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Being an aquascaping store I’m asked on a weekly basis what is an Iwagumi scape? So I thought I would do a little blog on these every increasing popular scapes. So when your looking on the net I’m sure you would of come across scapes with rock or stones in them and low level plants. This sort of scape is called an Iwagumi. Iwagumi is Japanese and translates into “rock garden”.  These style of aquascape relies on the rock to form the main point of the scape. When your aquascaping an Iwagumi you will normally only use one type of...

In this Blog we look at how important testing your aquarium water really is and what could happen if you don't test on a regular basis. In a newly set up aquarium, water testing is critical to avoid fish loss when high levels of ammonia and nitrites rapidly rise. In an established mature tank, water testing is still so important to ensure the continued health of your fish and plants. FishCove Aquatics recommend that all fishkeepers should have a test kit. If your unsure on which test kit would be best for you, please ask us for advice and we will...

FishCove Aquatics have put JBL Tormec Active under the spot light to see if using peat pellets really do work. What is JBL Tormec Active? Tormec is a peat Pellet that has been pressed together from two peat components. You can add this to your internal or external canister filter   What will Tormec Active do to your aquarium water? Tormec Active reduces (KH) carbonate hardness and pH in your aquarium. Tormec will release natural tanning into the aquarium, this will not only make the water look natural but helps combat algae growth in the aquarium due to light not...

So what is NPK and why is it important for planted aquariums? NPK is made up of 3 macro elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium and all 3 are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy planted aquarium. Nitrogen (N) – nitrogen is largely responsible for the growth of leaves on the plant. Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorus is largely responsible for root growth and flower and fruit development.Potassium (K) – Potassium is a nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant perform correctly. Nitrogen provides a blend of both Nitrate form and plant preferred ammonium form. However no free...

What is a blackwater Biotope? A blackwater biotope simulates a natural habitat. The fish, plants and water chemistry are similar to those that can be found in a specific natural setting like the Amazon. The biotope is that dark, most plants cannot thrive and fish are practically invisible this may sound strange to some, but there can be many reasons to invest in this type of tank. Most fishkeepers like crystal clear water so they can see the fish but some advanced fishkeepers know many of the popular aquarium fish actually dwell in stained, soft, and acidic waters, and are attempting to recreate...