Frequently Asked Questions.

You refer constantly to strong, medium, and low lighting. How do we calculate what level of lighting to use?

  • Strong lighting will typically be about 1.25 watts/litre of water. However this makes certain assumptions, which will not always be valid. The water will be very clear, not yellowed by decaying plants or other factors. Also it will be filtered to a sufficient degree that almost all particles will be removed. It also assumes a typical depth of around depth of between 30-45cm. Medium lighting will be around 0.75-1.00 watts/litre. Low lighting some 0.5-0.6 watts/litre.

Notes on lighting: When tanks are deeper than figures indicated above, then lighting needs to be increased proportionately. If for any reason the water is yellowed (Gelbstopf), then again lighting must be increased, though nearly always remedial action should be taken to remove this colouring.

What is Kelvin value and what part does it play in deciding the kind of lighting or wattage etc.?

  • Kelvin value of light is a measurement of the spectral quality of the light. In nature almost all of our Aquatic plants grow in natural daylight. Any photographer can confirm that this is a Kelvin value of 5500K. The values so often sold for Marine Aquaria are invariably from 6500 up to 20,000 . These values are a total disaster for plants, and should be eschewed by any Hobbyist wishing to succeed, with a planted aquarium. 5500 Kelvin is not easy to find, but one can obtain a good result by using 1 of 5000 Kelvin plus another of 6000 Kelvin, if the correct tubes are not readily available . These values are often sold at a fraction of the price is stores like B&Q Of course if you can obtain 5500 Kelvin this is much better. We hope in a few months to offer the correct Kelvin value tubes, on our product page.

You describe plants as easy, fairly easy etc. Can you explain what this means?

  • Firstly let me say, that even an easy plant can become difficult if one pays no heed to the given parameters. For example, most plants of the genera Vallisneria, are described as easy. However these plants also need medium-hard water, so if one attempts to grow them in an Aquarium with a pH of say 6.5, and with water that is soft, then failure is virtually assured. If the water, Temp. etc are correct they will thrive and multiply and one can expect them to give no trouble at all.

What do you recommend to create a scene that will be capable of scoring highly in one of the many International Competitions?

  • Most beginners make the mistake of trying to create their scene, with too many different plant species. The majority of winning entries will have a maximum of 9-10 varieties, and often less than this. Furthermore the plants should have a harmony in their ecological requirements. One cannot expect to have a vibrant scene if half the plants require intense lighting and the other half need low to medium light. Often also it can be useful to have plants that in nature come from the same part of the world. Colour contrasts can be useful, but not to the point, that this feature is exaggerated.

Is there any way to avoid the plague of algae?

  • Algae is always a problem, but if one pays attention to the following rules , it will be minimized. Make certain that you plant heavily on day 1, as then the plants have a much better chance to out compete the ever present algae for the available nutrients.
  • Before your first plants arrive, do not have your aquarium full of water for several days. The algal spores present in nearly all waters including tap water, will multiply if you fill the tank for a long period, before adding plants, and be waiting to compete with the plants. In such cases, as the plants take quite some time to settle in, the algae may out compete them.
  • Although many plants must be fertilized to succeed, do not do this for the first month in a new aquarium, Algae are like sprinters in the Olympics, whilst the plants are more like middle distance runners. Once the Plants are settled in, they will then be ready to defeat the algae. After some 3-4 weeks begin regular fertilization.
  • As long as your aquarium will contain fish and most will, then do not add any Fertilizers containing N03, as all the Nitrogen needed, will be provided by the fish in excretions. Avoid foods that contain high levels of P (Phosphorus), as this encourages the development of slime 'algae' which is actually a form of bacteria (Cyanobacteria).
  • Add our product (Flora APM) on the first day, and weekly thereafter, as it is algae static. (Inhibits the reproduction of most algae.)
  • Finally make sure that the spectral value of your lighting (Kelvin value) is appropriate.

Some of your collections are quite expensive, others are not, why the big difference?

  • The collection/scene is priced according to the plants supplied. If one wants to reproduce the scene as shown, you need the correct plants. For example take the Mount Anubias collection... This has some 30 Anubias plants as well as 52 other plants. These Anubias alone, sell from other suppliers for £180.00 . You also get 3 pieces of Java Moss on driftwood which sell for £15-20 a piece. So yes the collection costs quite a lot of money, but is fantastic value if you wish to recreate that Aquascape, which in fact is just one of many that are prize winners.


Delivery and payment information.

You can find information on delivery and payments here, on the Delivery Information page.