudiness of the water though the result differs depending on the growth of the plants and the frequency of water changes. You may also use NA carbon and let it adsorb humic acid dissolved into the aquarium water.
Right after setting up an aquarium, ammonia is generally present in the water. In case the pH value becomes alkaline over 7.0, ammonia levels may turn to be highly toxic and harm the fish and shrimp in the tank. You should always make sure to check the pH value of the tap water before a regular water change
Amazonia II
Amazonia II shares same characteristics with Amazonia for promoting the aquatic plant growth, but it emphasizes the water condition adjustment effect. Compared to Amazonia, Amazonia II tends to lower pH and KH, and it is recommended for the case where tap water is in alkaline.

Malaya
Yellow color tone Malaya creates an aqua-scape of natural atmosphere. Its soft granules is suitable for the aquarium layout for maintaining for a long period.

Africana
Red baked soil creates the image of tropical rain forest. Granule is relatively hard, and it is easy to handle, compared to Amazonia and Malaya. As organic element is low compared to Amazonia, plants grow slowly in Africana soil.
Red Bee Shrimps Food (ADA)ADA Original Red Bee Shrimp Food is the world' s first red bee shrimp food containing Aqua Soil Amazonia and which includes rich organic constituents and minerals. It encourages red bee shrimps’ reproduction and helps to grow beautiful individuals. A good balance of plant and animal derived ingredients improves to form their shells and make colors beautiful, and enhances their health.

≺ Tablet type food is easy to sink in the water. Break into pieces and give appropriate amount according to the number of shrimps in the aquarium.
≺ Overfeeding and uneaten food deteriorate water condition. Remove residual food in the aquarium water on the following day.
Ingredients;
Imported fish meal, Krill meal, Squid meal, Wheat flour, Soybean, Spinach, Marine Algae, Spirulina, Torula yeast, Bonding agent, Chitin, Carotenoid, Multi-vitamins and mineral, Aqua Soil- Amazonia,
Guarranteed Analysis:Crude protein: 48% (Min.) Crude Fat: 4% (Min.) Crude Fiber: 4% (Max.) Crude Ash: 16% (Max.) Moisture: 8% (Max.)
Crystal Red Shrimps Feeding

Nature Aquarium Products

We offer products like

Water Parameters For Keeping Crystal Red Shrimps And Sakura Shrimps

Shrimps can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Please check the requirements of the individual species!
Temperature 15 - 28 °C or 59 - 82 °F, optimum for most shrimps 23 °C or 73 °F
pH 6.5 - 7.8, most freshwater shrimps do well at a pH around 7
kH 1 – 15 degrees
gH 5 – 25 degrees
Ammonium (near) 0
Nitrite (near) 0
Nitrate as low as possible

The Love For Nature = The Love For Nature Aquarium

Nature

I feel however , that a deep love for nature , natural scenery, and the
desire to have a piece of it in ones home or office , is a concept that 
exists in everybody , irrespective of culture and race.The nature 
aquarium began as an aquaristic respond to this desire. It is an art form
like painting , gardening or photography in which it requires a person to 
create a natural ecosystem , in all its natural beauty and efficiency , in 
a glass aquarium.

Understanding About The Nature Aquarium Ecosystem

Another thing, borrowed from nature and used in the natural aquarium - is the concept of the ecosystem. Ecosystem - is the relationship between plants, animals and the environment that exists in nature. Inside the system takes the energy and circulate materials. On the concept of ecosystem all living creatures are divided into producers, consumers and bioreduktorov. In the natural aquarium, this division belongs to the aquarium plants, fish and microorganisms. Producer is hlorofita, which is involved in photosynthesis, as well as aquarium plants. Aquatic plants grow through photosynthesis and release oxygen into the water. Fish and organisms use oxygen for respiration. Consumers - are mostly living creatures that eat plants and other animals. The aquarium is mostly fish, feed that should be given aquarists. Bioreduktory - this is, basically, microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. They maintain good water quality, processing the waste of fish and remnants of food, and aquarium supply of plant nutrients. Environment and natural aquarium is stabilized, when the aquarium plants, fish and microorganisms coexist in harmony.

Method Of Cycling A New Tank

Fish Less Cycling?
Unlike the usual method, fish less cycling allows you to mature the system without placing fish under stress from polluted water. It means you won't have to choose hardy fish that you might not otherwise want to keep. And, if done correctly, it could allow you to reach a higher stocking density quicker and more safely than the conventional method.


How do I get started?
Most people opt for an inorganic fish less cycling technique. This basically involves adding a nitrogenous solution, like ammonia, to the tank at regular intervals for the bacteria to break down. Arguably, organic material, such as a piece of fish or some fish food would be the ideal thing to use, since it would also encourage the growth of the heterotrophic bacteria that break down organic matter into ammonia. These might not be present in the same numbers if you cycle inorganically.


We suggest using ADA's ( Bacter 100) and (Green Bacter). Unlike most other products for cycling new tanks this powerful biological supplement which rapidly matures new aquariums and filters. It's designed to make the tank mature any quicker. Ideally to give the filter a kick-start.


The food source needs to be added at regular intervals throughout the cycling process.

Do It Right The First Time

The most important in setting up planted aquarium is creating a live substrate.

What is live substrate?

What are the conditions for nurturing aquatic plants well ? We think it is necessary to create an environment close to the ecosystem of our Mother Nature in the substrate system. Various microorganisms exist in the natural habitat, having a symbiotic relation with each other.Aquatic Plants in a natural habitat absorb nutrients, generated by microorganism activity from their roots, and create substance constructing their body. Microorganisms also take in secreted substance from plant roots and degrade the substance for turning into a sources of energy. The degraded substance is again absorbed by plant roots. Such relationship between roots and microorganisms is functioning in an environment where abundant nature still exists, however those relationship is not functioning under modern agriculture method, using chemical fertilizer.
Generally, crop cultivated under modern agricultural method is vulnerable to pests, and environmental change. The stability, in the natural ecosystem, does not exist there.
This idea can be applied to the planted aquarium, and the substrate Nature Aquarium substrate was developed based on this theory. Water plants can grow well in a symbiotic relation between plant roots and microorganisms, and this relationship stabilizes the aquarium environment. Oxygen is indispensable for microorganism to propagate themselves, and for this reason, the substrate must be water permeable. It is also important for the roots. Live substrate is only possible with existence of good quality nutrients, abundant with organic matters to be degraded by microorganism. Power Sand makes this idealistic substrate possible.

Why Do You Need To Supply Co2 For Planted Aquarium Tank

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is fundamental to the function and success of the planted aquarium. Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms bonded to a single carbon atom (O=C=O).


During photosynthesis, terrestrial and aquatic plants use carbon dioxide and water, removed from the atmosphere and combined with light energy to produce oxygen and sugars. Free oxygen is released as a gas from the decomposition of water molecules (H2O), while the hydrogen is used to generate chemical energy required for the formation of sugars, or glucose. These sugars may then be consumed by aquatic plant in respiration or used to produce polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates, such as starch, cellulose, proteins, and other organic compounds required for aquatic plant growth and development.


In the planted aquarium ecosystem, carbon dioxide is introduced through the use of a regulator in combination with other specialized CO2 equipment; a complete CO2 system designed to promote an ideal and balanced ecosystem.

How to setup a pressurized Co-2 system video

Planted Aquarium Set up For Freshwater Shrimps

Crystal Red Shrimps Eating Together Below:

Sakura Shrimp Below:
Crystal Red Shrimp Below:
Black Bee Shrimp Below:
Groups Of Sulawesi Shrimps Below: Needed a higher PH set up

Planted Aquarium Set up environment is also suitable not only for Tropical Fish but also for these different
type of Freshwater Shrimps

Pictures Of Planted Tanks

Pictures Of Planted Aquarium Tank

Planted Aquarium Tank

Enjoying the underwater world in your own space is one of the wonderful dynamics of the Planted Aquarium. Densely planted aquatic plants growing and colorful fish swimming about are a sight to behold. Even in a small aquarium you can find the drama of nature. Just imagine aquatic plants producing tiny bubbles of oxygen and fish swimming gracefully. The nature captured within the glass is full of life, and it soothes your mind and calms your heart. Let's all start a Planted Aquarium together.

Using Natural Soil Vs Gravel

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In Planted Aquarium, Natural Soil at the bottom where aquatic plants are planted is called the substrate. The substrate has three major purposes. One is to support aquatic plants and provide nutrients. Another is to enable microorganisms to multiply and stabilize the environment of an aquarium. The third is to render a natural feel to a layout. The activity of microorganisms is especially important since organic matter, such as fish waste and uneaten food that falls into the substrate, is decomposed by the microorganisms that are fully established in the substrate. In addition, the roots of aquatic plants and the microorganisms in the substrate have a type of symbiotic relationship. Aquatic plants can grow healthfully only when microorganisms help them absorb nutrients through roots. When aquatic plants grow densely by absorbing nutrients that are broken down from organic matter, the uptake of nutrients from the leaf surfaces and the release of oxygen through photosynthesis become vigorous as well, and the environment in the aquarium stabilizes. Therefore, the present substrate system was developed for Nature Aquarium for the purpose of growing beneficial microorganisms in the substrate to encourage the healthy growth of the roots of aquatic plants. The concept of natural ecosystem is utilized in the planted Aquarium substrate, which is based on the mutual relationship of soil environment, microorganisms, aquatic plants and fish.

Where gravel is concern it have the same function where natural soil have but do not have any nutrient or trace elements value in it.When gravel is use for planted tank set up Base Fertilizer (Mixture of Trace Elements and Nutrients) is use for bottom layer before gravel is place over it.

The Joy And Benefit of Keeping Planted Tanks

Fish in tanks with abundant vegetation tend to be healthier and have brighter colors. Through photosynthesis, plants create oxygen and fish breathe this in through their gills. Fish also love aquatic plants because they provide places to hide and breed.

Understanding About Tank Cycling

Tank cycling is a must for all new set up.

You need to leave the tank cycling for about four weeks to cultivate the bacteria cycle, and also to keep the ammonia level down. The fresh water must not contain any chlorine or ammonia, because ammonia is deadly to the fish and freshwater shrimps as it makes breathing very difficult.
Once your tank is set up you can start out with smaller species of fish, until you become more experienced.

Understanding about how bacteria cycle in this video below 

Mini Planted Tank

Thinking of having an aquarium tank at your work place on the desktop but having space problem?
No worries let me show you how

Think Of Setting Up A Planted Tank?

Thinking of setting up a planted tank theme aquarium? Don't know how but want to know! Yes! then
do leave your E-mail or your hand phone number. Let me call you back and I will be happy to share with
you with what you need to know.

Getting Familiar With Nature Aquarium

Go online (The Internet) look for aqua scaping related websites do read more and understand first before

you start this wonderful long-lasting hobby

1. http://www.aquatic-plants.org
2. http://www.aquaticquotient.com ( Join Forums) From S'pore
   
3. http://www.my-mac.net/(Join Forums) From Malaysia
4. http://www.adana.com.my/ADA
5. http://www.aquajournal.net/ From Japan
   
6. http://www.aquahobby.com/e_aquarium_plants.php (Information About Aquatic Plants)
7. http://www.aquadesign.pl/galeria_1.htm (Aqua scape Design For Reference)
8. http://www.cau-aqua.net/index.php?lang=en (The Aquas capping Team From Hong Kong.
9. http://www.aqua-shopping.net/cnt/gallery/index.htm (Aqua scape setup Design For Refrence) 
10. www.littlegreencorner.com/ From S'pore and Malaysia
11. http://www.bubblesaquarium.com/home.htm
12. http://www.japan-net.ne.jp/next/red/red2e.html (Keeping Bee Shrimps)

Getting The Right Equipment

• Lights

• From 2 Watts per US Gallon for low-light plants to 3 or more for light demanding plants. Your choices are metal halide (MH), normal fluorescent tubes (FL) or PL lights (PL, looks like FLs but u-shaped).
• MH can penetrate deeper into the water and are usually recommended for tanks taller then 2ft, and will last longer. However, MH are expensive and extremely hot.
• FLs and PLs are cooler and cheaper. They are sufficient for tanks shorter then 2ft in height. FLs last about 6 months, PLs a year... after which their light intensity drops drastically. They need to be replaced at this point. PLs are a little bit hotter then FLs but easily manageble. PLs are also more compact... you can put more PLs over a tank then FLs.
• CO2
• CO2 is required for tanks with high-light. For low light tanks, CO2 is not a must, but plants will grow better with it. Your choices are:
• Pressurise Cylinder
• A cylinder of CO2, with regulator, guages and a needle valve. Range in sizes from 2 litres to 5 litres. Depending on usage and size can last for months or years. Can be topped up at several LFS's at S$15 to S$25. A basic set will cost about S$150. You can also get a solenoid which you can connect to a timer to electrically turn on and off the valve together with the lights. A solenoid can put you back an additional S$100 or more.
• Commercial Chemical
• Commercially available and more complex version of the DIY CO2. More consistent then DIY, but still not controllable. Neither cheap nor convinient.
• You also need a way to dispense CO2 into the tank. Commonly used ones are CO2 diffusers/atomisers and reactors. Diffusers/atomisers work much like an airstone, but produce much much finer bubbles. Reactors are enclosed structures connected to the outlet of the filter. CO2 is injected into this structure and dissolved by the turbulent water movement before it exits via an outlet.
• 
  
• Cooling Systems
• Due to large amount of lighting, planted tanks in tropical countries tend to get too warm (30 degrees celcius or higher). To reduce heating, don't put your lights too close to the water surface. Use light holders to lift FL and PL lights it 3 to 4 inches above the water surface. MH lights are much hotter and should be much higher.
• Tank hoods have reduced ventilation so tend to cause more heat. If possible, keep tank hoods open or get open topped hoods. Heat can also be reduced by coolings fans and chillers.
• Cooling Fans
• These are the small fans used to cool computer casings. They range in size from 8cmx8cm, 9cmx9cm to 12cmx12cm. The 8cm and 9cm fans are significantly cheaper. You have a choice of DIY or package sets. Package sets come complete with clamps and are plug and play. DIY ones, as the name implies, require some work. You also can choose between DC or AC fans. DC ones are safer electrically, but a bit harder to DIY. Cheaper to setup and run (i.e. electicity usage), but a little troublesome and a little un-sightly. Can maintain temperatures down to 26 to 28 degrees celcius which is sufficient for planted tanks.
• Chillers
• The best way to bring down temperature and maintain
• convenient and consistant of less than 26 degrees. Heat will produces requires a well ventilated area. Some models can drop and maintain temperatures at 4 degrees celcius. Required if you need water temps below 26 degrees.
• Update in the last few years newer chillers have been entering the market. Now there are more efficient chillers, some specifically designed for tropical climates. The noise level has also dropped, with some barely audible even while chilling.
• Filter Planted tanks require mechanical filteration and some biological filtration. Never any chemical filtration. Planted tanks should also have gentle but complete water circulation. Choose a filter that filters the water at a rate of 2 to 3 times the water volume of the tank. Small internal filters are sufficient for tanks 2ft or smaller. Externals can be used for 2ft and larger tanks.
• Substrate
• Gravel
• The topmost layer. If you are using base fertiliser, this layer should be about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Purpose is to prevent the base fertiliser from fouling the water. Without base fertiliser, the gravel should follow the thickness recommendations listed for base fertilisers if there are rooting plants. If not, then it's up to you.

• Base Fertilizer the lowest layer of the substrate. Provides nutrients for rooting plants for 1 to 2 years depending on plant choice and planting density. A thicker layer is required for large plants that feed from the substrate heavily and less for small plants. Normally, ppl start with 1 inch at the front of the tank sloping to 2 to 4 inches at the back of the tank. Small tanks are too short for tall large plants, so do not require thick base fertilisers. Not completely necessary but very highly recommended for tanks with rooted plants. For tanks that have little plants that root into the substrate, it is not recommended as the substrate will decomposed in the long term without plant roots to provide oxygen.

The Know How Of This Wonderful Hobby

Getting into planted tanks will be easy if you take the time to read and understand before taking the plunge!

Historical Insight Of Aquarium Business In Singapore

I've reared fishes, namely sword tails, betas since young, however my experience in aquascaping/planted tanks go back since 1999 I believe the key players in this profession/industry are Aquatechnic and Crowntol. Basically, aquatechnic specialize in Dutch concept aquariums (Open aquaria) whereas Crowntol is an advocate of the Nature Aquarium. In 1999, I've visited several shops that sell ornamental fishes, but few carry a wide range of plants. Crowntol, which was introduced to me by a friend, was specialized in this industry. I.E they offer consultancy to clients on the ADA concept, and naturally set-up "The Nature Aquarium" for clients who are appreciative of having a Aquarium Biotope as part of the Interior Decor of their home/office.

These two companies are also distributors of 2 big names in aquaria products. Aquatechnic carries Dupla products, and Crowntol carries ADA equipment. (However, products for Dupla, and ADA)


I've been observing, that more aquarium shops (as of 1999), who traditionally sell only fishes are being to include planted tanks in their display, and selling more species of plants! Well, by the looks of this, more people will know about this hobby, and hopefully, the increase in the number of hobbyist

I Got My Inspiration From Him

• Amano Takashi, born in Niigata, Japan in 1954, is a Japanese landscape photographer. Since 1975, Amano has visited tropical rainforests in Amazon, Borneo and West Africa and pristine forests in Japan, and he has been working on series of photos focusing on "untouched nature" with his large-format cameras. He captures minute details of nature found at site on extra large size films (up to 8x20 inches). His works have been introduced internationally through the several exhibitions and publications. Amano is now taking on a challenge to record the existing precious nature of Japan on large-format films and pass down to posterity.

In recent years, Amano has given numbers of lectures on his photography expeditions and his experiences in nature around the world, and he has advocated the importance of tree-planting programs to protect the earth’s environment.

Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS) members
Japan Advertising Photographers' Association (APA) members
Society of Scientific Photography (SSP) members

Nature Aquarium is the layout style in the aquarium, creating a beautiful underwater world of tropical fish and aquatic plants.Takashi is an exponent of the Nature Aquarium, and he continues to propound new layout styles. The Nature Aquarium is the aquatic plant layout taking in the essence learned from the Mother Nature, and sometimes it is called "Amano style" and its circle is expanding many countries around the world.

The Art Of Aqua Scaping

To truly understand the diversity of aquatic environments, many hobbyists have begun keeping "biotope" or "geographic" aquariums. In these tanks, the hobbyist attempts to simulate a specific habitat. The fish, plants, gravel, decor, and even water are each important parts of these set-ups. Generally speaking, a "geographic" aquarium simply represents an environment, and the items added should appear natural and conform with that habitat. In a "biotope" aquarium, more care is given to be certain that not only does each item appear appropriate, but that it actually is authentic to that region. For instance, the wood that is used should be of a type that is native to that area, and the sand must be the correct type of mineral for that region. The same is true for the plants and fish, etc. Setting up a true biotope aquarium can be an extensive undertaking. A geographic aquarium is a bit easier, and still allows an understanding of the habitat. Both require knowledge of the water conditions, which the aquarist should attempt to simulate in these nature environments.