The Scapefu Podcast

Dry Start Method - 7 Tips for Success | ScapeFu027 What is the Dry Start Method? Popularized by Tom Barr back in 2007, the Dry Start Method is intended to solve a problem people have with setting up an aquarium with tiny carpet plants. The problems are: These plants, like Hemianthus callitrichoides or HC, have tiny roots that are extremely difficult to plant. There’s a tendency to float when you flood the aquarium with water. HC also needs a lot of light and CO2 to grow well and carpet the aquarium bottom. Pressurized CO2, strong light and clear water are needed to get it established well in the aquarium. Not everyone can start with the right equipment and frequent water changes needed for clear water. Algae is a risk until HC really takes root. From Tom’s article, the benefits of the dry start method are: No algae No water changes/loose pieces floating around/being pulled up No replanting No cycling the aquarium No dosing No fiddling with CO2 No having to buy a lot of plant material initially No transitio