Aquascape | Aquascaping | Aquarium Design

The Dutch Aquascape Style
The Dutch style of aquascaping has been around since the early 1900's. Aquascaping in the dutch style requires several basic concepts. First, there is usually a central focal point. Surrounding this focal point, there are several rows or sheets of plants placed quite geometrically. These can form what look like streets between the plants. Another requirement is that many colors and shades of aquarium plants are used to give some variety to the scene. These colors range from various shades of green, red, and even purple species. Finally, the a sense of depth is a must when an aquarium is aquascaped in the Dutch style! This is achieved by placing the shortest species in the foreground and gradually having larger plants towards the back. A well designed Dutch aquascape should have well trimmed plants that are artfully arranged in rows without risking loss of beauty.

Nature Aquascapes
The nature aquascape style was made famous by aquascaper Takashi Amano. The goal of this style is to mimic a scene from nature. Typically, there is heavy use of large pieces of driftwood and aquarium rocks. By fixing various mosses and anubias plants to the rocks or wood the scene gains a degree of balance. Ferns may also be used for this purpose. Many aquarium ferns, mosses, and other plants are able to grow directly onto rocks and driftwood. The aquascape should try to mimic a scene from nature as much as possible. As you can imagine, this style results in bold, natural, and wild scenes in a freshwater aquarium.

Jungle Style of Aquascaping
The jungle style of aquascaping is best described as a blend between the Dutch method and nature aquascapes. This style borrows aspects from the dutch style including the avenues of plants. Like the nature aquascapes, though, rockwork and driftwood are often used, though not as extensively. Finally, the plants in a jungle aquascape are usually allowed to grow wild and untrimmed until the hobbyist's goal is achieved.

As you can imagine, aquascaping requires dedication, time, and patience. Most of all though, the aquascaper should be adventurous and enjoy the fun of learning to aquascape!

Aquariums are much nicer if they are nicely decorated. Decorating an aquarium can easily be achieved by adding either ornaments or aquarium plants. These can make the difference between people just glancing at your aquarium and visitors becoming mesmerized by the scenes within. Plain aquariums do look clean and fresh, but adding fun items or plants can keep whoever is looking at the aquarium entertained for longer. Don't just add decorations haphazardly - plan the addition of any ornament.

Fortunately, it does not cost an arm and a leg to decorate an aquarium. All that is needed are a few live plants and some fun aquarium ornaments in front of a quality background and your aquarium will be transformed! With the variety of options, there are so many different ways you can have fun decorating your freshwater fish tank.

Favorite decorations can be anything from bright gravel, to aquarium plants or quirky aquarium ornaments. Stones and aquarium rocks are a great way to naturalize the aquarium space. Whatever decorations you choose, do not go overboard. Make sure you keep lots of free space for the fish to swim around safely.