Just keeping a very basic aquarium is highly rewarding in itself. However, as you keep gaining experience, you’ll definitely want to do something more specific and advanced. When I got to that point in my journey in the aquarium hobby, it was aquascaping that acted as that next level.
While aquascaping is something you can spend a lifetime learning and perfecting, you can start aquascaping without needing a ton of experience or resources. If you want to take that step, this guide is for you.
What Is Aquascaping?
Aquascaping is the art of creating and designing an aquatic environment inside a tank or aquarium using plants as the main focal point. It involves arranging rocks, plants, and other decorations in a visually pleasing way, while also creating a healthy ecosystem for the fish or other aquatic animals living in the tank.
Aquascapers strive to create a natural-looking environment that replicates the beauty of nature. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between the plants, animals, and other elements in the tank.
Aquascaping requires a combination of artistic skill and knowledge of biology and ecology, as the plants and animals in the tank must be compatible and able to thrive in the given environment. Don’t worry, though. Getting started is not nearly as daunting as it might feel.
The Steps To Create A Stunning Aquascape
Aquascaping, at its heart, is an art; every hobbyist tends to find a unique way to get proficient at it. When starting out, though, it’s better not to take the trial-and-error approach. The following steps will help you to take your first steps with minimum mistakes:
- Plan your design
- Choose your plants and decorations
- Prepare the substrate
- Add your hardscape elements
- Add the plants
- Maintain and care for your aquascape
Let us look at each step in detail.
Plan Your Design
Planning the design of an aquascape can be a fun and creative process. It’s also one of the most important steps, as changing the layout once the plants have taken root can be tedious and sometimes impossible without damaging the aquascape. Here are a few steps to plan the aquascape properly.
Consider the size and shape of your aquarium
The size and shape of your aquarium will affect the overall design of your aquascape. Take into account the amount of space you have available and the specific needs of your fish when selecting an aquarium.
The height of the aquarium is also an important factor, as the amount of light that reaches the bottom can vary significantly, which can have a profound effect on the choice of plants.
Choose a theme
Decide on a theme or overall aesthetic for your aquascape. This can help guide your decisions about which plants and decorations to use and how to arrange them. Some popular themes for aquascapes include natural-looking environments, Asian-inspired gardens, movie scenes (like Spongebob Squarepants, which my boys really loved doing!), futuristic sci-fi scenes, etc.
Try to avoid combining too many different thematic elements as that almost never really works out, but you do you.
As a beginner, it can be quite tempting to just wing it, and while this approach can work in the short term, it usually ends up creating problems down the line, such as incompatible plants ending up in the same tank. Choosing a theme will help you narrow down the options in front of you, and you can make all the important choices in a more focused manner.
Sketch out your design
Once you have an idea of what you want your aquascape to look like, sketch out your design on paper or use a computer program to create a digital mock-up. This will help you visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments.
This is far easier to do than actually setting the aquascape up and then tinkering with it. You will still need to do some fine-tuning once the real work starts but sketching it will make the process more streamlined while also helping you visualize your vision clearly.
Select your plants and decorations
Choose plant species and decorative elements that complement each other and are well-suited to the specific conditions in your aquarium. Consider the lighting levels, water parameters, and the needs of your fish when making your selections. Your sketch will come in very handy during this step as you can be more specific with what you need.
A key part of the process is understanding and accepting that your aquarium won’t end up looking the way you want it to from the get-go. It takes time. The biggest blunder I made with my first aquascape was trying to make the tank look exactly as I wanted from day 1. I ended up putting in way too many plants and overloading the aquarium with fertilizers. This created a massive algae bloom and killed off most of the plants within a week.
Make sure each plant has room to grow and place the hardscape elements in such a way that they will complement the plants after the plants have had a chance to get established and fill out the space meant for them.
Start laying things out
When arranging your plants and decorations, consider the overall layout of the aquarium. Try to create a sense of balance and flow by placing taller plants in the back and shorter plants in the front. Use rocks and wood to create visual interest and provide hiding places for your fish.
Ensure that none of the hardscape elements are resting directly on the glass. Not only can this scratch the glass, but it can make it a nightmare to clean.
The Plants
Plants form the heart of an aquascape. Choosing the right plants will go a long way in making sure that the entire journey is enjoyable.
When selecting plants for a beginner aquascape, choose species that aren’t demanding but get established quickly and grow reasonably fast as well. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right plants for your aquascape:
- Consider the lighting: Different plant species require different levels of light to thrive. Some plants, such as Java fern and Anubias, can tolerate lower light levels and are well-suited for aquariums with low lighting. Other species, such as Blyxa alternifolia, require higher light levels and are better suited for aquariums with bright lighting. Such plants should be avoided in a beginner aquascape.
- Think about maintenance: Some plants are more demanding in terms of care and maintenance than others. If you’re a beginner aquascaper, you might want to start with low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for, such as Java moss or Anubias.
- Choose plants that complement each other: When selecting plants for your aquascape, consider how they will look together. Try to choose species that have complementary shapes, sizes, and colors. Use contrasting shades of green in the foreground, midground, and background. Adding one or two non-green plants will act as great centerpieces.
- Be mindful of your fish: Some fish species are known to nibble on or uproot plants. If you really want to keep fish that are prone to this behavior, you’ll want to choose plants that are more resistant to damage, such as the various plants that come under the Anubias umbrella.
Here are a few popular plant species that are excellent options for a beginner aquascape:
- Anubias: Anubias is a slow-growing plant but is known for its hardy nature and ability to tolerate a wide range of water conditions. It’s a good choice for low-light aquariums. It’s the perfect plant if you don’t want to invest too much in a substrate or want to create a sparse minimalistic look that doesn’t require a lot of pruning.
- Java fern: Java fern is another hardy plant that is well-suited to low-light aquariums. It’s known for its long, delicate leaves and its ability to tolerate a wide range of water conditions. It is also a reasonably fast grower so you can expect your tank to look good pretty quickly.
- Vallisneria: Vallisneria is a grass-like plant with long, narrow leaves. It’s a good choice for aquariums with moderate lighting and can be used as a vibrant background plant. What I love about Val is it the pruning is simply a matter of pulling it out to keep it under control.
- Hygrophila: Hygrophila is a fast-growing plant with bright green leaves. It looks really good in any aquascape, but it falls a bit on the demanding side. Be prepared to grab a pair of good quality aquascaping scissors and be trimming it every couple of weeks.
- Java moss: Java moss is a low-maintenance plant that is known to thrive in a wide range of water conditions. It is a good choice for beginner aquascapers and can be used to create a natural-looking foreground or background in the aquarium.
The Decorations
There are many different decorative elements that can be used to enhance the appearance of an aquascape. Some common types of decorations include:
Rocks
Rocks can create a natural-looking environment in the aquarium and provide a hiding place for fish. Make sure to choose rocks that are safe for use in an aquarium.
Imperfection is the key when it comes to choosing rocks that will look amazing in an aquascape. Choose rock pieces that are as irregular as possible.
Wood
Driftwood is a popular choice for aquascapes and can provide a natural-looking surface for some plants like Anubias to grow on. Be sure to soak the wood in water for a few days before adding it to the aquarium to remove any tannins. Or alternatively, as I do, grab a big pot and boil it on the stove for several hours before immersing it.
One of my first aquascapes, which I am still proud of, featured a mini-tree-shaped driftwood that I used to create a pretty realistic-looking underwater bonsai with the help of some Java Moss. Driftwood that has an interesting appearance can be used to create a lot of striking visuals.
Ornaments
There are many different types of ornaments available for use in aquariums, including castles, pirate ships, and miniature houses. These can add a touch of whimsy to the aquascape and provide additional hiding places for fish.
They are particularly handy when your theme is based on something sci-fi or on pop culture. A friend of mine has a beautiful aquascape based on the Marvel universe with cute miniatures of all the major superheroes taking part in an underwater battle, and it is a sight to behold. My point is that the right ornaments can take your aquascape to the next level. Just be prudent with what you choose.
Backgrounds
Aquarium backgrounds can be used to create a specific theme or add visual interest to the aquarium. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, such as natural-looking scenes, abstract patterns, or plain solid colors. The aforementioned Bonsai aquascape featured a light blue background to simulate the sky. At the very least, backgrounds can add depth to your tank while also hiding all the cables and other things that might be hanging behind the tank.
When selecting decorations, it’s crucial to leave enough open swimming space for the fish and to avoid overcrowding the aquarium.
Preparing The Substrate
To prepare the substrate for an aquascape, you will need to follow these steps:
Rinse the substrate thoroughly: Rinse the substrate under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Soak the substrate: Soak the substrate in treated water meant for the aquarium for at least an hour.
Add the substrate to the tank: Once the substrate is clean and wet, add it to the tank.
Arrange the substrate: Arrange the substrate in the tank as desired, creating hills, valleys, and other features as desired.
Adding The Hardscape Elements
As discussed earlier, even an aquascape needs hardscape elements to tie everything together. Here are a few guidelines on how to use hardscape elements to your advantage
Create a natural look: Try to create a natural look by using a variety of different decorations, such as rocks, wood, epoxy elements, and other natural materials.
Consider the needs of your plants and animals: When arranging decorations, consider the needs of your plants and animals. For example, if you are keeping fish that prefer to hide, you might want to include decorations such as caves.
Balance the decorations: Try to balance the decorations in your tank by using a variety of different sizes and shapes. This will create a more natural and attractive look.
Experiment with different arrangements: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements of decorations. You can move things around until you find a look that you like. This is my favorite part of the entire aquascaping experience. I will often spend hours doing this until I come up with something that I like. But that’s the fun of it!
Think about how the different elements will work together to create a cohesive and attractive display.
Use a layout diagram: If you are having trouble visualizing the final arrangement, use the sketch to plan out the placement of different decorations in the tank. This can be a helpful tool to ensure that your aquascape looks balanced and harmonious.
Adding The Plants
The ideal aquascape is an attractive and healthy underwater landscape. The planting process is an important step in achieving that. Here are some steps to follow when planting an aquascape
Prep the plants: Before planting, trim any dead or damaged leaves and roots from the plants. Remove any potting material the plants may have come in. Soak the plants in a bucket of water for a few hours to rehydrate them if necessary. Lay them out on a flat surface. Keep a sprayer nearby to keep the plants moist during the planting process, which can take time.
Prep the substrate: Add some root tabs and then slowly add just enough water to submerge the substrate. Placing something flat over the substrate while adding the water will keep the substrate undisturbed.
Plant the plants: Do not try to use your hands. Use a planting tool like a pair of aquarium tweezers to make a hole in the substrate, and then gently place the plant in the hole, making sure to cover the roots with the substrate. Some plants, like crypts, have rhizomes. These shouldn’t be completely buried under the substrate.
Add the rest of the water: Fill the tank up slowly. If any plant gets uprooted, plant it back.
Maintain the plants: Once the plants are in place, it’s essential to maintain them by providing them with the right nutrients, lighting, and temperature conditions. This may involve adding fertilizers occasionally, adjusting the light, and monitoring the water quality.
Maintaining And Caring For The Aquascape
Maintaining an aquascape requires some regular care and attention to keep the plants and fish healthy. Here are some tips for maintaining an aquascape
- Monitor the water quality: Regularly check the temperature, pH, and ammonia levels of the water in your tank to ensure that it is suitable for your chosen plants and fish. Use a thermometer, pH test kit, and ammonia test kit to check these levels.
- Clean the tank: Remove excess food and waste from the tank and clean the gravel or sand regularly to prevent the build-up of algae, and keep the water clean.
- Prune plants: Trim and remove any dead or dying leaves or branches to maintain the overall appearance of your aquascape and keep the plants healthy.
- Feed the fish: Provide your fish with a balanced diet of high-quality food to keep them healthy. Only feed them as much as they can consume in a few minutes, as excess food can pollute the water. Remember, healthy fish are an important part of the aquascape ecosystem.
- Partial water change: Replace about 10-15% of the water in your tank once every ten days, or if you’re like me, I do 50% water changes weekly to keep my fish and friends happy.
All these steps can help to ensure that your aquascape stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Aquascape?
Follow the easy steps mentioned in this guide to create a beautiful and healthy aquascape.
How To Treat Wood For Aquascaping?
Add the wood to boiling water for a good couple of hours. Then keep the wood submerged under cold water while replacing the water every 12 hours until no tannins or debris are released.
How To Glue Rocks Together For Aquascaping?
Use aquarium-safe glue to do this. I find the gel aquarium-safe super glue to be best but don’t do what I do, and every time I use it I stick my fingers together!
How To Make Mountain Aquascape?
Select a few large rocks that are at least half as tall as the aquarium. Arrange them in a manner that looks natural. So avoid symmetry. Use Java Moss to create patches that resemble vegetation on and around these rocks.
What Thermometer Do You Use For Your Aquascape Tank?
Any good quality aquarium thermometer from a reputable brand will do.
How To Create Depth In Aquascape?
The most common way to add depth to an aquascape is by creating a slope in the substrate that is taller at the back. The height of the plants should also follow a similar trend, with the shortest plants at the front and the tallest plants at the back. Finally, adding a suitable background will also create the illusion of depth.
Where To Buy Rocks For Aquascaping?
Rocks meant for aquascaping will be readily available at stores that sell aquarium plants. These can also be bought online but be ready to pay hefty shipping charges. Make sure you wash all of your rocks thoroughly before placing them in your tank, and do your research! Some rocks can change the PH of your aquarium, do your research on these and you’ll have no troubles.
What Is Aquascaping?
Aquascaping is the art of creating an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking environment within an aquarium. It involves arranging live aquatic plants, rocks, and other decorations in a way that is visually appealing and that creates a natural-looking habitat for fish and other aquatic animals
How To Aquascape A Reef Aquarium?
Reef aquariums can be aquascaped where corals are used in place of plants. These are much more demanding than freshwater plants and require a higher degree of expertise.
Is The Aquascape Skimmer Fish Friendly?
It is.
How To Aquascape Tall Aquariums?
The most important consideration in tall tanks is lighting. Use strong lights that will penetrate the entire depth of water. Also, make sure that the shorter plants have low lighting requirements. Water flow is another area where problems can be encountered, and an air stone or wavemaker can help with maintaining good circulation in the tank.
How To Aquascape A Corner Aquarium?
Choose a theme that uses the furthest corner as the point of visual interest. Add elements in an outward manner from this focal point.
How To Aquascape For Crayfish Tank?
Use hardy plants and leave plenty of open spaces.
Where Do You Buy Plants For Aquascaping?
Choose a reputable local pet or aquarium store or someone who cultivates aquarium plants. There are quite a few online stores that offer great prices and excellent shipping. A lot of these providers will also have a large variety of plants which may include some exciting rarer types. Do your research, and you’ll find it will pay off.
What is the best tank for aquascaping?
A rectangular tank that is between 12 (30.38 cm) and 18 (45.72 cm) inches tall is the best option.
Do you need CO2 for aquascaping?
CO2 can lead to quicker and lusher growth, but it is not compulsory. Using plants like the Anubias or Java Fern, you can create beautiful and healthy aquascapes without any CO2.
Can an aquascape last forever?
It can, if set up and maintained properly.
Conclusion
Creating and maintaining an aquascape is a fulfilling and rewarding hobby for many people, especially beginners. Some of the reasons why include:
Relaxation: Aquascapes can provide a peaceful and calming atmosphere, making them a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
Sense of accomplishment: Building and maintaining an aquascape requires patience and dedication, and seeing it thrive can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Educational value: Keeping an aquascape can also be a great learning experience. You can learn about different plants and fish and how to care for them and create a balanced ecosystem.
Creative outlet: Designing and arranging an aquascape allows you to use your creativity and express yourself through the layout and plant choices you make.
Connection to nature: Aquascapes allow you to bring a little bit of nature into your home or office, which can be especially rewarding for those who may not have access to a natural environment.
As this guide proves, aquascaping is an accessible hobby even for beginners. All you need is some patience and commitment, and you will have access to something that is extremely fun and fulfilling.
