Dry Start Method (DSM)

Technique for starting a planted aquarium without water. The plants grow in emerged form with high humidity, forming a dense mat before filling.

Detailed explanation

Ground cover plants grow much faster in emerged form because they have direct access to atmospheric CO2.

It is set up normally, the ground cover is planted, everything is sprayed and covered with film. In 4-6 weeks the carpet covers the substrate.

Mold is the main risk: it is treated with diluted hydrogen peroxide. When the carpet is complete it fills slowly.

DSM only works with plants that have an emerged form. Purely aquatic plants (Vallisneria, Cabomba) do not survive.