Transform Your Aquarium: 7 Professional Aquascaping Tips

Aquascaping can indeed be a very rewarding interest and, while the result looks almost like it was designed by a professional, much work goes into it. Here are seven tips that you can use regardless of your level of expertise to move your aquascapes to a more professional level.

1. Plan Your Layout

It is advisable before proceeding to make your aquascape design you should pencil down the design on writing or drawing software. Even complex display tanks should be considered in terms of how the elements of the layout will fit into the tank. 

Choose the point of curiosity in your aquascape this can be a fragment of driftwood, a circle of rocks, or primeval vegetation. This is advantageous because it empowers one to accomplish a suitable opposite and stylish scene.

2. Choose the Right Substrate

Substrate is a very important factor that will determine the beauty and well-being of your plants. Substrates that are specifically for American aquascaping will supply nutrients to your plants and enrich their look as well. 

Choose a thin gravel layer or other specific planting media, and use the large pebbles for another layer of coarser decorative material. This not only fosters desirable plant growth but also gives haphazard work and constructional height to your aquascape.

3. Use a Variety of Plant Sizes and Colors

The addition of different sizes and colors of plants can make way for an exciting and much more fascinating view in the aquarium. The back area should be deeper, the middle section should be moderately tall, and the front area should be shorter. 

The use of different shades of green and combining them with plants that bear some red or purple colors gives the viewer’s eye something else to follow around the tank. It is also important to be aware of the general growth patterns, and light requirements of whatever plant is used in the aquascape.

4. Emphasize Composition with the Rule of Thirds

The general plotting of the image is a rule of thirds that aims at enhancing the overall layout of the aquascape. Suppose you were to split your tank into nine equal squares on your graph paper. If you want to have a better looking and more balanced layout place your focal point on one of these lines or at the intersection. 

It is useful to prevent a symmetrical layout of water elements, so the aquascape will look lively and like it was done by a professional.

5. Incorporate Hardscape Wisely

One can use rocks, deadwood, or sand to bring out a structural dimension and give the plants some appeal. The best thing to do when filling the garden with hardscape is to channel the formation and design to look as natural as possible. Arrange rocks in a manner that is as realistic as possible but do not arrange them as has been done geometrically. 

The same case applies to the placement of driftwood so that they should seem to have been carved by water. Deploy these elements to guide the viewer through the tank and further make the work of the aquascape look more realistic.

6. Maintain Cleanliness and Clarity

According to the aesthetic value of any well-arranged working place, the aquascape should be clean and the water clear. Various maintenance practices should be done frequently, some of which are; water change, clearing of debris, and removing the yellowing leaves. 

It is recommended to use a nice filter for the water and you can also use an algae eater or swish for the algae in the fish tank. Be very careful with light; It should be bright enough for plant growth but low enough not to bring about algae overgrowth.

7. Be Patient and Allow for Growth

Remember, Aquascaping is professional work and it also requires some time for garnering. After you set up your tank, allow the plants to grow to full size or find a way to cover some space. Do not get quick and start meddling with the situation, wait to see how plants respond to their kind, and then start with changes if any is at all required. 

Take your time and be consistent with it and you will soon be sure you are working with a professional aquascape.

FAQs

What is the golden rule of aquascaping?

One of the valuable rules of aquascaping is ‘Begin small and aim big.’ First, start basic and then add more elaborate elements to the design and take time with it ought not to be hurried and ought to be creative.

What is the Japanese style of aquascape?

Aquascaping that originated in Japan is known as Iwagumi, staying true to aquatic design and preferring the minimalistic approach, creating the greatest beauty with the help of stones and plants. It has a primary purpose to express the calm and harmony of nature, to some extent it uses the principles of Zen.

Conclusion

Customizing your tanks into a professional look requires some strategies, effort, and of course constant care. With the application of these seven tips, your aquarium becomes beautiful and the process of nurturing it is also fulfilling and enjoyable. Enjoy the process and go with the flow creating an aquascape that you will surely like to have at home!