Looking for content for my blog

[GillesF]

Hi guys

I'm planning my own blog about aquascaping and the EI (see my topic in the Off topic & Chat section) and I'm looking for good content so why not ask the community!

Let's say you're completely new to the hobby and just started aquascaping, what would you like to know/read/see? And which functionalities would you like on a blog (pictures, social media, ...)?

Thanks!
Gilles

 

[Gerryd]

Hi guys

I'm planning my own blog about aquascaping and the EI (see my topic in the Off topic & Chat section) and I'm looking for good content so why not ask the community!

Let's say you're completely new to the hobby and just started aquascaping, what would you like to know/read/see? And which functionalities would you like on a blog (pictures, social media, ...)?

Thanks!
Gilles

Hi,

1). Clear examples with explanations/definitions of components. Say if describing a wet/dry sump or similar. Many links on the web can be used rather than a new description. A link to wiki is fine
2). A list of common definitons/phrases and example. Eg mowing a lawn of glosso, before and after. Trimming to induce branching. Before, during, after. Like that.
3). An EZ way to find information/common definitions.
4). An ability to ask questions and recieve a timely response
5). PICS, PICS, and more PICS LOL
6). Links to original articles/threads so folks can get context and also any products discussed. While all know what a 'tank' is I just saw my first Tek light the other day and it blew me away....
7). Plant id and pics.
8). Algae section. Needed esp if a newbie forum.
9). Myth section? E.g. 5 wpg is needed to grow P.Stellata or HC?
10). More of a goal oriented approach. I see many folks here really have no idea of anything more than a 'planted' tank. We all know this is so wide an area that we always ask for specifics.

Let me know if I can help.

 

[GillesF]

Hey Gerry, thanks for the input.

Pictures were already part of my plan. Everybody loves pictures of nice plant aquariums, moreover search engines love them. Articles on pruning was also suggested, I'll definitely implement that. Myth busting, nutritients and algae will play a central part of the blog. I want to tackle the nonsense found on Dutch forums such as "30ppm NO3 will kill your fish" etc.

The "ask a question" function is interesting, I'll look into that (I assume you don't mean comments but more like a button to ask a question directly). What do you mean with number 10 "a goal oriented approach"? Something like step-by-step lay-outs?

Gilles

 

[shoggoth43]

Hi guys

I'm planning my own blog about aquascaping and the EI (see my topic in the Off topic & Chat section) and I'm looking for good content so why not ask the community!

Let's say you're completely new to the hobby and just started aquascaping, what would you like to know/read/see? And which functionalities would you like on a blog (pictures, social media, ...)?

Thanks!
Gilles

Begin with setup. Pictures everywhere. Video in action if possible is sometimes better. Explain as much as you can. Give reasons WHY you did something. i.e. "drill a small hole in return side inside tank so as it will suck air in the event of a power failure and prevent siphoning tank contents onto floor" or "decided to try a spraybar to test the assumption that it will provide more gentle flow into tank and help prevent plants from blocking flow too easily". You can then revisit some of those over time "removed spray bar as it didn't seem to do much and decided on overhead manifold with nozzles instead" or "replaced cheaper Koralia with Vortech pump for more powerful flow and less clutter in tank".

If you decide to do anything with CO2 you will probably have several times when you can do this. Depending on how many tanks you have, you can easily show the results of several different methods, including no CO2 as needed.

The use of Wiki and other tools can help explain what something is supposed to do, but simple diagrams and other pictures can show HOW you put something into place. You can also show the "professional/commercial" vs. DIY vs. completely experimental versions as you modify things.

A good example of this would be the recent overflow Tom posted about for a nano. http://reefbuilders.com/2010/06/07/handon-mame-nano-overflow-lily-pipe-reef-aquariums/ which really is nothing more than an expensive blown glass version of http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/thread/297623/pics-diy-pvc-overflow. One costs 140$+ and the other maybe a little more than 5$. The needlewheel misting method of CO2 delivery would be another example. You can just stuff the end of the tube in and call it a day, or you can buy a special powerhead to do the job. It all depends on your budget and tolerance for "pretty".

-
S

 

[GillesF]

Hey Shoggoth,

thanks for the info. For the technical articles I'll have to call in the support of some forum members since I do not have the possibility/knowledge to test those things myself (I only have 2 small tanks, limited space and limited budget ). A lot of my content will thus come from forum articles and the experiences of other members.

I also have to determine which content is relevant for my blog community. Since it will focus on the Dutch speaking community, I don't think that that glass overflow will be interesting to our readers as this type of equipment is not available over here (except through Ebay maybe). The PVC version, on the other hand, is more interesting since it is widely used by reef aquarium owners and owners of larger tanks.

Articles like "where to setup your aquarium" might be very basic but are excellent for SEO and might attract beginners and persuade them to use the EI.