How Much it Cost to Create an Aquascape Aquarium?
Aquascaping is a way of showing the love for water and its creatures. It is the art of designing and arranging aquatic plants, woods, rocks, etc. This hobby has gained immense popularity.
Creating your aquarium is simple. All it costs is a few items. You do not need to culture fancy costly things. The love of mimicking natural ecosystems and capturing them into a small tank is easy.
However, one question that constantly comes up for newcomers and seasoned hobbyists alike is, "How much does it really cost to create an aquascape aquarium?"
The following factors can determine the cost of setting up your aquascape aquarium. These are the factors,
- Size of the tank
- Quality and Type of material
- Plants and Fish species
- Lighting
- CO2 System
- Filters
Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential components needed to create an aquascape aquarium and how they influence the overall cost.
1. The Aquarium Tank
For starting an aquascaping tank first of all you need a tank or an aquarium as a fundamental piece of equipment. It comes in multiple sizes. The size ranges from a five-gallon nano tank to a hundred-plus-gallon aquarium. Large aquariums are used for decoration in hotels, plazas, or villas.
For a beginner, you can use a medium-sized or small aquarium for cost-effective aquascaping.
Small Aquariums (5-20 gallons)
Small aquarium tanks are easy to handle and available in cost-effective size, shape, and quality. Starts from $20 to $100, depending on the company and the material (glass or acrylic).
Note:
Nano tanks are cheaper and are more challenging. Fewer water volumes need more pronounced adjustments of water parameters.
Medium Aquariums (20-40 gallons)
Medium-size aquarium tanks are preferable to use by aquascaping hobbyists. They are perfect in shape and size. Good for water parameters and decoration space is enough to set plants, rocks, and woods. They approximately cost from $100 to $300.
Note:
Medium-size aquariums are not suitable for growing larger-size aquatic species.
Large Aquariums (50+ gallons)
Larger tanks are more attractive and appealing but need excessive care. The larger space can give home to a lot of decorative plants, and driftwood, and impressive. Used for decoration purposes.
On the other hand, they are costly and not easy to afford, They need extra space. A significant investment, ranging from $300 to $1000 or more.
2. Substrate
The substrate is the material that you can not compromise on. Substrates can be the basic gravel, sand, or soil layered at the bottom of the tank. They are nutrient-rich and support plant growth and moderate environment. High-quality substrates are essential for plant health and development.
- Natural Aqua Gravel $40.00
- Senso Sand $40.00
- Red Flint River $40.00
- Scaper Soil $75.00 etc.
3. Hardscape Materials (Rocks and Driftwood)
Hardscape materials are like rocks and driftwood, they define the appealing natural ecosystem of aquatic life in aquascaping design. Enhance the beauty of the water-filled tank. From the category of aquascaping decors here are the few mentioned rocks and driftwoods you can add to your aquarium.
Rocks & Stones
There are various types of rocks and stones commonly used in aquascaping, such as Seiryu stone, Dragon stone, Red Lava rock, Ancient Stone and Black Slate Stone. Prices can range from $10 to $100 depending on the type.
A small to medium-sized tank will require around 10-30 pounds of rock, so the cost can vary between $20 and $300 depending on your selection and tank size.
Driftwood
High-quality driftwood can be surprisingly expensive. Pieces suitable for aquascaping typically cost between $15 and $50 per piece. Depending on your layout, you might need one or more pieces, adding another $30 to $100 to your budget.
4. Plants
Plants are the heart of any aquascape and add their beauty of colors enhancing lush green effect all over. The variety of plants you choose and the number required for your specific tank will impact the final price.
Beginner Plants
A beginner should start with easy-to-care-for plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria range from $3 to $10 per plant. You’ll need several plants for even the simplest setup, so for a 20-gallon tank, expect to spend around $30 to $60 on beginner plants.
Advanced Plants
If you opt for more demanding species like Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears) or certain carpeting plants aquarium moss, prices can jump to $10 to $30 per plant. For a medium to heavily planted tank, the plant cost can easily exceed $100 to $200.
If you can spend on sensitive and costly plants and take care of them you can opt. them.
5. Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for plant growth, especially if you plan to keep high-light-demanding species. There are three basic categories of aquarium lighting: low, medium, and high intensity. The type of lighting you choose will depend on the plants you plan to keep and your budget.
Note: More than required light can grow algae and decrease the growth of the plants.
Basic LED Lights
Skylight HyperBar or Netleas AT5 Slim are suitable for low-light plants and generally cost between $100 and $200 for small tanks.
Mid-Range LED Systems
More advanced systems designed for medium-light tanks typically cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size and brand.
High-End LED Lights
For high-light plants, you may need to invest in high-performance Netlea AT6 Pro LED and Netlea AT5 Pro lighting systems that can range from $500 to $100 or more.
6. Filtration System
Another important thing is buying a filter for your aquarium that is essential for maintaining water quality, circulation of water, and promoting healthy plant growth to keep fish and invertebrates safe. The type and size of the filter depend on the tank's volume and bioload like the number of fish, shrimp, or snails.
Internal Sponge Filters
For small tanks, water quantity is less and does not need high canister filters. The cost of basic internal filters cost around $50 to $100.
Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filters
HOB filters range from $150 to $200 and are suitable for medium-sized tanks. They can retain water movements and keep it safe from dirt and debris.
Canister Filters
For larger or heavily stocked tanks, canister filters are preferred. These systems range from $100 to $300, depending on the brand and capacity. They have multiple functions. You can use two canister filters for larger aquariums.
7. CO2 System
CO2 injection is often necessary for advanced aquascapes with high-light-demanding plants. While optional for low-tech setups, it can dramatically improve plant growth and health in high-tech aquascapes.
DIY CO2 Systems
These are relatively cheap DIY CO2 Systems. That costs around $30 to $50 but needs regular maintenance and may not be consistent.
Pressurized CO2 Systems
These systems are more reliable but cost significantly more, ranging from $100 to $400 for a complete setup (including a CO2 tank, regulator, solenoid valve, and diffuser).
8. Fertilizers
Fertilizers
Liquid or root-based fertilizers are important for the growth of plants and supply basic root-based nutrients, and harmful chloramines and chlorine fertilizers range from $10 to $70 per bottle or pack.
Masterline Carbo Nutrients $30
9. Aquatic Life
Your aquascape beauty is your favorite aquatic life. The cost of fish and invertebrates depends on the species you choose and the number of animals you introduce.
Small Schooling Fish are usually priced at $1 to $5 each. For a school of 10 fish, expect to spend around $10 to $50. Popular aquascaping shrimp-like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp cost between $2 and $5 each. Snails Nerite snails and other algae-eating snails typically cost $3 to $5 each.
Conclusion
The estimated cost of the complete finished medium-sized aquarium is around $600.Many hobbyists find this experience deeply rewarding as it offers a unique combination of art, biology, and personal expression. With proper planning, you can create an aquascape that fits your budget while still being visually stunning and ecologically balanced.