This is art! Everything from the aquarium, the videography, editing is top notch. Easily, one of the Top 3, Top 5 channels aquarium hobbyist channels on UA-cam.
Wow, gorgeous! It looks like the super long dark start created a really stable environment in terms of nutrient cycling from the aquasoil to the beneficial bacteria. Then when you planted the tank and turned on the lights you didn't see that usual nutrient spike which requires so many water changes. This also seems to have made it very difficult for algae to get established, giving the plants a huge advantage! Well done!
I love it! You did a fantastic job. I never heard of substrate heating before, that is interesting. I really love the way the lights reflect off the water and make the walls shimmer. Made it even more magical looking. Oh, and I also love small fish in a big aquarium. Just really beautiful in every way.
I used substrate heating in my discus tank back in the late 1990s. I this is the first time I've seen it being used since my return to the hobby last year. It brought back a lot of happy memories. Thank you.
It seemed to work. It was a 60cm deep tank with suspended halogen lights. Back then we were limited with substrate options so I used organic soil capped with sand. I was worried about stagnation so the substrate heating seemed a good option. I kept mainly vallis and echinodorus species and they grew very well. The echinodorus roots were huge.
I have experimented with heating cables, on several tanks, over a decade ago, unconvinced it made a measurable difference. Lovely job Mark on this tank, and yes, I think the dark start helped, though the lighting is quite modest which with a controlled CO2 injection makes algae less likely. My substrate cables were black though, so easy to disguise against the back panel! @@MJAquascaping
Tolles Video über die Einrichtung dieses schönen Aquariums mit einer sehr guten Information über die verwendeten Pflanzen mittels kleiner "Steckbriefe"! 👍
for me after setting up 3 aquariums and 2 out of 3 had a bad start with alot of plants melting, i decided i wil now cycle a tank without plants first( dark cycle) and this video convinced me even more!
This is a similar style like the cubic aquarium near the river bank. MJ always bring some low key mystery vibe in the aquacsaping. Calm, bit natural, not over complicated, less contra Color, matching with his personality. which I really like.
My last aquarium which was in a 2009, 115 Gallon tank, I placed outside the tank underside, reptile heating coils pads on the tank. This way they could be replaced if necessary without being in the inside of the tank underwater. I placed three different substrate grain size mediums to also make the benefit exchange from the plant roots and water column. I did have a custom wooden stand built, that gave me access to the filter canisters and the tank outer underside to the reptile heating coil pads. Never had to replace the heating pads. Just an older idea used that functions the same way. Beautiful setup as you have it!
When you placed cables under the substrate it reminded me of floor heating. One would think that this would heat the water as well. I guess the wattage of this system must be really low. This setup is really beautiful Mark.
Lovely set-up! Amazing! I did a dark start recently for my Iwagumi scape. Waited for about 6 weeks due to tissue culture plants availability in my country. Started planting thereafter. Immediately put a couple of nerite snails from Day 1 planting. It's one month since i planted. Zero algaes so far and my scape fully carpeted. My best start-up since i started this hobby.
This brings back memories of using a Dupla heating cable in a Dupla aquarium with a Co2 reactor many years ago. Back then i used Metal Halide lighting. I always had excellent results and found that the root growth in heating cable aquariums was astronomical. Great video!
well done - een super aquarium. you may consider being a bit more active during the darkstart. you can/should add ammonium to the aquarium during the darkstart. this way you simulate pooping fish and the bacteria will start to develop in a more controled way. dosing ammonium should be in the range of 20 ppm. watch what happens with nitrite and nitrate.
Beautiful tank and setup. 👍 My first "dark start" attempt went exceptionally well, because I had a lot going on and really took my time. For my second "dark start" attempt, I was kinda in a rush, did some rescaping halfway through, and as a result: algae. So yes, the more time the better!
Wow. That's got to be my favorite MJ aquascape. I love everything about it. Very interesting to learn about the dark start. The light shades the client had made are a great touch--definitely will be using that tactic for my dream tank some day.
It look amazing mate! Beautiful plant selection! I think it’d be cool if you did a comparison test of growth in a heated substrate versus non heated! I’ll be waiting for that video bud 😉
Beautiful work! I will have to try the dark method on my next thank. Just a thought on substrate heaters. Although a great concept and work great ...when they fail(and all heaters eventually fail) the scape will have to be torn down and redone or switch to a standard heater. With large scale a setup like that I would install 2 substrate heaters in case one fails, so the backup is already there and will buy you some before the inevitable.
Hey MJ! Late to the video. Gorgeous tank! Quick question: how do you avoid pests when ordering pots vs tissue culture. I see you mixed the two here. I have always used TC plants but prefer to grab more mature plants. Love to hear what you do.
May I ask you something regarding the dark start, please? How do the beneficial bacteria establish when there is no bioload? Do you add bacteria like Nite-Out or similar? Maybe I overlooked something, if so, I apologize. Anyway, the aquarium looks absolutely amazing! Great job, as always. Mooie aquarium ❤
such a beautiful setup, thanks for sharing this video. i remember substrate heaters back in the day almost 25+ years ago. interesting to see it being used today. love the lamp shades for the kessil, any links to that? product? keep up the great work and can't wait to watch the next video! and re-watch!
Ground heating is very good for the roots and prevent build up of methane. It ventilates the soil. The long dark start benefits aswell obviously. Things to remember.
Wow, this is gorgeous! I love everything about it! The Lights add such a beautiful shimmer, and I love their little lampshades! I can’t believe how the plants are growing, do you think that a lot of that is due to the substrate heater?
Beautiful scapemate, Interesting to see other peoples scapes. If your clients let you then I'd love to see more of these videos every now and then. But keep doubg yoyr normsl videos also.
Thank you for sharing your projects! Thumbs up! Let me have a question, there is no reinforcement applied to the tank. What is the thickness of the glass?
This is probably one of my favorite creations from you and call me old school, but those Kessil Tuna Sun lights just add such a magical and natural spark to the atmosphere that brings everything to life and cannot be accomplished with the fancy "new school" lights in the market. The only questionable choice was the cables for the heater not being lined up properly in the corner for aesthetic purposes, but that could just be my OCD speaking ;) Phenomenal job once again and very happy to see how your talent from experience matures and evolves with each new creation. Thank you for sharing this beautiful hobby with us and may your journey to the top be as exciting and fulfilling as your wildest dreams 🥂
Incredible! Mark there is only one way to know if the under gravel heating and the dark start made any difference... time for a new comparison/Vs set up on your shelves? 😅
No water changes needed when doing a darkstart 😊 when you are ready for planting just drain the tank completely, and after planten fill it back up with fresh water
you did a fantastic job. it looks perfect 😍😍😍 I can't figure out how people keep Madagascar Lace plant alive. I love that plant but it seems to hate me😅
definilty your opinion with the dark start. The Tank has too run for years, 1-3 month are nothing in comparison. And the result of taking your time is much more enjoable. The substrate heater is interesting, gonna try this for my next/last Tank of 250L. Im curious how it will end up. And your Aquascape style is very close to what i want to try out.
Nice tank! I haven't seen anyone use this substrate layer, how does it compare with regular aquasoil? It does seem interesting for when using a gravel/sand cover.
It's a lovely aquascape! Classic triangular layout with super healthy plants. Great plant selection and end result is fantastic. I am not sure the exact reason behind the fast growing plants. Could be the blend of all the best practices we know of. Dark start is certainly one of them.
Hi Marc awesome work well done. Im just making a similar setup. And im curious that you turned on the substrate heather during the dark start or not. Many thanks for your inspiration cheers mate
ik heb exact de zelfde bodem verwarming liggen van dennerle, met controller en het is de zware uitvoering, mijn nieuwe aqua wordt binnenkort geleverd 200x60x50 zal ik hem opnieuw gebruiken of niet? ik ga voor het eerst werken met volcano en soil van tropica..wat zou jij doen MJ ? ps mooie video..topper
The heated substrate should make the roots grow better, as long as it's not too hot, but it does not sound like that's the case. I have a collected bonsai that was lacking roots, currently it's sitting on a heat pad
Quick question on darkstart, did you have to add ammonia once the tank is cycled during the 3 months wait as I assume the tank was fully cycled within 4-8 weeks
After 3 weeks I have a little grown-up moss and the rest of the plants are as small as they were when planted. I was adding only Fe, No3, Po4. This is a cause, why they do not grow?
Everything we used (affiliate links)
Tank
www.aqualife-aquarium.com/
Lights:
EU: amzn.to/46vhTwM
US: amzn.to/497lNxJ
Substrate heater
EU: amzn.to/3M1VG15
Normal heater
EU: amzn.to/3QgNJaG
US: amzn.to/45xQ59y
Filter
EU: amzn.to/3PQTf2u
US: amzn.to/3rQUS8s
Substrate base layer
EU: amzn.to/3ZXcfRB
US: bit.ly/3Rea86F
Gravel
EU: amzn.to/48UIzZf
Wood
EU: bit.ly/3ZUxeoa
US: amzn.to/3M2Zu1Z
Black lava
EU: bit.ly/3PQpWMV
US: bit.ly/3MXQTyz
CO2 regulator
EU: amzn.to/3PVqBNM
US: amzn.to/3RWqPqn
Inline CO2 diffuser
EU: amzn.to/45zr65I
US: amzn.to/3Fg76KG
Glass lily pipes
EU: amzn.to/45yTJQL
US: amzn.to/3RWqGDl
PLANTS USED
Dwarf Hairgrass
US: bit.ly/3rEvTVr
Marsilea Hirsuta
US: bit.ly/3ZalltM
Hygrophila araguaia
US: bit.ly/3QfBuLI
Ranunculus Inundatus
US: bit.ly/3QgTdCi
Cryptocoryne Tropica
US: bit.ly/44WHRIy
Cryptocoryne Willisii
US: bit.ly/46AFmwv
Cryptocoryne Albida Costata
US: bit.ly/45qX3NG
Nymphaea Tiger Lotus
US: bit.ly/46GSZKi
Aponogeton Madagascariensis / Madagascar Lace Bulb
US: bit.ly/46y558Q
Rotala H'ra
US: bit.ly/3BUsNyY
Java fern trident
US: bit.ly/3DNXw13
African Water Fern / Bolbitis Heudelotii
US: bit.ly/48QO0Zp
Echinodorus
US: bit.ly/3M3aZGV
🚨Watch this next!🚨
Inspiration playlist! ua-cam.com/play/PLrlvf56gZy-ipL3105SdfKsUBrMUSttoh.html
CO2 buying guide! ua-cam.com/video/dIVrr1yS3sU/v-deo.html
How to SETUP your CO2! ua-cam.com/video/qSHZ4F2PI2o/v-deo.html
Simple fertilizer dosing! ua-cam.com/video/I_KBOUM1RXM/v-deo.html
👉🏻Cool Aquascaping T-shirts: mosscotton.com/ Code: mjaqua10
👉🏻Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my UA-cam channel: UA-cam.com/mjaquascaping
👉🏻 Use Code ''MJAMSTERDAM'' for 10% off Fzone products
#plantedtank #aquascape #mjaquascaping
2:25 what was the name of the plant nutrient please reply let me know the name
This is art!
Everything from the aquarium, the videography, editing is top notch. Easily, one of the Top 3, Top 5 channels aquarium hobbyist channels on UA-cam.
Wow, gorgeous! It looks like the super long dark start created a really stable environment in terms of nutrient cycling from the aquasoil to the beneficial bacteria. Then when you planted the tank and turned on the lights you didn't see that usual nutrient spike which requires so many water changes. This also seems to have made it very difficult for algae to get established, giving the plants a huge advantage! Well done!
That looks fantastic. This is the first I’ve heard of substrate heating. Very interesting.
Wow those plants filled in so fast and well! Beautiful job, I learned so much
Amazing scape as always, very interesting seeing the results of a dark start on such a large aquarium. The Madagascar Lace is such a unique plant too!
Amazing! Might be one of your best I've seen. Fantastic work
I love it! You did a fantastic job. I never heard of substrate heating before, that is interesting. I really love the way the lights reflect off the water and make the walls shimmer. Made it even more magical looking. Oh, and I also love small fish in a big aquarium. Just really beautiful in every way.
I used substrate heating in my discus tank back in the late 1990s. I this is the first time I've seen it being used since my return to the hobby last year. It brought back a lot of happy memories. Thank you.
How was your experience with substrate heating?
It seemed to work. It was a 60cm deep tank with suspended halogen lights. Back then we were limited with substrate options so I used organic soil capped with sand. I was worried about stagnation so the substrate heating seemed a good option. I kept mainly vallis and echinodorus species and they grew very well. The echinodorus roots were huge.
I have experimented with heating cables, on several tanks, over a decade ago, unconvinced it made a measurable difference. Lovely job Mark on this tank, and yes, I think the dark start helped, though the lighting is quite modest which with a controlled CO2 injection makes algae less likely. My substrate cables were black though, so easy to disguise against the back panel! @@MJAquascaping
Tolles Video über die Einrichtung dieses schönen Aquariums mit einer sehr guten Information über die verwendeten Pflanzen mittels kleiner "Steckbriefe"! 👍
Another amazing job! Dark starts are the secret sauce to get a tank set up without the common “new tank” issues.
yea that's an amazing looking tank. Great job... I'm sure your client is delighted. I would be.
for me after setting up 3 aquariums and 2 out of 3 had a bad start with alot of plants melting, i decided i wil now cycle a tank without plants first( dark cycle) and this video convinced me even more!
This is a similar style like the cubic aquarium near the river bank. MJ always bring some low key mystery vibe in the aquacsaping. Calm, bit natural, not over complicated, less contra Color, matching with his personality. which I really like.
One of those tanks that really starts to look better everytime you look at it and when you get a more close look. Very well done!
Superb Marc. Totally love this scape. Substrate heater? Now that's an idea 😊
My last aquarium which was in a 2009, 115 Gallon tank, I placed outside the tank underside, reptile heating coils pads on the tank. This way they could be replaced if necessary without being in the inside of the tank underwater. I placed three different substrate grain size mediums to also make the benefit exchange from the plant roots and water column. I did have a custom wooden stand built, that gave me access to the filter canisters and the tank outer underside to the reptile heating coil pads. Never had to replace the heating pads. Just an older idea used that functions the same way. Beautiful setup as you have it!
When you placed cables under the substrate it reminded me of floor heating. One would think that this would heat the water as well. I guess the wattage of this system must be really low. This setup is really beautiful Mark.
Great of video , amazing with decoration of creative , seem like tropical
Butifull. Them plants 🪴 grow amazingly 👍✌️❤️😎🇬🇧
Lovely set-up! Amazing!
I did a dark start recently for my Iwagumi scape. Waited for about 6 weeks due to tissue culture plants availability in my country. Started planting thereafter. Immediately put a couple of nerite snails from Day 1 planting. It's one month since i planted. Zero algaes so far and my scape fully carpeted. My best start-up since i started this hobby.
Awesome tank! Bottom heating seems very interesting.
I would be happy with that Scape such a talented man love watching your videos 👍
I only have three words for the project "very good work"👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This brings back memories of using a Dupla heating cable in a Dupla aquarium with a Co2 reactor many years ago.
Back then i used Metal Halide lighting.
I always had excellent results and found that the root growth in heating cable aquariums was astronomical.
Great video!
Gorgeous !! I do think the dark start is a great way to go. The tank is stable before adding the plants
Schitterend geworden, en wat een kwaliteit he de Aqualife aquariums. Ben er zelf ook nog steeds erg blij mee
Absolutely love this tank and am a big fan of yours….just don’t like the obvious white wires at the back of the tank…spoils it I think.
Yeah I would have tried to wrap it In something or black aquarium silicone over it.
well done - een super aquarium.
you may consider being a bit more active during the darkstart.
you can/should add ammonium to the aquarium during the darkstart.
this way you simulate pooping fish and the bacteria will start to develop in a more controled way.
dosing ammonium should be in the range of 20 ppm.
watch what happens with nitrite and nitrate.
Beautiful tank and setup. 👍
My first "dark start" attempt went exceptionally well, because I had a lot going on and really took my time.
For my second "dark start" attempt, I was kinda in a rush, did some rescaping halfway through, and as a result: algae. So yes, the more time the better!
Wow. That's got to be my favorite MJ aquascape. I love everything about it. Very interesting to learn about the dark start. The light shades the client had made are a great touch--definitely will be using that tactic for my dream tank some day.
nice job man.
never heart of a substraight heater before. might have to look into it. the layout and over all groth is very pleasing!
WOW!!! This tank is really amazing, well done!!!
Beautiful and amazing aquarium, congratulations.
It look amazing mate! Beautiful plant selection! I think it’d be cool if you did a comparison test of growth in a heated substrate versus non heated! I’ll be waiting for that video bud 😉
Great build! I loved every part of the video. I’m excited to watch and learn more. ❤️🇺🇸
This is amazing! Would love to see you try to scape a 4ft Goldfish tank! Bring on the Ranchus haha. Beautiful job!
MJ, thank you for sharing and inspiring! Such an amazing quality video overall!
That's a good looking set up, great work 👍
Unglaublich! Eigentlich ein super simples Scape, aber es haut mich total um. Muss in echt noch viel schöner sein.
omfg. Amazing job!
Beautiful work! I will have to try the dark method on my next thank. Just a thought on substrate heaters. Although a great concept and work great ...when they fail(and all heaters eventually fail) the scape will have to be torn down and redone or switch to a standard heater. With large scale a setup like that I would install 2 substrate heaters in case one fails, so the backup is already there and will buy you some before the inevitable.
Has to be the cutest fish tuber out here❤
Wow, that is beautiful
Hey MJ! Late to the video. Gorgeous tank! Quick question: how do you avoid pests when ordering pots vs tissue culture. I see you mixed the two here. I have always used TC plants but prefer to grab more mature plants. Love to hear what you do.
May I ask you something regarding the dark start, please? How do the beneficial bacteria establish when there is no bioload? Do you add bacteria like Nite-Out or similar? Maybe I overlooked something, if so, I apologize.
Anyway, the aquarium looks absolutely amazing! Great job, as always. Mooie aquarium ❤
Yes you can add some bacteria if you want, but just adding a little bit of fish food can also be enough to get things going
Really great ❤ congratulations
Wow, you've delivered a true piece of art (yet again)! 😊
One top build again!
Love it!
Love your videos! Great tank! Have you thought about putting the heater hose behind the wood so it can’t be seen?
Could be an option :)
such a beautiful setup, thanks for sharing this video. i remember substrate heaters back in the day almost 25+ years ago. interesting to see it being used today. love the lamp shades for the kessil, any links to that? product?
keep up the great work and can't wait to watch the next video! and re-watch!
Awesome looking tank, but im surprised you did not try to hide that gravel heater cord. Im sure there is a way ?plastic cable track or something
Ground heating is very good for the roots and prevent build up of methane. It ventilates the soil. The long dark start benefits aswell obviously. Things to remember.
Beautiful as always :)
That's a stunning tank Mark. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely beautiful ❤️
The best things come to those who wait
Amazing tank MJ!
Going to model a lot of my new tank this
Nice hardware. I'm assuming a lot of liquid ferts in addition to C02 as no aquasoil?
Yep :)
Absolutely stunning!
Wow, this is gorgeous! I love everything about it! The Lights add such a beautiful shimmer, and I love their little lampshades! I can’t believe how the plants are growing, do you think that a lot of that is due to the substrate heater?
I’m not sure if it’s because of the substrate heater, but I’m considering trying it out for myself
I love this tank. Congratulations
Beautiful scapemate, Interesting to see other peoples scapes. If your clients let you then I'd love to see more of these videos every now and then. But keep doubg yoyr normsl videos also.
Thank you for sharing your projects! Thumbs up! Let me have a question, there is no reinforcement applied to the tank. What is the thickness of the glass?
I believe it is 10mm glass
Nice work!
wonderfully designed tank. looks great. Only the 2 white hoses for the substrate heater disturb the overall picture 😭
Very beautiful scape 👍
Amazing, Great job!💪🏻
Beautiful are plain words but wordless after trying to find words to type!
This is probably one of my favorite creations from you and call me old school, but those Kessil Tuna Sun lights just add such a magical and natural spark to the atmosphere that brings everything to life and cannot be accomplished with the fancy "new school" lights in the market. The only questionable choice was the cables for the heater not being lined up properly in the corner for aesthetic purposes, but that could just be my OCD speaking ;) Phenomenal job once again and very happy to see how your talent from experience matures and evolves with each new creation. Thank you for sharing this beautiful hobby with us and may your journey to the top be as exciting and fulfilling as your wildest dreams 🥂
The shimmer makes the tank look very nice. I wonder what red plants look like under the light.
Beautiful as always
its perfect :O i just would add a few cpo´s for the orange touch :))
Incredible!
Mark there is only one way to know if the under gravel heating and the dark start made any difference... time for a new comparison/Vs set up on your shelves? 😅
Beautiful, i love this tank! Normally during dark start period, how long and around how many % water changes would u suggest?
No water changes needed when doing a darkstart 😊 when you are ready for planting just drain the tank completely, and after planten fill it back up with fresh water
you did a fantastic job. it looks perfect 😍😍😍 I can't figure out how people keep Madagascar Lace plant alive. I love that plant but it seems to hate me😅
definilty your opinion with the dark start. The Tank has too run for years, 1-3 month are nothing in comparison. And the result of taking your time is much more enjoable. The substrate heater is interesting, gonna try this for my next/last Tank of 250L. Im curious how it will end up. And your Aquascape style is very close to what i want to try out.
Nice tank! I haven't seen anyone use this substrate layer, how does it compare with regular aquasoil? It does seem interesting for when using a gravel/sand cover.
So good!
It's a lovely aquascape! Classic triangular layout with super healthy plants. Great plant selection and end result is fantastic.
I am not sure the exact reason behind the fast growing plants. Could be the blend of all the best practices we know of. Dark start is certainly one of them.
Hi Marc awesome work well done. Im just making a similar setup. And im curious that you turned on the substrate heather during the dark start or not. Many thanks for your inspiration cheers mate
Yeah it was on from day 1 😊
many thanks for your answer.So kind of you
Love you bro Bangladesh 🇧🇩🤟
Hey Mark great video as always.
I have a question, I'm looking for a pH controller that manages the co2 injection. Which one do you suggest?
Evolution deluxe from Dennerle 😊
Kessil shining is awesome ❤.
What pH do you set the pH-controller at?
Beautiful video!
I believe it's now set to 6.9
Big fan❤ from India🇮🇳
Beautiful ❤
ik heb exact de zelfde bodem verwarming liggen van dennerle, met controller en het is de zware uitvoering, mijn nieuwe aqua wordt binnenkort geleverd 200x60x50 zal ik hem opnieuw gebruiken of niet? ik ga voor het eerst werken met volcano en soil van tropica..wat zou jij doen MJ ? ps mooie video..topper
Looking Divine 💕💕
I always wonder how do you fill your aquariums? Do you use a pump?
Yes! Pump goes in the sink, then a long hose directly to the tank :)
Great work. Did you client choose the fish to stock the tank or did you assist with that?
He did :)
The heated substrate should make the roots grow better, as long as it's not too hot, but it does not sound like that's the case. I have a collected bonsai that was lacking roots, currently it's sitting on a heat pad
God job Bro!
how long many hours do you keep the light on and off? really good scape btw :D
8 hours on :)
Excellent!
Amazing Tank, could you list the fish... looks like a good selection...
Green neon tetra's
Dwarf neon rainbow's
Apistogramma Nijseni
Lamb chop Rasbora
I think that's it
Hi MJ, that's really a cool and beautifull aquascaping job. Well done.
this is awesome
I like this work but the withe tube should be on other side where you could hide Dem.
Otherwise, you created a beautiful tank simple, and beautiful.
Quick question on darkstart, did you have to add ammonia once the tank is cycled during the 3 months wait as I assume the tank was fully cycled within 4-8 weeks
We didn't add any ammonia, but we did add some shrimp, so i guess there was a little bit of waste/ammonia produced
@MJAquascaping thank you,.do you think the bacteria will die without being fed or will they just sleep?
@@deanphung7018 sleep/not multiply as fast
After 3 weeks I have a little grown-up moss and the rest of the plants are as small as they were when planted. I was adding only Fe, No3, Po4. This is a cause, why they do not grow?