Monday, February 29, 2016

"64.8L Passionately Curious": Driftwood and Stones

Here comes the time for sourcing for driftwood and stones, the "spirit" of an aquarium and especially planted aquarium. 

Personally, I don't really like the idea of using fake driftwood or any artificial ornament since it would not look natural in the planted tank. I like seeing the unique of each piece of driftwood and stone and imagine how Mother Nature created its texture and shape over time. :) How to source for nice driftwood and stones? It can be seen that driftwood and stone sold at Singapore Local Fish Shop (LFS) are quite expensive. One good looking piece of driftwood would cost S$20-30 and every kilogram of stones would cost you about S$5. So the budget for those "aquarium spirit" would be quite high and I would have a big hole in a pocket after getting those in Singapore. 

Recently, I had a chance to travel to Johor Bahru (JB) where my friend lives. I asked him to bring me to some local fish shops in JB so that I can "see see look look" and who knows if I can get some good piece of driftwood. He brought me to the LFS nearby his living place at Tun Aminah area. There are 2 shops next to each other at that location. The shops look not as shiny bright as those I visited in Singapore and do not have many high tech equipment but basically good enough for aquarium supply. I was so happy seeing them selling driftwood there. It took me at least half an hour just to choose some pieces that I really like. 

One of the piece that I really like since it has many void and holes for fishes/shrimps to play "hide and seek" 
Some caving ideas should be interesting here :)
The shops at Tun Aminah do sell some pebbles but not big size stones. So, my friend brought me to a plant nursery nearby to choose some stones. Howver, the plant nursery does not have many choices of stones for me to choose. They only have some small stock at the corner of the yard, where I need to practice some physical work hahha to find my favourite stones in size and colour. Finally, after another 20 mins, I could collect all the stones that I need. 

Chosen pieces of driftwood and stones after few hours shopping
I am now very satisfied with the shopping time in JB where driftwood and stones were purchased. Last but not least, the price was surprisingly much cheaper than Singapore's price. It is time to think about some aquascaping ideas with what I have on hand. Very excited now since it is very close to the day I can get my sleeves wet. :)

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