Aquascaping is the art of creating and arranging aquatic plants, rocks, wood, and other decorations in an aquarium to create an underwater landscape. The goal is to create a visually pleasing and healthy environment for the fish and plants. As is the case with almost every art form, having the right tools will get you the best results and here is a closer look at the essential aquascaping tools.
Why Use Aquascaping Tools?
Tools are used to make tasks easier, more efficient, and more precise. They can help to increase productivity, improve the quality of work, and make difficult tasks more manageable. In aquascaping, tools such as tweezers and scissors can be used to precisely plant and trim aquatic plants, while a substrate spreader can be used to evenly distribute gravel or sand in the aquarium. Tools can also help to make tasks safer, such as using a pair of gloves to handle sharp objects or chemicals.
Is It Possible To Aquascape Without Tools?
It is definitely possible to aquascape without tools, but it’s generally more difficult and time-consuming. Without tools such as tweezers, scissors, and substrate spreaders, it’s harder to precisely plant and trim aquatic plants and evenly distribute gravel or sand in the aquarium. It’s also more challenging to move and arrange decorations such as rocks and wood and to create the natural-looking underwater landscape that is the goal of aquascaping.
However, some people may prefer to use their hands to manipulate and arrange the materials. If you really cannot get your hands on such tools, you can still aquascape. Just be patient and willing to accept that the aquascape may not end up looking exactly as you wanted it to.
The Essential Aquascaping Tools
The basic tools that every aquascaper must have are:
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Substrate spreader and hard sponge
- Planting tongs
- Long Gloves
- Algae Scraper
- Siphons meant for planted tanks
Let us take a closer look at each of these.
Aquascaping Tweezers
Aquascaping tweezers are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks in an aquarium. Here are some ways to use them:
- Planting: Use the tweezers to carefully plant small aquatic stem plants into the substrate. This allows for precise placement and reduces the risk of disturbing other plants and the substrate.
- Tidying up: Use them to remove dead or overgrown leaves and to clean up detached branches and roots.
- Adjusting: Use the tweezers to adjust the position of decorations such as shells, pebbles, and wood and to make small changes to the overall composition of the aquarium.
- Maintenance: They can also be used to remove debris such as dead fish and uneaten live or frozen food
- Handling: Tweezers are helpful when you need to handle small animals such as snails.
When using tweezers, be sure to handle the plants and decorations gently, as they can be fragile and easily damaged. Also, it is important to keep the tweezers and your hands clean to avoid introducing any contaminants into the aquarium.
Aquascaping Scissors
Aquascaping scissors are vital for maintaining and shaping aquatic plants in an aquarium. Here are some ways to use them:
- Trimming: This is one of the main uses of this tool. Use the scissors to trim and shape aquatic plants, removing dead or overgrown leaves and anything else unwanted.
- Pruning: Use them to prune and control the growth of aquatic plants, cutting back long stems and promoting bushier growth.
- Propagation: Use the scissors to take cuttings from existing plants, which can then be planted to create new plants.
- Defoliating: Use the scissors to remove yellowing or browning leaves from aquatic plants, which will help to maintain the overall health and appearance of the plant.
Use the scissors carefully. Even though aquascaping scissors tend to be relatively blunt, they can still do serious damage in the aquarium if used carelessly.
Substrate Spreader And Hard Sponge
A substrate spreader, as the name suggests, is a tool that is used to evenly distribute gravel or sand in an aquarium. The tool typically consists of a flat, rectangular blade with a handle attached to one end.
This is the tool that will get things rolling as far as the aquascape is concerned. The substrate cannot be just dumped into the tank to get the perfect look and a healthy base. It must be spread properly. Here’s how to do that using the substrate spreader and sponge:
- First, make sure the aquarium is empty and clean.
- Next, add the desired amount of gravel or sand to the aquarium.
- Use the substrate spreader to evenly distribute the gravel or sand by holding the handle and using the flat blade to move the substrate around the bottom of the tank. You can use a back-and-forth or circular motion to spread the substrate.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to check the depth of the substrate, making sure that it is even and at the desired depth.
- Once you are satisfied with the distribution, use the sponge to smooth out the substrate and create a flat surface.
Using a substrate spreader can help to create a level base for the plants, making them grow better and look more attractive. It might seem like something you can do without, but it actually goes a long way in getting the process started properly.
Planting Tongs
Planting tongs are a specialized tool used for planting and adjusting aquatic plants in an aquarium. They typically consist of a set of two long, thin metal prongs that are connected to a handle.
Here’s how to use them:
- Use the tongs to gently remove the plant from its container or the area of the tank where it is currently planted.
- Next, use the tongs to position the plant in the desired location in the substrate or among other plants.
- Once the plant is in the desired location, use the tongs to gently press the roots into the substrate to ensure it’s securely planted.
- Use the tongs to adjust the position of the plant if needed.
- Finally, use the tongs to remove any debris or excess substrate that may have accumulated on the plant during planting.
Planting tongs are particularly useful for planting and adjusting larger plants or for planting in tight spaces where tweezers would be difficult to use. They also allow you to handle the plants with more precision and avoid damage to the delicate roots, leaves and stems. If you could get only one aquascaping tool, then get a planting tong.
Long Gloves
This might seem like a pointless addition to the toolset, but it’s something that I feel is just as essential as everything else mentioned here. Long gloves are often used in aquascaping to protect your hands from the sharp edges of rocks, wood, and other decorations, as well as from any chemicals that may be used in the aquarium. They also help keep your hands clean and prevent the transfer of contaminants from the hands to the aquarium.
Another reason why long gloves are needed in aquascaping is to protect you from any potentially harmful microorganisms that may be present in the water. If you have open cuts or wounds on the hands, it is possible for harmful microorganisms to enter the body.
Additionally, some species of fish and invertebrates have sharp fins, teeth or claws that can cause injury, and gloves will prevent that from happening.
I often use gloves at the beginning stages of my aquascape when setting out the hardscape and glueing it in place. For some reason, I’m very clumsy with glue, and I tend to get it all over my fingers and for days, I have these unsightly hands that aren’t good for the office work I do. Using gloves means I can take the gloves off, and my hands are kept clean and tidy.
Algae Scraper
An algae scraper is used to remove algae growth from the surfaces of a planted tank, such as glass or decorations. The algae growth can occur naturally in an aquarium, but it can also be caused by factors such as overfeeding, overstocking, or poor water quality. Address the core issue first.
Even in a healthy tank, there will be some algae. Scraping the algae off the tank surfaces helps maintain the aquarium’s appearance and prevents the algae from competing with the plants for nutrients. Additionally, removing the algae can also improve the overall health of the tank by reducing the amount of organic matter and waste that can accumulate.
To use an algae scraper, follow these steps:
- Turn off the lights and equipment: This will make it easier to see the algae and prevent any damage to the equipment.
- Begin scraping the algae: Starting at the top of the tank, use the scraper to gently remove the algae from the glass or decorations. Be careful not to scratch the glass or harm any plants or other inhabitants in the tank.
- Clean the surfaces: After you’ve scraped the algae, use a clean chemical–free rag or sponge to wipe down the surfaces to remove any remaining debris.
- Turn the lights and equipment back on: Once you’ve finished cleaning, turn the lights and equipment back on and dispose of the algae scraps properly.
Siphon Meant For Planted Tanks
A siphon, also known as a gravel vac or aquarium vacuum, is a tool used to clean the substrate (gravel or sand) in a planted tank. The substrate in a planted tank can accumulate debris and waste, which can negatively affect the health of the plants and other inhabitants. A siphon can be used to remove this debris and waste without disturbing the plants or the substrate.
Use a siphon that is specifically meant for planted tanks, as these tend to be gentler.
Individual Tools vs Sets
All these tools are available individually or can be bought as a set. Whether you should buy individual aquascaping tools or a set depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of buying individual tools:
- You can choose the specific tools that you need for your particular aquascaping project.
- You can buy higher quality tools that are more durable and better suited to your needs.
- You can mix and match different brands and styles of tools to find the ones that you like the best.
Advantages of buying a set:
- A set of tools will typically cost less than buying the tools individually.
- A set will usually include a variety of different tools, allowing you to try different tools and techniques.
- A set will often include a carrying case, making it easy to transport and store the tools.
In summary, if you’re an experienced aquascaper or you already have a good idea of what tools you need, buying individual tools may be the best option for you. But buying a set can be the more cost-effective and convenient option if you’re new to aquascaping and want to try out different tools and techniques.
Advanced Aquascaping Tools – Do You Need Them?
Advanced aquascaping tools refer to specialized tools that are designed for specific tasks, such as trimming and shaping plants, creating intricate designs, and maintaining the overall health of an elaborate aquascaped aquarium. Some examples of advanced aquascaping tools include:
Carbon steel scissors: These scissors are designed specifically for aquascaping and are made of high-quality carbon steel, which is stronger and more durable than regular scissors.
Stainless steel tweezers: These tweezers are made of stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. They are ideal for planting and maintaining small plants and mosses.
Root hooks: These tools are used to plant and maintain plants in the substrate. They come in different designs, such as straight or bent, and different sizes.
Planting tongs of different sizes: These tongs usually come in a set and come in varying sizes with each meant for a very specific task.
CO2 injectors and diffusers: These devices are used to inject CO2 into the aquarium, which is essential for the growth and color of some of the more demanding plants.
Advanced aquascaping tools can make the process of maintaining and designing an aquarium easier and more efficient, especially if it uses a complicated design and layout. Whether you need such tools depends on the type of plants you have, the size of your tank, and the level of detail you want to achieve.
If you are new to aquascaping, you may not need all these tools, but as you gain more experience and knowledge, you may find that certain specialized tools become more useful. Remember that having expensive tools won’t make you a better aquascaper. There is no substitute for perseverance and experience.
Are Aquascaping Tools Expensive?
Aquascaping tools can vary in price, depending on the quality, brand, and type of tool. Some tools, such as tweezers or scissors, can be relatively inexpensive and can be found for a few dollars. Other tools, such as those made with exotic materials, can be very expensive.
Similarly, aquascaping tools such as precision scissors, tweezers, and other specialized tools can be more expensive than general-purpose gardening tools, but they are often specifically designed for aquascaping and can be more precise and efficient to use.
Aquascaping sets can also vary in price. Basic sets that include a few basic tools, such as tweezers and scissors, can be found for around $20 to $40. More advanced sets that include a wider range of tools, such as different types of tweezers, scissors, and other specialized tools, can range from $50 to $100 or more.
Make sure you research and compare different options before deciding. Reviews from people who have already bought and used these tools can be particularly helpful in the decision-making process.
I’ll admit to buying a cheap set when I first began aquascaping and they have done a good job but the feel and precision of the more expensive sets just don’t compare.
Aquascaping Tools FAQ
What are the basic tools needed for aquascaping?
- Scissors or pruners for trimming plants
- Tweezers for planting and adjusting small plants
- A substrate spreader for levelling the substrate and creating trenches
- A scraper for cleaning the glass and rocks
- An aquarium siphon for vacuuming debris from the substrate
Are there any specialized tools for aquascaping?
There are plenty of specialized tools available, but these are not necessary for beginner aquascapes.
Are there any alternatives to traditional aquascaping tools?
Some aquarists use chopsticks or bamboo skewers as alternatives to tweezers for planting and adjusting small plants. Others use a turkey baster to plant small plants. An unused toothbrush can be used to clean the glass and rocks.
Can you recommend any specific brands or models of aquascaping tools?
ADA, JBL, and Tweezers Pro
Final Thoughts!
It is quite easy to get fixated on the hundreds of different aquascaping tools out there and end up getting distracted from the actual aquascaping. Get a decent basic set from one of the reputed brands, and you will be set for at least a few years.
During the early days as an aquascaper, you will make mistakes, and it will be natural to lay the blame entirely on the tools but remember that there are people who have created stunning aquascapes without using any tools. Keep learning from your mistakes and understand how to use each of the basic tools, such as tweezers, tongs, and scissors, as effectively as possible first. Once you get really good at it and are ready for the more advanced aquascapes, that is when you need to think about the advanced tools.
Remember, tools are meant to make your life easier, not complicate it, and this is true for aquascaping as well.
