ScapeFu Podcast

Black Brush Algae (BBA) – How to Kill it | ScapeFu047

Art Pennom — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 07:00:11 +0000

Black brush algae (BBA) is one of the hardest algae to get rid of. Learn how to kill it in ScapeFu #47.

This is a first in a series on understanding algae that commonly plague our aquariums. We kick off the series with the infamous Black Brush Algae a/k/a BBA.

News

The Aquatic Experience in Chicago
Aqvainnova - Dennerle - JBJ
Tropica
Shout out to Green Leaf Aquariums
Lupy LED - theONE coming in the Winter of 2015

Get to know Black Brush Algae (BBA)

Black brush algae (BBA) is one of the toughest algae to get rid of in the aquarium. It’s tenacious and can overtake and suffocate your plants in a matter of a couple of weeks if not controlled.

It belongs to the Phylum Rhodophyta (Greek meaning, red plant) that includes 5,000 to 6,000 species of mostly multicellular, marine algae. There are 164 freshwater species mostly in the genus Lemanea and Audouinella.

Black brush algae (BBA) is stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to a coarse horsehair. You can recognize it in tight tufts on hardscape and will line the edges of your plant leaves. It’s also known ask black beard algae because it resembles coarse beard hair.

It’s blue-green to olive to dark grey in color when young. It’s typically found in fast-moving streams where it’s ability to anchor itself comes in handy. Unfortunately, that same ability makes it extremely difficult to remove.
How does black brush algae (BBA) get into your aquarium
Easy. It hitchhiked in via plants or even in the guts of fish or inverts. Once the spores are in, they can reproduce quickly under the right conditions.
Does CO2 deficiency or inconsistency lead to black brush algae (BBA)?
Yes, but this isn’t specific to BBA. Inconsistent or deficient CO2 will cause an imbalance in the golden equilibrium that will cause any algae to grow, not just BBA. So, although this is widely thought to be a cause of BBA outbreaks, it’s not totally correct.
Does vitamin B12 cause black brush algae (BBA)?

Well, that’s an interesting question. There’s a great thread on this at the UKAPS, entitled What exactly causes BBA? Part 2 - Bacterial imbalance.

Here’s the summarized version: High organics in the aquarium cause heterotrophic bacteria to grow exponentially and outcompete the common nitrifying bacteria that we’re used to. Heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase in vitamin B12 as a byproduct and a decrease in O2 further limiting nitrifying bacteria.

Black brush algae (BBA) uses B12 to grow and the decreased nitrification causes an excess of ammonium that algae use to grow.

Problems with this theory:

You don’t know if the species of black brush algae (BBA) that is in your aquarium, requires vitamin B12 to grow.
Decreased nitrification/increase of ammonium should be taken up by plants, if you are sticking to the golden equilibrium
An increase in heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase of CO2 that should improve plant growth
Focusing on B12 is a bit misleading because black brush algae (BBA), like any other algae species, requires a number of different nutrients not just B12. One study even found that caffeine cause a significant increase in algal growth

How to eliminate Black Brush Algae (BBA)
It is my opinion that, just like any algae, an imbalance in the golden equilibrium is what causes algae outbreaks. So, first and foremost, it is critical to rebalance the golden equilibrium.

Known methods to control black brush algae (BBA)

Maintain golden equilibrium - most important
Maintenance Crew - Siamese Algae Eater and black mollies
Hydrogen peroxide (H202) standard store bought 3%
Seachem Excel (glutaraldehyde)
Quarantine fish and dip your plants - Dip the affected plants or decor in the 1:20 bleach solution for about 10-15 mins and then thoroughly rinse in running wat...

Dosing Vinegar in Your Aquarium | ScapeFu046

Art Pennom — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 06:00:16 +0000

Learn why dosing a carbon source like vinegar may be beneficial to your freshwater planted aquarium. It even fights cyanobacteria.

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Aqvainnova is finally here! | ScapeFu045

Art Pennom — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:54:38 +0000

A talk with Esther Mous of Aqvainnova Aquarium Plants- the company that is bringing state-of-the-art plants to the USA. Find out when and where.

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From Zero to Aquascape for $100 | ScapeFu044

Art Pennom — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 10:12:57 +0000

Can you set up a planted aquarium for $100? Jurijs and Art take up the challenge and tell you how they plan to do it.

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Light Basics – Introduction to Aquarium Plants Tutorial

Art Pennom — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 20:28:28 +0000

Light is one of the most important things to know in order to keep aquarium plants healthy. Learn the basics of light in this aquarium plants tutorial.

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Moss Graffiti: Foolproof? Moss Starting Method | ScapeFu042

Art Pennom — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:57:45 +0000

In this episode, Art walks you step-by-step through this method of starting moss for your aquascape. Want that old, moss covered forest look? This is how to get it.

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We’re Back! – ScapeFu041

Art Pennom — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 14:42:29 +0000

The boys are back after a hiatus. In this short episode, JJ, Jurijs and Art share what they've been up to, read some reviews and Jurijs sales his experience moving his aquariums to another city.

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Aquarium Cabinets – How to Scape Them Too – ScapeFu039

Art Pennom — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 03:45:25 +0000

Where your aquarium sits is just as important as what it looks like. In episode 39 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Jurijs and I discuss what it takes to mod-out your aquarium cabinet. Learn to make it functional and beautiful.

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Pro Aquascaper, George Farmer, gives YOU his best advice | ScapeFu038

Art Pennom — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 03:53:38 +0000

Pro aquascaper, George Farmer, talks about his passion for the aquascaping hobby, shares his best advice and answers the questions YOU submitted.

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Iwagumi Aquascaping Style Explained | ScapeFu037

Art Pennom — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 03:55:55 +0000

The Iwagumi aquascaping style is one of the most beautiful and most difficult. It was created by the legendary Takashi Amano and it means stone work. In ScapeFu Podcast 37, we dive into the details and explain the style in all its many versions.

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The 1 Thing Takashi Amano Does That YOU Don’t

Art Pennom — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:24:48 +0000

Does Takashi Amano's work inspire you? Do you wonder how someone can be so good at aquascaping? Is it as simple as being a "natural" at it?

The truth is you don't need to have natural talent to be as good as Takashi Amano. You simply need to do the one thing Amano's has been doing for over 30 years. It's called "practice."
How to practice aquascaping and become the next Takashi Amano
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, says that you need roughly 10,000 hours of practice to gain mastery in a field. That's about 40 hours per week for five years. Mr. Amano has logged more than that in his 30+ year career in aquascaping.

Takashi Amano started his career as a nature photographer traveling to the world's jungles in 1975. He's been studying nature since then.

He started Aqua Design Amano in 1982 and has been aquascaping since then. Poorly at first. Gradually improving through practice.

So how do you practice like Amano if you don't have the time to travel to the Amazon on a photoshoot?

Well, you tell your spouse you are giving up your paying profession to risk it all starting a planted aquarium business. Or, like me after my wife helped me see that I would not make a good business owner (thank you, honey!), you can figure out how to consistently work on hardscape and planting.

I came up with the ScapeFu Dojo. You can find it at some good local fish stores but this is your do-it-yourself version and it's "spouse-approved."

Here's the accompanying, ROUGH, video I made to show you how to make it:

It's my first video so be kind. I know it can be better. LOL. But that's the point, right? Practice! I need more practice!
Practice Homework for YOU!
Please practice getting an eye for aquascaping by taking pictures of "the aquascape in the mountain." Listen to the episode to know what I mean. Then share your pictures we me on Instagram! I'm ScapeFu on Instagram.
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CO2 Regulators Explained | ScapeFu034

Art Pennom — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 05:05:47 +0000

The CO2 regulator is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your planted aquarium. In episode 34, we explain them in detail and arm YOU with the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

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Beginning Aquascaper – Nathan Perossa | ScapeFu033

Art Pennom — Mon, 25 May 2015 03:50:37 +0000

In the first of a series on Beginning Aquascapers, ScapeFu #33 focuses on Nathan Perossa from Australia. He's only four weeks into his aquascaping journey and shares what he's learned so far.

The post Beginning Aquascaper – Nathan Perossa | ScapeFu033 appeared first on ScapeFu.

What You Missed at the AGA Convention 2015 | ScapeFu032

Art Pennom — Mon, 18 May 2015 03:50:04 +0000

In this episode, JJ and I cover what it was like to attend the AGA 2015 Convention in beautiful Washington, DC. George Farmer was the Keynote Speaker and we have an interview. Go have a listen!

The post What You Missed at the AGA Convention 2015 | ScapeFu032 appeared first on ScapeFu.

Low Tech Aquascaping: What you need to know

Art Pennom — Tue, 12 May 2015 03:53:16 +0000

Low tech aquascaping is probably the oldest type of aquascaping. Long before all the high tech gadgets we have today, hobbyists managed to not only keep plants but to keep them in beautiful arrangements we now call aquascapes.

In episode 31, Jurijs and I break down low tech aquascaping and tell you how to set up your very own. Have a listen!

What is low tech aquascaping?

Most people associate low tech aquascaping with easy to maintain aquariums. Oliver Knott's Pebble Beach pictured on the left is one example of an easy to maintain aquascape. It has a haunting beauty to it even though it doesn't have any plants. Instead, Oliver used his skills to perspective and dynamic lines to convey interest.

A low tech aquascape can also be heavy maintenance but have little or no technology. Think of a fertile substrate aquarium that requires water changes for filtration and nutrient management.

In this episode, we discuss how we would go about setting up a low tech aquascape.
Topics discussed

Defining a low tech aquascape
Lighting, filtration, substrate
Plants that work for low tech aquascapes

Image credit: The aquarium in the featured image above is courtesy of Nathan Bokhara (akwaskape on Instagram)

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Aquarium Photography: Tutorial For Aquascaping | ScapeFu030

Art Pennom — Sun, 03 May 2015 22:00:26 +0000

In episode 30, we tell you the secrets to taking winning aquarium photography from famed aquascaper from Portugal, Filipe Oliveira, and professional photographer and aquascaper from the UK, Stu Worrall. This tutorial will take your aquascaping to the next level.

The post Aquarium Photography: Tutorial For Aquascaping | ScapeFu030 appeared first on ScapeFu.

Killing Blue Green Algae a/k/a Cyanobacteria – SFPT009

Art Pennom — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:00:29 +0000

Killing Blue Green Algae a/k/a Cyanobacteria - SFPT009

Hello! and happy Wednesday to you! I’m Art Pennom is this is your Wednesday ScapeFu Pro Tip.

Today, it’s about ways to knock out the smelliest of all algaes - it’s blue green algae a/k/a cyanobacteria!

Yes my friends, those of you that have been visited by this nasty, slimy type of algae know what I’m talking about. It’s an ugly bugger. Here’s how to get rid of it.

First, as always, you need to make sure you have all of the positive variables correct. Pay particular attention to organics and the resulting low oxygen levels in the aquarium. When was the last time you cleaned out that canister filter? How about vacuumed that gravel? Do you have enough flow in the aquarium? hmm?

Make sure these things are correct and then try the following to murder this smelly nemesis:

Increase the flow in the areas where you have it. Try it for 1 week. See if that does it.
Hit it with hydrogen peroxide using a syringe. Give that a couple days to work.
Water change and vacuum as much of it as you can. Give that a week.
Erythromycin (Maracyn) treatment. 200 mg/10 gallons.

After all cases, large water changes! Please be careful if you have sensitive fauna in the aquarium.

Try 1-3 above before using the antibiotic. As Diana Walstad tells us in her legenday book, “The home aquarium is an ecosystem; it does not react well to toxins and antibiotics.” Hi, Diana! Hope you’re listening!

Hope this helps those of you dealing with cyano. Let me know if you’ve dealt with this pesky bacteria and how you gave it the ax by leaving a comment in the show notes.

To wrap up, I’m starting a new trend today and closing with a thought on aquascaping for you to reflect on until the next time. And, here it is:

“Every artist was first an amateur.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keep scaping, my friends

*****
Do you have a tip that is making your aquascape or life better?
Please pay it forward and share it with your fellow hobbyists! Send it to Art at art@scapefu.com and he'll share it on a future ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip!
Please subscribe and become a member!
If you liked what you heard, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. That way, you won't miss an episode! It will be delivered to you automatically. And, while you're there, please give us a rating. It only takes a few minutes and it would mean the world to us. Thanks!

Lastly, please become a member of the ScapeFu Tribe. It's easy and FREE. You will get tips/tricks, updates and the weekly Aquascaping School Weekly. Most importantly, however, you will be a member of a growing community of aquascaping enthusiasts from around the world.

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Using Excel to Kill Algae | SFPT008

Art Pennom — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Using Seachem's Excel to kill algae is effective

Excel contains glutaraldehyde. According to our friend Wiki:
Glutaraldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2(CH2CHO)2. A pungent colorless oily liquid, glutaraldehyde is used to sterilise medical and dental equipment. It is also used for industrial water treatment and as a preservative.
It is what causes Excel to kill algae as both a spot treatment or tank wide treatment. However, use with care as shrimp and sensitive fauna/flora may have an adverse reaction.
How to use Excel to kill algae
First and foremost, please make sure everything else is in order. Things such as water change, proper fertilizer, CO2, lighting, temperature and clean filter. Without curing the cause of the algae in the first place, killing it will only be a temporary thing. No one wants that.

My preferred method of using Excel to kill algae is to spot treat. Take a plastic syringe or pipette and put it right up to the algae. Hit it and wait for two days.

The algae should turn white and die. If it doesn't, hit it again with, perhaps, a little bit more. Keep doing this for a couple of more times. If it doesn't die, then it's resistant and this technique won't work.

You can also try a full tank dosage if you have a lot of algae. I would make sure that the tank inhabitants are not sensitive and definitely don't try this if you have shrimp. Start with a regular dose, then the next day go up to 2 times then wait two days. If the algae has not turned white and begun to die, hit it again with 3 times the dose.

I've used the above method successfully many times over the years. I wish you good luck and please let me know what your experience is in the comments.

Here is a link that you may find useful:

Someone who tested Excel and found it working to kill algae

Do you have a tip that is making your aquascape or life better?
Please pay it forward and share it with your fellow hobbyists! Send it to Art at art@scapefu.com and he'll share it on a future ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip!
Please subscribe and become a member!
If you liked what you heard, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. That way, you won't miss an episode! It will be delivered to you automatically. And, while you're there, please give us a rating. It only takes a few minutes and it would mean the world to us. Thanks!

Lastly, please become a member of the ScapeFu Tribe. It's easy and FREE. You will get tips/tricks, and updates. Most importantly, however, you will be a member of a growing community of aquascaping enthusiasts from around the world.

***

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Behind the scene of Takashi Amano’s Underwater Forests SF029

Art Pennom — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Takashi Amano's Underwater Forests (Florestas Submersas) is the world's largest nature aquarium. It's at the Lisbon Oceanario. Jurijs was there and tells us all about it and what it was like to work with Takashi Amano and the ADA team. It's an amazing talk. Go have a listen!

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Automatic Fertilization | ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip

Art Pennom — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:40:35 +0000

Automatic fertilization is today's pro tip. It's definitely not needed by everyone and it can be expensive. However, if you travel for business (like me) or just want to simplify your life, then an automatic fertilization system is just what you need.
Why is automatic fertilization important?
Maintaining a constant nutrient level in the aquarium is vitally important to keeping algae at bay and your plants growing healthy. As a result of this, most fertilization regimens, like the estimative index, require you to dose nutrients on a frequent basis.

Most aquarists accomplish this by simply dosing when they visit with their tank daily. It is great practice to check on your aquarium for a few minutes a day to make sure everything is fine and working as it should. This is all the time you need to throw some fertilizer into the aquarium and you're done.

However, when you're away from home or, let's admit it, a bit lazy, you may find that you end up skipping days or even weeks without properly fertilizing your aquarium. This, obviously, will result in problems like algae and poor plant growth. An automatic fertilization system, in this case, would take your place and ensure that the aquarium is fertilized on a consistent basis.
What is an automatic fertilization system?
The system should be reliable and as simple as possible in order to prevent problems. All you need is a specialized dosing pump, tubing, containers to hold the fertilizer solution and a tube holder.

The dosing pump is set to drip your fertilizer solution into the aquarium at specified times and in specific amounts. It's truly set and forget it until the fertilizer solution runs out. For me, I use a 1.5 liter container that lasts me about two weeks.

Yes, that's two weeks of not thinking about fertilizing my aquarium. To me, that's awesome!
What do I need to put an automatic fertilization system together?
There are many ways to do this, but the one I use is a commercial system.

Bubble Magus Dosing Pump
Deepwater Aquatics Dosing Container 1.5 liter
Kamoer Tube Holder

You will need to determine how much of each container you want to add and on what days/times. You should have at least two containers (macro solution and micro solution). You can figure out how much fertilizer to add to the solution using this calculator.

In order to keep fungus from your automatic fertilization solutions, I would add some Seachem Flourish Excel to each (especially the micro solution).

Really, that's all there is to it.

Do you have an automatic fertilization system? How did you do it?
Do you have a tip that is making your aquascape or life better?
Please pay it forward and share it with your fellow hobbyists! Send it to Art at art@scapefu.com and he'll share it on a future ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip!
Please subscribe and become a member!
If you liked what you heard, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. That way, you won't miss an episode! It will be delivered to you automatically. And, while you're there, please give us a rating. It only takes a few minutes and it would mean the world to us. Thanks!

Lastly, please become a member of the ScapeFu Tribe. It's easy and FREE.

You will get tips/tricks and updates. Most importantly, however, you will be a member of a growing community of aquascaping enthusiasts from around the world.

***

Header image copyright: http://fishtankprojects.com/diy-aquarium-projects/arduino-controlled-dosing-pumps.html

Affiliate links statement: This post and other areas of ScapeFu may contain affiliate links where a small commission is paid to ScapeFu if you purchase through the link. It is a way for us at ScapeFu to defray the cost of running this site.

The post Automatic Fertilization | ScapeF...

5 Characteristics of the Perfect Substrate – SF028

Art Pennom — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000

What substrate should I use in my aquarium? Sound familiar? We give you the 5 characteristics of the perfect substrate for your aquarium. Go have a listen!

The post 5 Characteristics of the Perfect Substrate – SF028 appeared first on ScapeFu.

Pumice Substrate Base Layer: ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip

Art Pennom — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 23:17:57 +0000

Using pumice as a substrate base layer will save you money and create a great environment for the important bacteria necessary for aquarium health. Have a listen.

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Dry Start Method: 7 Tips for Success – SF 027

Art Pennom — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The Dry Start Method is one way to start a planted aquarium and minimizing the problems usually experienced early on such as algae, dying plants, etc. In this episode, you will learn the 7 things you need to know to ensure success with the Dry Start Method.

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Easy Water Changes Using Python: ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip

Art Pennom — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

It is common knowledge that frequent water changes is how you keep algae at bay in planted aquariums and, especially in aquascapes. It's a fact and we just have to accept it. Of course, we don't have to like them. They're a pain. So, the best thing to do is to make sure water changes are as easy to do as possible.

I have a 60 gallon tank that I change 50% of weekly in just under 7 minutes. It's incredibly easy to do and spill-proof which my wife loves!

I use the Python Water Change System and it has changed my life. I no longer have to take a big chunk out of my weekend and interrupt time with the kids to do my water changes. I literally do them before anyone wakes up on Saturdays and, like I said, I do them in under 7 minutes. Yes, I change 30 gallons of water in under 7 minutes with no spills.

Check out this YouTube video:

Do you do your weekly water changes? If so, what do you use to get them done? Tell me below in the comments. I'd love to learn what you do.

Have a great rest of your week!

Best personal regards,

Art

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SF 026: How to Create a Beautiful (and growing) Wabikusa

Art Pennom — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:24:34 +0000

Wabikusa is a beautiful and surprisingly easy form of art. This ScapeFu Podcast will show you the steps to create a wabikusa and guarantee you will have success with it. If you love aquarium plants, you will love wabikusa! Go have a listen!

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General Tips from JJ: ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip 005

Art Pennom — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000

[app_audio src="http://traffic.libsyn.com/scapefu/ScapeFuProTip005.mp3"]

JJ has this week's Wednesday Pro Tip and it's packed with good advice.

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Oliver Knott & Aqvainnova Plants – ScapeFu025

Art Pennom — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

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Oliver Knott & Aqvainnova Plants: ScapeFu025
In this week's episode of the ScapeFu Podcast, we have an interview with Oliver Knott recorded at the 2014 Chicago Aquatic Experience and we talk about the new aquarium plants line from Europe, Aqvainnova. Availability of quality and easy-to-get aquarium plants is crucial for the hobby to grow.
News
Aquatic Gardeners Association 2015 Convention in Washington, D.C. April 10-12, 2015. This time the Greater Washing Aquatic Plant Association is hosting. The Keynote Speaker is George Farmer, famed UK aquascaper. There's a Jeff Senske versus George Farmer aquascaping challenge, Tom Barr, Nano competition and more. We hope to see you there!
Oliver Knott and Aqvainnova
We've discussed Aqvainnova before on the ScapeFu Podcast. However, this time we discuss their introduction to the US and how much they are needed!

They come in what look like salad or sandwich clear plastic boxes. And, they even come in combo packs that have what you need to create certain styles like Iwagumi!

Oliver needs no introduction. He's been a professional aquascaper in Europe for years and is one of the most well-known aquascapers around the world.

He's got his own line of products and is very active in the hobby. Check him out at his personal site Oliver-Knott.com.

Focus on You
We got a great email from Heather that we read. She's new and enjoying out podcasts on her way to work. Thank you, Heather! Let us know how it goes!
Give us Feedback
If you’d like to give us some feedback, you have choices:

You can reach me, Art Pennom, via email at art@scapefu.com
Twitter at @ScapeFu
Facebook at Art Pennom
Our ScapeFu Feedback page

You can reach JJ at JJ@scapefu.com

You can reach Jurijs at JS@scapefu.com

Lastly, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast so that you won’t miss an episode: iTunes and Stitcher

Speak soon! Have a great week!

Art

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Using Nylon Stocking to Hold Down Driftwood: ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip

Art Pennom — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Using Nylon Stocking to Hold Down Driftwood
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Ah the many uses of nylon stockings... just fill one with substrate and tie it to your driftwood using zip ties, monofilament or cotton thread. It will hold down the driftwood until it's waterlogged.

Do you have a tip that you'd like to share with your fellow hobbyists? Send it to us so we can put it on the air!

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Jeff Senske at Aquatic Experience Talking Aquavas and Aqvainnova: ScapeFu024

Art Pennom — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:15:11 +0000

Jeff Senske at Chicago Aquatic Experience talking Aquavas and Aqvainnova plants. In this ScapeFu Podcast episode, we discuss innovative new products that will drive our hobby forward. Go have a listen!

The post Jeff Senske at Aquatic Experience Talking Aquavas and Aqvainnova: ScapeFu024 appeared first on ScapeFu.

ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip: Creating Sections with Plexiglass

Art Pennom — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 04:59:00 +0000

In this week's ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip, we discuss using clear plexiglass to create sections in your aquascape. It's easy, invisible and permanent. Check out how by listening!

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