How to Trim a Planted Aquarium

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

This is by far the longest video I've published on the channel. Let me know how you like the long-form content. I'd love to make more if they perform well 😊

[@IAMAREALOSPREY]

Your advice to not worry about severing shrimp whilst trimming has made carpet maintenance far better for me I really appreciate it.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@danp3321]

Love the long form videos, Logan! Watching you trim is almost as meditative as trimming a tank myself!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Really glad to hear that!

[@kobezklutch]

100% agree with S Repens. First tank and first plant that really took off. Nearly have a carpet without even having CO2!

[@WatermelonJiki]

Great video as always! Cleaning up the trimmings from hair grass is the bane of my existence lol

[@Karp_Keeper]

Maybe a skimmer could help?

[@WatermelonJiki]

@@Karp_Keeper it does! I have the UNS one that I keep for tanks that have carpets Cheers !

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

It's definitely a pain. I get the bulk with a net and then swipe the class after draining down a bit with napkins.

[@WatermelonJiki]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping I do the same, glad to know you do as well! Have you done any scapes with Utricularia Graminifolia? How does it compare it DHG? Love from SoCal, hope you’re enjoying it up there in Oregon!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

@@WatermelonJiki I'm actually in San Diego now. UG is wayyy more difficult than DHG. I haven't experimented with it much yet.

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

Logan- Cheers from my fish room channel in Chicago, where I'm a subscriber to yours. This video covered so much valuable info, all the bases as it were! I'm constantly learning and growing and it's hobbyists like you that inspire me endlessly.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I really appreciate that!

[@Keith-cc6mr]

Enjoyed the long form & educational video. Tried the stem topping today & much easier than I thought 😀

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Great to hear!

[@thefisher6273]

Thanks for the instructive video. As a new subscriber and aquarium enthusiast I learnec a lot.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Glad to hear that!

[@yermailmain206]

Very helpful video. Tank looks amazing and really well kept.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Glad you liked it

[@hraz7134]

Topping technique 🤨 You're really good at topping!! 😂

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Thanks! 😁

[@nvmbii]

How did you know I’ve been avoiding trimming my Monte Carlo 💀💀 this video prepped me! Did you leave you filter on throughout?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Shut your filter off or it will suck up all the trimmings

[@Karp_Keeper]

Picking up the trimmings from moss is the annoying part for me since they sink instead of floating to the surface

[@huntergreene3453]

This is why I've decided not to put moss in my scapes. They can look awesome but if it makes me hate maintaining my tank I don't need that.

[@alexanderhilsendegen3307]

I try to regularly rip the moss out with my tweezers. As long as I stay on top of the maintainance it is not too much work. For moss-heavy tanks a small canisterfilter with a meshbag instead of sponges could be used as moss-vacuum :)

[@Karp_Keeper]

@@alexanderhilsendegen3307 I've found grabbing onto the moss with tweezers before cutting helps but some still inevitably slip through so I like your idea of a vacuum to deal with those

[@alexanderhilsendegen3307]

I'd also like to test the "cut and grip tool" by aquaowner for mosscutting, but it's a bit expensive...

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I also hate trimming moss. It's too much of a pain for me so I don't often keep it

[@huntergreene3453]

I hadn't ever seen the stem plant topping technique. I would love a whole video on that. So you don't press it into the dirt just tuck it into the cluster of plants enough for it to stay there?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Everything you need to know is in that section of the vid marked by the chapter under the vid. But exactly, you plant into the cluster rather than the soil. Glad it was helpful!

[@huntergreene3453]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping I Guess what I was saying is it would be cool to see what you're doing a bit closer up. Maybe a short. But I am definitely going to try that technique. Do you try to get it close to the soil or just try to match height?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

@@huntergreene3453 You're really just looking to match the height and provide density with the topping. No need to get close to the soil. The stems will grow roots and eventually reach the soil themselves

[@Staggo_L]

Fantastic video on what and how. Thanks. 😀

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@the_DOS]

How I do my carpet trimming is easy. I add in an external skimmer, I have a SunSun trimmer, but get the biggest one you can find. It will suck up all the trimmings. When you are done, leave the skimmer on and then pull it out. Do NOT shut it off first then pull it out. Reason being, if it's still on, then the trimmings won't go back in the tank! Easy peasy!!!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Great tip!

[@thefisher6273]

I have a question. Whrn you have kuli loaches that like to get up in the stems should you trim really short. I have a 15 gallon. Main plant is lugwigia ovalis. I am trying to let it replace sprites and open up space for a rose sword.

[@FireMonster2]

Great video I had never heard of stem plant topping. I will make sure to use this technique next time I trim my stem plants. I also have a question what is the system you are using to hang your twinstar light and what is the name of the background light you have on your tank?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Hanging kit is the UNS pro hanging bars. Background is from FJARDE on Amazon

[@FireMonster2]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping thanks for the response. Keep the great content coming.

[@kobezklutch]

Question on trimming stems with less leaves, I have some bacopa in my tank that's grown very leggy, if I trim closer to the base where there aren't leaves anymore, I assume the stem will die? Or will it still sprout two new shoots?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

It'll sprout 2 new shoots. You trim low and replant the trimmed off tops into the soil for a denser look

[@terencejamesparkinson6400]

If I have a 5n would I be able to keep a few green neon tetras ?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I'd go with something smaller as green neons are really gonna be happier in a large school

[@terencejamesparkinson6400]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping thanks! I’ll check out some smaller species!

[@thefisher6273]

I have a question. Whrn you have kuli loaches that like to get up in the stems should you trim really short. I have a 15 gallon. Main plant is lugwigia ovalis. I am trying to let it replace sprites and open up space for a rose sword.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

No prob to trim. They'll grow back quickly and your loaches will be fine in the meantime