Top 10 Common Aquascaping Myths Busted

Fish stocking and placing things in the aquarium has also been given a special name, known as aquascaping, which has grown to be famous among aquarists. That being said, there are several myths that, if not corrected, will prevent aquascapes from being successful.  

Here, we’ll look at the ten most common misconceptions surrounding aquascaping and give you the facts about the most effective method for designing aquarium landscapes.

Myth 1: It’s All About the Plants

Importantly, however, the plants are not the only focus of aquascaping – there are other things to consider as well. Aquascape success is the achievement of a balance between different factors; hardscape which refers to rocks, woods, the type of substratum, the light source, and the fish. 

Each of them should complement the other, and all contribute to providing visual equilibrium and aesthetics. When you center your attention and efforts only on the plants, you stand a chance to create a confusing or plain-looking aquarium.

Myth 2: You Need Expensive Equipment

Another myth is that if you are going to create a high-quality aquascape, you have to buy expensive equipment. Of course, it will be beneficial to have all the best tools on hand, but many stunning and lovely aquarium layouts have been developed utilizing inexpensive materials and makeshift methods. 

With bare-bones equipment, ordinary plants, and a dollop of creativity, you will make progress that is simply phenomenal. Knowledge and skill investments can make a big difference as compared to investing in expensive wares.

Myth 3: CO2 injection is always require

Although the injection of CO2 can improve the growth and physiomorphic quality of plants, it is not mandatory necessary, and useful, especially for beginners or low-tech systems. It is quite possible to grow a host of species in no-frills conditions as long as light and nutrients are provided in an optimum manner and the plant does not require extra CO2. 

Therefore, before making your choice, look at your choice of plants and the type of aquascape you wish to achieve. With CO2 systems at work, you may get the most stunning result without much hassle.

Myth 4: Aquascaping is Only for the Experienced Enthusiasts

Most people who start in this hobby think that aquascaping is something that only professionals and the Japanese do. This means that anyone interested in aquariums can try themselves in aquascaping regardless of their inexperience. The important thing is to begin and depending on the process, go step by step.
As one may see there is nothing very special about starting with Stencils as there are numerous tutorials, forums, lessons, and so on available for those who want to start and improve with this.

Myth 5: Everything Should Be Symmetrical

While a symmetrical and balanced design gives a nice appearance to the aquarium, there is no need to stick to this concept in aquascaping. While designing many beautiful aquascapes, many choose to incorporate asymmetrical styles. Incorporate more balance instead of emphasizing more on the symmetry. 

Such a distorted view can be beneficial for the work’s general mood and play the ‘truth effect’ in most realistic sea habitats.

Myth 6: You Can Use Any Substrate

Aquascaping substrates cannot be of just any type as is the case with most other aquarium components. As you might understand sand may be good for some arrangements, but it is possible to use special soil that is created to support planted aquarium plants. When choosing substrate it is important to use the right one as plants require sundry nutrients found in the substrate. 

Find out what plants require in terms of nutrients and water and those that need specific kinds of nutrients and water etc.

Myth 7: Fish Are Just Decorations

Unfortunately, some aquascapes have the opinion that fish are just ornaments and therefore are not chosen properly. Indeed the choice of fish is very central to the general makeup of the aquascape and integration of the fish into the aquatic environment. Select plants that shall blend with the setup and how the plants are expected to behave. 

Make sure that fish selection also takes into account the environments they require and the roles they play in maintaining that environment; this gives an adequate display of plants as well as animals.

Myth 8: Aquascaping Is a One-Time Project

Some think that many people agree that once an aquascape has been established, there is not much effort needed in maintaining it. Conversely, the effective practice of aquascaping is a continuous process. 

Cleaning entails pruning the plants, and water and checking the level of the substances in water that make the aquatic plants grow. Maintenance of the setup entails keeping on adapting, hence giving you a beautiful aquarium gradually.

Myth 9: All Aquascaping Styles Are the Same

Aquascaping can be done in various styles with each associated with definite features and ideologies. Starting from the Dutch style which focuses on the bright coloring of plant arrangement or the Iwagumi style which simply means the correct placing of rocks, the difference in the style is huge. Knowledge of the above-mentioned styles can motivate self-creativity while choosing a suitable style for a dream.

Myth 10: You Need a Large Tank to Aquascape

Some fresh aquascape beginners avoid starting by arguing that only successful aquascaping can be done with large REEV creations. Smaller tanks are also more complex, but they can also pose certain advantages for a fish to use every available inch of space it has. 

There are so many interesting and beautiful layouts possible with nano tanks, and it is easily available to all enthusiasts. Begin in a small way and scale, as it is always a great thing to achieve something in life.

FAQs

What is the oldest aquascape?

The Dutch Aquascape Style was developed in the Netherlands back in the 1930s independently of the Nature style. It appeared simultaneously with the formation of the Dutch Society for Aquarists (NBAT).

What substrate is best for aquascaping?

The substrate you choose in aquascaping depends on the plants that will be putting in and the overall appearance you want to achieve. Some of the most recommended products include superior quality aquarium soil for plants of high demand, regular gravel, and sandy substrate.

Conclusion

With these myths debunked, we aim to help both beginners and advanced aquascapers to further study the exciting realm of aquascaping with understanding. Always remember that patience, knowledge, and perseverance are the secrets to a healthier aquascape environment. It might be an underwater forest or a simple stone garden; whatever it is, don’t take it seriously and allow your imagined character to come alive!