A great aquascape is a combination of skills. Professional aquascapers, such as Josh Sim of Malaysia and others, employ depth, perspective, and the principles of rock arrangement to create their aquascapes.

The layering of substrates offers stability and helps to support plant growth. Choose the right substrate based on its aesthetics and the requirements for light for your plants.

Aquarium Layout Planning

The design of the aquascaping starts with the layout of the aquarium. The aquarist chooses a theme to portray and arranges the hardscape, plants and fish to match that theme. The theme should also be evident in the choice of substrate.

There are a variety of ways to layout a tank every aquarist has their own personal preferred method. However, there are a few fundamental guidelines that can be useful. A good rule is to make the negative space of tanks (the area not covered with plants or hardscape) be at least two-thirds of its surface. This creates an illusion of depth.

Another important concept is utilizing contrast. This is accomplished by varying the shape, size, and colors of the different elements of the aquarium. This helps create a sense of depth and draw the attention of the viewer through the aquarium. Focal points, like a large piece of driftwood, or a unique-shaped rocks, can be used to grab the attention of viewers and serve as anchors for the entire aquarium layout. By following these simple rules, aquarists can design an impressive aquarium that takes viewers into an enthralling underwater world.

Substrate

Substrate is the substance that covers the bottom of an aquarium. It can influence the growth of plants and also aesthetics. There are many different options available, from vibrantly colored substrates that match a castle or mermaid theme for aquariums for kids, to the more natural brown gravel which blends with the aquatic plants and driftwood. When selecting a substrate for your aquascape it is essential to think about particle size, color, and reactivity to the water and its effect on the fish you keep there.

Generally speaking, you want to select a substrate that isn’t overly thick. A thick substrate could hinder the development of plants, block filters and make it difficult to wash. The color of the substrate is also an individual preference. Bright substrate colors will make light-colored fish stand out, but can spook some fish. Dark substrates will enhance the hue of fish and are recommended for fish with darker color. It is also possible to make an “decreasing in size” arrangement of the substrate by scaping the focal point rocks and driftwood with more material and then utilizing smaller gravel to cover the remainder of the substrate.

Aquatic Plants

Aquariums with thiet ke be hai san cho nha hang aquatic plants have a a natural look and also help to provide oxygen and absorb ammonia, which is beneficial to fish and other invertebrates. They also offer valuable shelter and spawning sites for many fish species. They also aid in reducing algae growth, and stabilize the pH levels of the tank’s in the water.

Find a trusted shop which sells live plants to find the best aquatic plant. Avoid retailers that sell nonaquatic plants in their aqua department. These will not survive and likely die after a while.

There are many aquatic plants for the amateur, including the carpeting, moss, and stem species. These plants usually originate from tissue cultures, making them a great choice for those who are new to. Some of the most sought-after include dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis spp.), swordgrass (Eleocharis Heteranthera) as well as the riccia plant species, which was popularized by Takashi Amano. These plants can be used in aquariums with saltwater or freshwater and can be grown either emersed or submerged, based on their preference.

Rock and Driftwood Placement

The use of driftwood and stones is a crucial element of an aquascape. These natural elements create a calming environment and add layers to the aquarium. It is also possible to use natural materials to make focal points that draw attention to your aquarium. It is possible to create focal points by using any object, starting with a big piece of driftwood, or a distinctive rock formations to shadowing.

Driftwood should be carefully placed in your aquascape so that tannins don’t leach into the aquarium’s water. This can damage the aquatic plants. Driftwood must also be cut to fit the tank. Larger pieces of driftwood are more noticeable and add height to your tank, while smaller pieces could be utilized to fill in gaps and create visually appealing.

For example, a big chunk of driftwood can be used to construct an edifice or mountain in your aquascape, while a tiny piece of driftwood could be used as a cave. Using color contrasts to create depth is important. For instance, using a mixture of large and small rocks, as well as different colors will make your aquarium appear more natural.

Aquarium Chemicals and Water Filtration

The last step of aquascaping is to ensure the aquarium’s water quality and chemical balance. This requires frequent water changes and plant-trimming in addition to accurate balancing of light, CO2 and nutrients. This calls for the use of different filter media, including GFO, synthetic polymers, and carbon.

The use of layers is an effective method of creating an illusion of depth and perspective in the aquarium. It is essential to incorporate an array of different plants both in the background and the foreground. This adds authenticity and appeal to the image, allowing the viewer to get lost in the aquarium’s surroundings.

This can be accomplished using the rule of thirds that is easy and efficient. It involves creating an imaginary grid composed of two horizontal and two vertical lines across the surface of your aquarium to divide it into nine equal sections. Through creating focal points at their intersections or along the lines you can eliminate symmetry and ensure that your aquarium looks dynamic and exciting.