ADA Aquarium Plants  ADA tissue culture aquarium plants are of high quality and include both common, well-known species as well as rare and unusual aquatic varieties. BIO Mizukusa no Mori In Japanese, this translates to 'Bio Aquatic Plant Forest' and refers to the line of tissue culture plants by Aqua Design Amano. What is Tissue Culture? Tissue cultures from ADA are meticulously cultivated, ensuring that the lab-grown aquarium plants remain entirely free of algae and snails. This exemplary level of care guarantees pristine conditions for aquatic environments.  Tissue Culture Cup Sizes S & M There are two sizes of cups,...

Clean up Crew for Aquascapes In the world of aquariums, certain fish and invertebrates play a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment; these creatures are commonly known as the 'clean-up crew.' This diverse group includes species that scavenge for uneaten food, algae, and debris, effectively preventing the buildup of waste in your aquatic ecosystem. Their diligent efforts not only contribute to the overall cleanliness of the tank but also promote a balanced habitat for your plants and other inhabitants. Adding a clean-up crew is one of the most valuable steps you can take for the success of...

ADA Solar RGB 2 Lets take a look at the highly anticipated release from ADA, the new Solar RGB II. The History of the Solar RGB Nearly nine years ago, ADA launched the revolutionary Solar RGB, a sleek and modern pendant light designed specifically for aquarium plants. Its primary focus on colour reproduction enhances the brightness and vividness of aquarium plants.  This sophisticated lighting unit quickly became iconic within the aquascaping hobby, as its design seamlessly incorporates functionality with aesthetics. Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after lights in the aquascaping community. ADA has...

How to Inject CO2 into your Aquarium to take your Aquascape to the Next Level  This comprehensive guide to CO2 for your aquarium includes step-by-step instructions for installing both in-tank and inline CO2 systems, along with crucial tips, equipment suggestions, and troubleshooting strategies suitable for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. Why use CO2 in an Aquarium? CO2 can instil fear in many aquarists; it sounds intimidating, technical, and expensive! We often receive inquiries from customers who are nervous about using CO2 and whether they should make the investment. Ultimately, it depends on what you want from your aquarium. If you're...

Caring for your Betta Fish  In this blog, we'll delve into essential tips and advice to help you create the ideal environment for your Betta fish, maintain their health, and provide the right care they need to flourish. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a beginner embarking on your first fish-keeping adventure, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary insights to keep your Betta happy and thriving. From tank setup and water quality to feeding practices and common health concerns, we’ve got you covered! The scientific name for Betta fish is Betta splendens. This species is also commonly known...

The New Biomaster 2 External Canister Filter The long-awaited upgrade to the highly popular Biomaster filter is finally here: introducing the new Biomaster 2! This enhancement has been in development for some time, with Oase carefully considering customer feedback to improve upon the already renowned first version of the Biomaster series which was released over 6 years ago! What is the Difference between the Oase Biomaster and the Biomaster 2? So what's new? It looks almost identical from the outside, but the internals are where the biggest difference has been made, so let's take a look! Increased Flow Rate The...

Budget Friendly Aquascaping - How to Make Things more Cost Effective  If you're looking to dive into aquascaping for the first time but are concerned about costs, we've got you covered! Here are some practical tips to help you create a beautiful aquarium without breaking the bank. Choosing Your Aquarium Size Matters! Opt for a smaller aquarium to reduce costs on equipment and materials. Larger tanks require more expensive equipment such as larger heaters and filtration and materials like wood, rocks, soil, and plants. All-in-One Aquariums Some options are good quality, but many come with subpar equipment. We recommend the...

How do I Choose the Right Substrate for my Aquascape? Choosing the right substrate for your aquarium largely depends on your planting goals.  If you plan to incorporate stem plants, carpeting plants, or heavy root feeders, using aquasoil is advisable. This substrate provides essential nutrients that support healthy plant growth, regardless of whether you opt for a 'low-tech' or 'high-tech' setup. On the other hand, if you intend to focus primarily on epiphytic plants, you might consider using gravel or sand as your substrate. In this case, it’s important to add some fertiliser to your aquarium to ensure the plants receive...

Aquarium Plant Specialists - All about our UK Store  Welcome to Horizon Aquatics – Our store for all things aquascaping! Our passion lies in creating stunning planted aquariums, and every aspect of our store reflects that commitment. From carefully curated fish selections to top-of-the-line equipment, we offer everything you need to bring your aquatic vision to life. We're incredibly proud to have been recognised as the UK's best aquascape shop for three consecutive years, and we've also earned a spot in the top 40 general aquatic stores.  Let us Give you an Insight into what our Store is all About...

Horizon Aquarium Cabinets Did you know that we offer our own range of aquarium cabinets? As aquascaping enthusiasts, we understand that the beauty of your aquarium is not just in the tank itself, but also in how it is presented. That’s why we are excited to introduce our new range of aquarium cabinets, meticulously designed by aquascapers for aquascapers. These cabinets not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquatic masterpiece but also provide practical benefits that make maintaining your aquarium a breeze.One of the most significant advantages of using a dedicated aquarium cabinet is the way it elevates the...

Live Aquarium Plants: Tissue Culture vs Potted Plants  A question we are asked all the time is 'what is the difference between tissue culture aquarium plants or potted aquarium plants?'  Tissue Culture Plants:Tissue culture aquarium plants, such as Tropica's 1-2 grow range, are grown in a laboratory setting. This ensures they are sterile, free from algae and pests. These tiny plants are packed tightly into small pots, making them ideal for starting a new aquarium. We recommend purchasing one tissue culture pot per palm-sized aquarium to get started. Tissue culture plants have gained immense popularity in the aquatic industry, with...

Easy Beginner Aquarium Plants  As a dedicated aquascaping store, we frequently welcome new visitors who are exploring our planted aquariums in our gallery for the first time. The most common question we receive is, "What plants are easy to take care of?" Answering this can be tricky as it often depends on whether the aquarium contains a soil or sand/gravel substrate, as well as the presence of CO2 and the intensity of lighting used. For aquariums using soil but no CO2 injection and a basic starter light, we recommend the following aquatic plants: Limnophila sessiflora  Hygrophila siamensis 53B Staurogyne repens...

Setting up an Aquascape - Start to Finish This comprehensive blog is designed to equip you with all the information necessary to confidently establish your first successful aquarium. We will cover all the essential considerations, provide expert tips, tricks, and discuss the pros and cons, ensuring that you feel confident to create and maintain your aquascape. Before you start, there are a few things to consider when setting up your aquarium, if you have already selected your 'aquarium hardware' you might want to skip this first part. Selecting your Aquarium Choosing an aquarium can be overwhelming due to the wide range...

Top 5 Aquarium Fish for Nano Aquariums  What is a nano aquarium? At Horizon Aquatics, we define a nano aquarium as having 60 liters of water or less. These smaller aquariums are specifically designed to sit on a worktop or counter top and are ideal for those who are looking for a budget-friendly and low-maintenance way to enjoy a piece of nature in their home. They are perfect for individuals with busy lifestyles, as they require less time and effort to maintain while still providing the joy of having an aquarium in the home. Chilli rasbora Boraras brigittae Meet the delightful...