Aquascape Tutorial & Care

Aquascaping is the arrangement of rocks, driftwood and live plants in an aquarium to create a visually appealing scene.

Basically, it’s really meticulous decorating, planned out to the tiniest detail.

The goal of aquascaping isn’t always to make the aquarium look like a natural waterway. Often, inspiration is drawn from terrestrial environments, like mountains, forests or jungles.

Many aquarists approach setting up a tank from the perspective of the livestock we intend to keep.

Things like hardscape, substrate and plants are placed in the aquarium because we’re trying to fulfill the needs of certain fish.

Aquascaping is a bit different. The plants and hardscape, and how they come together, are the main focus of the tank. It’s more about creating a piece of art.

Aquascaping is to aquariums as gardening is to potted plants. Rather than pink gravel and bubbling clam shells, Aquascapers are looking to create aquatic art with rocks, driftwood, fish, and live plants.

Aquascapes are increasingly popular and while they can look dramatic, they need not be difficult. Knowing the basics of water chemistry, fish and plant nutrition, and cycling an aquarium are essential to a healthy Aquascape.

Aquascapes take more time to plan and more money to pull off but are well worth the effort! In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about getting started with aquascaping.