Dutch “Street” Aquascaping: A New Trend In Aquascaping

Dutch “Street” Aquascaping is an exciting and innovative trend that has emerged in the world of aquascaping, offering a fresh and unique approach to creating stunning underwater landscapes. Inspired by the picturesque beauty of Dutch streets and their well-manicured gardens, this style brings a harmonious blend of lush vegetation, vibrant colours, and carefully arranged hardscape elements to the aquarium. It is a departure from the traditional nature-inspired aquascaping styles, showcasing an artistic fusion of natural elements and structured design.

In Dutch “Street” Aquascaping, the emphasis is on creating a structured layout that resembles the well-organised gardens found in The Netherlands. It typically features neatly trimmed foreground plants, midground arrangements of taller plants, and meticulously placed hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood to create defined pathways and focal points. The focus is on achieving a visually striking composition through the skilful use of contrasting colours, shapes, and textures. The result is an aquascape that resembles a miniature streetscape, with a balance between nature’s beauty and human intervention.

Origins and Inspiration of Dutch “Street” Aquascaping

The origins and inspiration of Dutch “Street” Aquascaping can be traced back to the rich horticultural traditions and well-manicured gardens of the Netherlands. Dutch gardeners have long been admired for their meticulous attention to detail and the artful arrangement of plants and structures in urban environments. Taking inspiration from the stunning landscapes and organised gardens found in Dutch streets, aquascapers began to replicate these concepts in the underwater world, giving rise to the unique style known as Dutch “Street” Aquascaping.

Dutch gardeners have a deep appreciation for balance, symmetry, and the use of structured elements in their landscapes. These principles translate seamlessly into Dutch “Street” Aquascaping, where aquarists strive to create a harmonious blend of natural elements and human intervention. The goal is to mimic the aesthetics of a well-organised street garden within the confines of an aquarium.

Design Principles and Techniques of Dutch “Street” Aquascaping

Here are some key design principles and techniques used in this style:

• Structured Layout: Dutch “Street” Aquascaping focuses on creating a defined and organised layout within the aquarium. It typically features pathways, clear divisions between different sections, and distinct focal points. The layout is carefully planned and executed to resemble a miniature streetscape.
  
• Foreground and Midground Planting: The planting scheme in Dutch “Street” Aquascaping involves the strategic use of foreground and midground plants. Foreground plants are typically low-growing and neatly trimmed, creating a manicured appearance similar to well-maintained lawns or hedges. Midground plants are arranged to add height and depth, providing structure and visual interest.
  
• Hardscape Elements: Hardscape elements, such as rocks, driftwood, or artificial structures, play a crucial role in Dutch “Street” Aquascaping. They are used to create pathways, define borders, and act as focal points within the aquascape. These elements are thoughtfully positioned to enhance the overall structure and composition.
  
• Colour and Texture Contrast: Creating contrast through colour and texture is a key aspect of Dutch “Street” Aquascaping. This involves carefully selecting plants with varying leaf shapes, sizes, and colours. Contrasting colours, such as vibrant greens against darker backgrounds or pops of red or yellow, add visual impact to the aquascape.
  
• Pruning and Maintenance: Regular pruning and maintenance are essential in Dutch “Street” Aquascaping to maintain the desired structure and shape. Trimming the foreground plants and midground plants helps maintain their neat appearance and prevents them from overshadowing other elements. Pruning also encourages healthy growth and prevents overcrowding.
  
• Lighting and Equipment: Proper lighting and equipment are backbone of Dutch “Street” Aquascaping. Adequate lighting ensures optimal plant growth and vibrant colours. The use of high-quality filtration systems, CO₂ injection, and nutrient dosing may also be necessary to support the lush growth of some of the demanding plants used in this style of aquascaping.

Plant Selection and Care for Dutch “Street” Aquascaping

When designing a Dutch “Street” aquascape, selecting the right foreground, midground, and background plants is an important step of the process. Here are some suggestions:

Foreground Plants:

• Glossostigma elatinoides: This fast-growing carpet plant creates a vibrant green mat in the foreground of your aquarium. It does need strong light to thrive.
• Eleocharis acicularis ‘Mini’ (Dwarf Hairgrass): This plant forms dense, grass-like mats that cover the foreground beautifully. It’s relatively easy to grow, but it prefers strong lighting and CO₂ supplementation.
• Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’: Known as Dwarf Baby Tears, this plant is one of the smallest aquarium plants. Its tiny, round leaves create an impressive lush green carpet. However, it too is demanding and requires strong lighting and CO₂ injection.

Midground Plants:

• Cryptocoryne wendtii: This hardy plant comes in a variety of colours, including green, red, and brown. It’s not too demanding, making it a popular choice for a wide range of aquarium setups.
• Ludwigia repens: Known for its striking red colour, Ludwigia repens can add a beautiful contrast to the green foliage. It needs moderate to high lighting to maintain its colour.
• Anubias nana: Anubias nana is a hardy, easy-to-maintain plant that thrives in various conditions. It has dark green, glossy leaves and can add some contrast to the midground area.

Background Plants:

• Vallisneria species: Vallisneria is an easy-to-grow plant that creates a beautiful backdrop. It can reach up to the top of the tank, creating a curtain-like effect.
• Hygrophila difformis (Water Wisteria): This fast-growing plant is popular due to its unique leaf shape and easy care. It will create a dense green backdrop.
• Egeria densa (Anacharis): Anacharis is a fast-growing, lush plant that can quickly fill up the background of your aquarium. It’s also beneficial as it helps control algae.
• Rotala rotundifolia: This plant has long, slender leaves and can take on a stunning pink-red hue under strong light.

Successful Dutch aquascaping involves careful pruning and maintenance to keep the plants dense but distinct from each other. The aim is to showcase the variety and beauty of aquatic plants.

Hardscape Elements and Material

Hardscape elements, such as rocks, driftwood, and other non-living features play an understated role in Dutch “Street” aquascaping. While the Dutch style is predominantly plant-focused, hardscape materials are used strategically to help shape the aquascape’s structure and guide the placement of plant species. However, the hardscape is typically not the central focus in Dutch aquascapes and is often completely hidden by plants as the scape matures.

Here’s how you might use hardscape elements in a Dutch “Street” aquascape:

• Structural Guidance: Use rocks or driftwood to guide the layout of your aquatic plant streets. The hardscape materials can act as natural dividers between different plant species, maintaining separation and distinct “streets” or rows of plants. It’s a common practice to arrange these in odd-numbered groups (three, five, etc.) to create a more natural and appealing layout.
  
• Create Depth and Perspective: Smaller rocks or pieces of driftwood can be placed in the foreground, with larger pieces in the midground or background. This helps to create a sense of depth and perspective in the aquarium. The hardscape elements serve as a guide for the eye, leading it through the aquascape.
  
• Plant Support: Some hardscape materials can be used to anchor plants. This can be especially useful for plants that need to attach their roots to a hard surface, such as Anubias or Java Fern.
  
• Mimic Natural Environments: Although the Dutch style doesn’t aim to replicate a specific natural environment, you can use hardscape materials to add a subtle hint of natural realism to your aquascape.
  
• Provide Shelter: For tanks with fish, hardscape elements can provide essential hiding places and reduce stress for the aquarium’s inhabitants.

In Dutch “Street” aquascaping, the hardscape usually plays a supportive and guiding role rather than a starring one. The spotlight is reserved for the diverse, vibrant, and carefully maintained plants that characterise this style. The hardscape provides the structure and framework, while the plants provide the colour, texture, and overall visual interest.

Lighting and Equipment Considerations

Lighting and equipment are important considerations in Dutch “Street” Aquascaping to ensure the optimal growth of plants and the overall aesthetic appeal of the aquascape. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Lighting Intensity: Provide adequate lighting to meet the requirements of the plants in your Dutch “Street” Aquascape. Use high-quality LED lights with adjustable intensity and colour temperature. Aim for a lighting intensity of around 30-50 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) at the substrate level to promote healthy plant growth.
  
• Lighting Duration: Establish a consistent lighting schedule for your aquascape. Most aquatic plants thrive with a photoperiod of 8 to 10 hours, although the specific lighting duration may vary depending on the plant species and the amount of available natural light in the room. Use a timer to automate the lighting schedule for consistent and reliable operation.
  
• CO₂ Injection: Since a lot of the plants used in this style of aquascaping are demanding by nature, supplementing with CO₂ injection to provide an additional carbon source for enhanced plant growth can be very beneficial. CO₂ promotes healthy photosynthesis and helps prevent algae issues. A pressurised CO₂ system or liquid carbon alternatives can be used, depending on the size of the aquarium and your budget.
  
• Filtration: Choose a suitable filtration system that can maintain water quality and clarity in the aquascape. Canister filters or hang-on-back filters are commonly used in planted aquariums. Ensure the filter provides adequate flow and circulation to distribute nutrients and maintain oxygen levels in the water.
  
• Substrate Heating: If you want to create a high-tech setup, use a substrate heating system to promote healthy root development and nutrient uptake in your Dutch “Street” Aquascape. Substrate heaters create a gentle bottom heat that encourages plant growth and can enhance the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
  
• Water Circulation: Adequate water circulation is needed to prevent dead spots and ensure nutrients reach all areas of the aquascape. Position the outflow of the filter to create gentle water movement throughout the aquarium, avoiding strong currents that may uproot plants or disturb the hardscape elements.
  
• Maintenance Equipment: Equip yourself with the necessary tools for regular maintenance, including aquarium-safe algae scrapers, pruning scissors, and gravel vacuums. These tools will assist in keeping the aquascape clean, removing debris, and maintaining the desired shape and structure of the plants.

Tips for Dutch “Street” Aquascaping Success

To achieve success in Dutch “Street” Aquascaping and create a stunning and well-maintained aquascape, consider the following tips:

• Planning and Research: Before diving into your aquascape, spend time planning and researching. Sketch out your desired layout, consider plant and hardscape choices, and study successful examples of Dutch “Street” Aquascapes for inspiration. Understanding the principles and techniques involved will help you achieve your desired outcome.
  
• Selecting Healthy Plants: Choose healthy plants with vibrant colours and robust growth. Inspect plants for any signs of disease or pest infestation before introducing them to your aquascape. Healthy plants will establish and grow more easily, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of your Dutch “Street” Aquascape.
  
• Consider Plant Growth Rates: Incorporate plants with varying growth rates to create depth and visual interest in your aquascape. Combining slow-growing plants with faster-growing ones can help maintain the desired proportions and prevent one species from overpowering the others.
  
• Regular Pruning and Maintenance: Dutch “Street” Aquascapes require regular pruning and maintenance to maintain the structured appearance and prevent overcrowding. Trim back plants that encroach on pathways or overshadow other elements. Remove any decaying or dying plant matter promptly to maintain water quality and prevent nutrient imbalances.
  
• Nutrient Management: Ensure proper nutrient management by providing a nutrient-rich substrate and supplementing with liquid or substrate fertilisers as needed. Monitor nutrient levels and adjust dosing accordingly to avoid deficiencies or excessive nutrient buildup, which can lead to algae growth.
  
• Balanced Lighting and CO2: Strike a balance between lighting intensity and CO2 injection to optimise plant growth while minimising algae issues. Adjust lighting duration, intensity, and CO2 levels based on the specific needs of your plant species and observe the response of the plants over time.
  
• Patience and Adaptation: Dutch “Street” Aquascaping is an ongoing process that requires patience and adaptability. Plants may require time to establish and fill in the desired areas. Monitor the progress of your aquascape, make adjustments as needed, and allow time for plants to grow and develop into the envisioned design.
  
• Water Changes and Maintenance: Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality and remove excess nutrients. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning the glass, removing debris, and ensuring proper functioning of equipment to promote a healthy and visually appealing aquascape.
  
• Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the finer details of your Dutch “Street” Aquascape. Tend to small details like positioning plants, arranging hardscape elements, and ensuring a clean and neat appearance throughout the aquascape. Small adjustments and attention to detail can greatly enhance the overall visual impact.
  
• Enjoy the Journey: Above all, enjoy the process of creating and maintaining your Dutch “Street” Aquascape. Embrace the learning experience, observe the growth and development of your plants, and take pride in the beauty you have created.

Even though Dutch “Street” Aquascapes follow a few rigid rules, aquascaping in general is still a creative and dynamic art form, so feel free to experiment, adapt, and let your own artistic vision shine through.

FAQ

What is Dutch Street Aquascaping?

Dutch Street Aquascaping is a style of aquascaping that draws inspiration from the well-manicured gardens and landscapes found in Dutch streets. It focuses on creating a structured layout with pathways, defined borders, and carefully arranged plants and hardscape elements to resemble a miniature streetscape.

What are the key features of Dutch Street Aquascaping?

Dutch Street Aquascaping is characterised by its structured layout, neat and trimmed foreground plants, use of midground plants for height and texture, and the incorporation of hardscape elements such as rocks or driftwood. It also emphasises colour and texture contrast.

What are suitable plants for Dutch Street Aquascaping?

Suitable plants for Dutch Street Aquascaping include low-growing carpeting plants for the foreground, such as Glossostigma elatinoides or Dwarf Hairgrass. Midground plants like Rotala rotundifolia or Alternanthera reineckii can add height and texture. Background plants like Vallisneria spiralis or Cryptocoryne species are used sparingly to maintain an open and structured layout.

Do I need CO2 injection for Dutch Street Aquascaping?

CO₂ injection is not always necessary for Dutch Street Aquascaping, but it can enhance plant growth and prevent algae issues. Depending on the plant species and lighting intensity, you may choose to supplement with CO₂ through a pressurised system or liquid carbon alternatives.

Can I use any type of rocks or driftwood in Dutch Street Aquascaping?

It’s recommended to use aquarium-safe rocks and driftwood in Dutch Street Aquascaping. Rocks like Seiryu stone, Dragon stone, or lava rock, as well as driftwood options like Manzanita wood or Malaysian driftwood, are popular choices. Ensure the materials are safe for aquarium use and properly positioned to create the desired visual effect.

Can I keep fish in a Dutch Street Aquascape?

Yes, you can keep fish in a Dutch “Street” aquascape, but there are certain factors to keep in mind. The densely planted Dutch aquascaping style necessitates choosing fish that are peaceful, non-destructive to plants, and ideally, provide a striking colour contrast to the lush greenery. The size of the fish should also be appropriate for the size of your tank to avoid overcrowding. Small Tetras like Neon, Cardinal, or Rummy Nose Tetras are examples of fish that are commonly compatible with this kind of environment.

How long does it take for a Dutch Street Aquascape to establish?

The time it takes for a Dutch Street Aquascape to fully establish varies depending on factors such as plant species, growth rates, and maintenance. Typically, it may take several weeks to a few months for the plants to grow and fill in the desired areas. Regular care and adjustments are necessary during this establishment period.

Can I customise my Dutch Street Aquascape to suit my preferences?

Absolutely! Dutch Street Aquascapes provide room for personal creativity and customisation. You can adapt the layout, plant selection, and hardscape elements to suit your preferences while maintaining the overall principles of structured design and neatness.

Is Dutch Street Aquascaping suitable for beginners?

Dutch Street Aquascaping can be challenging for beginners due to its meticulous design and maintenance requirements. However, with research, patience, and attention to detail, beginners can successfully create and maintain a Dutch Street Aquascape. Starting with smaller tanks and simpler layouts may be more manageable for beginners.

Conclusion

Dutch “Street” Aquascaping represents an exciting evolution in the world of aquascaping, showcasing the timeless appeal of the Dutch style while adding its own unique touches. By emphasising the thoughtful arrangement of plants into distinct ‘streets’ or rows, this style can turn an ordinary aquarium into a verdant underwater garden. The meticulous attention to detail, the focus on plant health and diversity, and the subtle use of hardscape materials contribute to creating a breathtaking spectacle of colour and texture. While it may require a significant commitment to plant care and maintenance, the rewards of a thriving Dutch “Street” aquascape are well worth the effort. This trend is a testament to the limitless creativity of aquascapers and the enduring allure of aquatic gardening.