- The first step, place all the ingredients substrate (such as basic fertilizer, sand, malang). ...
- Next, arrange the layout of your hardscape (rocks, driftwood, or coral) aquascape designs fit you want. Photo copyright from aquascapeindo.com
- Put the water into the aquarium to moisten the base layer or the ground. ...
- Prepare the plant, then immediately start planting. Use the tweezers in order to ease the process of planting. ...
- After that, fill the aquarium with water until full. The contents carefully and it is recommended to use a plate or a strainer in order not to spoil the ...
- The State of the water will look dull and cloudy, but you don’t have to worry because the water in the Aquarium later will come back clean.
- Next, install the filter installation (to clean the water and circulation water) and install also the lighting (to substitute the sunlight so that the plants can do the process ...
- For lighting up to 8-9 hours per day. Because if it is too long, even the algae growth will make it faster, can make the water dull and inhibits ...
- Once you take care of her for the past 2 to 3 months, then the result will be visible.
How to start an aquascape?
In order to learn how to start an aquascape, we must first take a glance at the origin of the art. Aquascaping is an art form that is concerned with arranging plants, rocks, caves and driftwood etc. in an aquarium to enhance its aesthetics.
How to create an aquascape in a large reef tank?
If you have a large reef tank, use rock islands of varying sizes and shape to create unique focal points using the technique. Crafting an aquascape with depth can be tricky in an aquarium due to the width of most aquariums.
What is the process of aquascaping?
Many people find that the process of aquascaping is a continuous process rather than a one-off piece. A top aquascaping tip is to look at as many different designs and styles as you can, and from all angles. Make notes about what parts of the designs appeal to you and the layouts that you would love to recreate.
How to create a moving story in an aquascape?
If you have water moving faster on the left hand side of your aquarium, for example, then positioning one of the main features of your aquascape one third to the left will draw the eye towards that focal point and create a moving story in your aquarium. The Rule of Thirds Applied to Aquascaping. 2. Focal Points

How do you start Aquascape aquarium?
3:0013:56Complete Aquascaping Beginners Guide - Learn ALL The Basics!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can weigh it down with some rocks or what i like to do is just glue my rocks and wood togetherMoreYou can weigh it down with some rocks or what i like to do is just glue my rocks and wood together to form a solid structure that also does not float.
How do you start a planted tank for beginners?
Before you add any water, spend time moving around the hardscape and plotting out where the plants will go.Fill the tank partially with dechlorinated water. ... Plant the plants. ... Fill the rest of the tank, and add the lid and light. ... Start with low amounts of fertilizer and lighting at first to avoid algae growth.
How do you start and cycle a planted tank?
We have listed the 3 best ways to cycle your aquarium below for you:Set your tank up with substrate and hardscape, then let it run without any livestock (plants, fish, shrimp, etc.) until it is established. ... Add liquid nitrifying bacteria. ... Add filter media from an established tank.
What is needed for an Aquascape?
You need to add rocks, wood, gravel etc, make them look as unique as possible, and arrange them in an unusual yet attractive way. Hardscape materials are the essential elements which ensure the design and layout part of the entire aquascaping process.
Do I really need CO2 in my planted tank?
CO2 is arguably the most important element in the planted aquarium. It is required for respiration and growth by all aquatic plants, used in a process called photosynthesis. Plants require a constant supply of CO2 during the light hours, otherwise they can suffer.
Does planted aquarium need air pump?
It's not necessary to add an air pump in a planted tank, in case you believe it will affect plant growth. The planted tank provides plenty of oxygen for fishes, so adding an air pump it's just a waste of money and space.
How do you cycle an Aquascape?
3:266:25How to Cycle a Tank with Live Plants | Part 2 Cycling Experiments - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith aquarium plants first is you want to add a lot of plants to your aquarium. As many as you canMoreWith aquarium plants first is you want to add a lot of plants to your aquarium. As many as you can get your hands on and then slowly. Increase the fertilizer.
How long does a planted tank need to cycle?
4-6 weeksThe ammonia cycling process for the tank is now complete. The entire process can take 4-6 weeks depending on tank parameters.
Can you cycle a tank with just plants?
After setting up your aquarium, add a lot of fast growing live aquarium plants in the tank. Also, add some fertilizers. Once you start seeing a lot of new growth on the live plants, you can conclude your fish tank has cycled. Overall, cycling a fish tank with live plants is a very simple process.
Does my aquascape need a filter?
Filtration. An aquarium filter is required for two main reasons - to circulate the water and to keep the water clean. Plants don't really move much so we need to move the water to enable the plants to access the various nutrients available in the water column.
How much does it cost to set up an aquascape?
Total cost: $971 Please note that this is just our example of how much building an aquascape aquarium would cost. The price YOU'll pay in the end could be very different depending on your region, the store you buy from and ultimately, your allocated budget.
How long does an aquascape last?
On average, you can expect a lifespan of about six months for a planted tank. However, you can affect the lifespan of your aquarium. If you mistreat your tank, you may end up having rotting plants with drop-dead livestock.
How to get aquascaping right?
Aquascaping tip: The simplest way to get this right, or at least being on the right path, is to choose two plants with different qualities, and simple substrates and hardscapes. This way of keeping the variation down will allow the specialised items you have chosen to shine. A busy aquarium is a confusing aquarium.
What is the aquascaping style called?
In the aquascaping style known as Iwagumi, works with the Rule of Thirds to create its beautiful designs and focal points. This style uses stones placed in particular patterns and uses the central stone as its focal point, placed on one of the imaginary lines of the Rule of Thirds.
What is aquascape art?
It is the considered placement of rocks, stones, and driftwood inside an aquarium to create an aesthetically pleasing display. Inspiration can come from anywhere, from other aquascapes to luscious forests, waterfalls and beaches. When you start your very first aquascape, ...
What is focal point in aquascape?
Focal points are generally created with the use of effective plant selection, considering colours and textures. Having an area or a main feature will help you to prevent your aquascape from being overly busy or distracting.
What is the purpose of aquascaper?
One of the most common aims of the beginning aquascaper is to create a carpeted tank. This produces a beautiful effect and can form the base for some stunning creations. Possibly the most important aspect to get right when choosing the plants for your tank is to understand plant conditions.
Is aquascaping a continuous process?
Many people find that the process of aquascaping is a continuous process rather than a one-off piece. A top aquascaping tip is to look at as many different designs and styles as you can, and from all angles. Make notes about what parts of the designs appeal to you and the layouts that you would love to recreate.
Who are the three people who are award winners in aquascape?
Three people who are award-winners in the aquascaping world are: Takashi Amano. Ja mes Findley. George Farmer. If you are creating your first aquascape, you can’t go far wrong by having a good look at the work completed by these three.
What equipment do you need to start an aquascape?
Here are some pieces of equipment that will help you start and maintain your aquascape with ease: Lighting : Lighting is a core component to start an aquascape. Invest in lighting equipment that is specifically made for aquascapes and make sure that the output light, spectrum and the range is in accordance with the size of your aquascape.
What is the substrate for aquascape?
Substrate: Underwater plants feed through both their leaves and roots. Therefore, the choice of a good substrate is important when setting up an aquascape. The substrate should be able to support the plants as well. The choice of the substrate depends on the type of plants you want to add to your aquascape.
What is aquascape inspiration?
If you are fond of dense and unkempt looking plants, this should be your go to aquascape inspiration. The plants in a jungle style aquascape are left to grow on their own without any trimming or shaping. The overall look of the aquarium is dense and resembles a natural habitat of aquamarine plants.
What is aquascape art?
Aquascaping is an art form that is concerned with arranging plants, rocks, caves and driftwood etc. in an aquarium to enhance its aesthetics. Generally, an aquascape contains both fishes as well as plants but in some cases, you can also arrange an aquascape without fish, or with rocks and caves etc. but no plants.
What is natural style aquascape?
The Natural Style Aquascape, as the name indicates, resembles natural surroundings. You are free to choose any natural style like a valley, mountains, rainforests etc. as inspiration. Now that the theme has been determines, you can move on and start arranging the rocks and plants to imitate the natural style.
Is aquascape a tedious task?
Starting an aquascape is not a tedious or complex task at all. Rather than looking at the setup as a single step, it is better that the process is divided into smaller steps. Remember that setting up an aquascape is a continuous effort that requires attention, persistence and last but not the least, creativity.
Is aquascape a reflection of perfection?
Let your creativity go lose and don’t be afraid to destruct and reconstruct a couple of times. Also, bear in mind that an aquascape cannot be a reflection of perfection. A bit of imperfection is part and parcel of the process.
How many lph filter for 40 lph aquarium?
So a 40 litre aquarium would need a 200 to 400 litre per hour (lph) filter. A filter will clean the water mechanically by straining floating particles, which will help to keep the water nice and clear.
How many watts of LED light do aquarium plants need?
As a very rough guide most aquarium plants will grow with around 0.25 watts of LED per litre of water .
What is substrate for plants?
Substrate. The substrate is home for rooted plants and can be used for aesthetic purposes. Specialist soil substrates make the ideal home for plant roots, providing them with nutrients and optimal conditions. Plain gravels and sands can be used for cosmetic purposes, or to grow plants if budget is limiting.
Why do you need a filter in an aquarium?
An aquarium filter is required for two main reasons - to circulate the water and to keep the water clean. Plants don’t really move much so we need to move the water to enable the plants to access the various nutrients available in the water column. Water movement at the surface is also important to promote gaseous exchange and ensure sufficient oxygen levels for any livestock and beneficial bacteria in the aquarium. Higher levels of circulation are recommended in densely planted tanks so all of the plants can get access to the circulating water. If there isn’t enough circulation dead spots can occur, and these can lead to poor plant growth and nuisance algae. As a rough guide for your filter flow rate aim for the aquarium’s volume multiplied by 5 to 10 in litres per hour. So a 40 litre aquarium would need a 200 to 400 litre per hour (lph) filter.
Is a larger aquarium better?
Generally speaking the larger the aquarium the better in terms of environmental stability. Temperature swings are reduced and waste products are diluted to a much greater extent in larger tanks. They are proportionally more expensive to set up and maintain however. I like to recommend smaller aquariums (commonly known as nano tanks) ...
Is CO2 good for aquariums?
While pressurised CO2 is not essential for aquariums with relatively low light, higher levels of light will make it a necessity to prevent problematic algae. CO2 kits are available for all sizes of aquariums - from systems with small disposable cylinders to larger kits with refillable pressurised cylinders.
How to use Rule of Thirds in aquarium?
The rule of thirds will work on any size or shape of an aquarium, it is just a matter of scale. If you have a nano reef, use small pieces of rock rubble and epoxy them together. If you have a large reef tank, use rock islands of varying sizes and shape to create unique focal points using the technique.
What happens when a coral tank is empty?
When your tank is empty it may look bare and you think you need to add more rock, but over time your corals will grow and fill this empty space, taking up room for your swimmers! The more you can provide for your fish and corals, the more symbiotic and natural your aquarium will look!
Can you put an egg crate in the sand?
You will have nitrate problems in the future if you put egg crate in the sand! The rock is fine directly on the glass. Also, and sifting fish, snails, and starfish can dislodge your rock when they burrow into the sand and topple your rock if it’s not placed directly on the glass!
Do you need tools to make an aquascape?
Most of you will not require any tools to create your perfect aquascape, but sometimes you will just not be able to stack those rock pieces and not have them naturally ‘Click Together’.#N#Here is a list of some basic tools that will help you get the rock to fit just right:

The Rule of Thirds
Focal Points
- Focal points are generally created with the use of effective plant selection, considering colours and textures. Having an area or a main feature will help you to prevent your aquascape from being overly busy or distracting. Aquascaping tip: The old adage of ‘less is more’ is generally a great tip! In the aquascaping style known as Iwagumi, works with the Rule of Thirds to create its beautiful …
Planting – Foreground, Middle and Background Features
- One of the most common aims of the beginning aquascaperis to create a carpeted tank. This produces a beautiful effect and can form the base for some stunning creations. Possibly the most important aspect to get right when choosing the plants for your tank is to understand plant conditions. Without the right amount of CO2, light and fertilisers, you...
Aquarium Plant Selection
- Correct plant selection and placement will make for an attractive aquascape. Not only that, but they will contribute to the water quality and pH balance of your aquarium. Whether you want to create a wild and stormy aquascape or a calm and peaceful display, there is a wide range of plants that can be used to create your ideal display. When you choose plants in your local shop, …
Symmetry
- There is not a ‘maybe’ response here. In an aquascape, symmetry is simply not desirable. While the Rule of Thirds is pleasing to the eye, symmetry just looks too controlled. Aquascaping tip:When a plant or other focal point is placed right in the middle or two identical plants at the edges of the aquarium, the end result is a symmetrical and aesthetically unbalanced aquascape.
Scale
- Having the scale spot-on in your aquascape will make the difference between a good display and a great display that will take your breath away. Substrate size makes a huge difference to the look and ‘feel’ of your display. Professional aquascapers are all choosing to use the ADA powder type of topsoil in their aquascapes. This type of substrate has a really fine grain size making it perfec…
Contrast
- Contrast is one of the really tricky parts to get just right. Subtle changes to your design are what will really show off expertise in your understanding of aquascaping design. Aquascaping tip:The simplest way to get this right, or at least being on the right path, is to choose two plants with different qualities, and simple substrates and hardscapes. This way of keeping the variation dow…
‘Green Box’ Aquascaping
- Unfortunately, the choices of plants available in mainstream shops for aquascaping are in multiple shades of green. While plants do need to be green to photosynthesise, your aquascape does not have to be a green box! Aquascaping tip:Taking this into consideration, choose your plants wisely and use other features such as substrate and hardscaping to accentuate the area…
… and Finally – fish!
- Beginning your aquascaping journey is exciting. You might start with a clear vision of what fish you would like to keep, or the aquascape you would like to create. These two areas have to come together otherwise your aquascape just won’t look right or survive. When choosing fish, keep focused on your end plan for your aquascape. If you want to keep more than one species, make …
Equipment
Choosing The Aquarium
Lighting
Filtration
Carbon Dioxide Injection
- CO2 injection is one of the best ways to promote healthy plant growth. It is not essential for many plant species but ALL plants will benefit from extra CO2. Plants are around 40% carbon and to grow they need more carbon. Through photosynthesis they use light and CO2 to grow, so by adding more CO2 the plant can grow more quickly and more healthily....
Liquid Fertilisers
Substrate
Final Word