Beginner's Guide to Aquascaping: Tips & Tricks

Aquascaping is an art form that combines love for aquariums and design. It involves creating underwater landscapes using plants, rocks, wood, and other decorative elements. Aquascaping has gained popularity in recent years, as more people recognise it as a way to express their creativity and create stunning aquatic ecosystems.

If you're new to aquascaping, don't worry. This beginner's guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to get started on your journey to becoming an expert aquascaper.

Choosing the Right Tank

The first step in aquascaping is to choose the right tank for your project. The size of your tank will determine what type of aquascape you can create. Larger tanks provide more space for creativity, but also require more maintenance and equipment.

For beginners, it's recommended to start with a smaller tank (around 20-30 gallons/75-136 litres), as they are easier to maintain and require less equipment. Once you get the hang of aquascaping, you can upgrade to a larger tank if desired.

Make sure to also consider the shape of your tank. Rectangular tanks are the most common choice for aquascapes, as they provide a good depth and surface area for plants and decorations. However, cube or bow-front tanks can also offer interesting design opportunities.

Planning Your Aquascape

Before jumping into creating your aquascape, spend some time planning it out. This will save you from potential mistakes and help you achieve the desired look for your underwater landscape.

Start by researching different types of aquascapes, and choose one that appeals to you.

Each style has its unique characteristics and requires different techniques. Therefore, do some research before deciding on a style.

Once you have chosen a style, sketch out your design on paper. Determine where you want to place plants, rocks, wood, and any other decorations in your tank. Make sure to also consider plant growth requirements, light exposure, water access and flow for each element of your design.

Choosing the Right Substrate

The substrate is an essential element in aquascaping, as it provides nutrients for plants and serves as a base for decorations. There are various substrates available, including sand, gravel, and soil. The type of substrate you choose depends on the style of your aquascape and the types of plants you want to use.

For example, if you're creating a nature aquarium, using nutrient-rich soil as a bottom layer can help promote plant growth. On the other hand, if you're going for a minimalist Dutch-style aquascape, using fine-grained sand can give a clean and sleek look.

Make sure to also consider the colour of your substrate. Darker substrates tend to make plants and decorations stand out more, while lighter substrates can give a brighter and more airy feel.

Adding Plants, Rocks, and Wood

Once you have your tank set up with the right substrate, it's time to add in the main elements of your aquascape – plants, rocks, and wood.

When choosing plants for your aquascape, consider their growth requirements and how they will interact with other plants in your tank. Some popular aquatic plant species include anubias, java ferns, and Amazon swords.

Rocks and wood are essential for creating structure in your aquascape. When selecting these elements, make sure they are safe for aquarium use and won't alter the water parameters. You can also use these elements to create depth and dimension in your design.

Lighting and Equipment

Lighting is another crucial aspect of aquascaping, as it provides energy for plant growth and affects the appearance of your tank. LED lights are a popular choice among aquascapers, as they are energy-efficient, customizable, and promote plant growth.

In addition to lighting, you may need other equipment, such as a filter, heater, CO2 system, and fertilisers, depending on the type of aquascape you're creating. Make sure to do proper research on how to maintain these equipment for optimal performance.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining an aquascape can be a fulfilling, yet challenging task. It's essential to establish a regular maintenance routine to keep your tank healthy and beautiful.

Some maintenance tasks include water changes, pruning plants, removing algae, and monitoring water parameters. It's also crucial to regularly clean equipment, such as filters, and ensure proper lighting for plant growth.

Takeaway

Aquascaping is a rewarding hobby that allows you to express your creativity while creating stunning underwater landscapes. With the right tank, planning, substrate, elements, and maintenance routine, you can create an aquascape that impresses anyone who sees it.

Remember always to do thorough research, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. Happy aquascaping!

Too Complicated? Living Shrimply is Here To Help!

If you're still feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating an aquascape, fear not!

Living Shrimply offers various pre-built & custom aquascape tanks, workshops, and consultations to help you achieve your aquascaping dreams. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right tank to maintaining your aquascape.