A stunning aquascape requires a combination of skills. Professional aquascapers, such as Josh Sim of Malaysia and others, use depth perspective, perspective, and techniques for arranging rocks to design their landscapes.
The layering of substrates offers stability and aids in supporting the growth of plants. Select the substrate that best suits your aesthetic preferences and light requirements.
Aquarium Layout Planning
The design of the aquascaping starts with the layout of the aquarium. Aquarists choose a theme and then set up hardscapes, fish and plants in line with the theme. The theme should be also reflected in the selection of substrate.
Every aquarist has their preferred method of designing a tank. There are some good guidelines to follow. For instance, a great general rule is to make the tank’s negative space (space that is not covered by plants or hardscape) approximately two-thirds of its total surface area. This can help to create an illusion of depth.
Another key concept is using contrast. You can achieve this by altering the size, color and shape of the different elements of the tank. This creates a sense of depth and helps draw the eye of the viewer throughout the scene. Focal points, for example large pieces of driftwood or an unusually shaped rock, are used to grab the attention of viewers and serve as anchors for the whole aquarium layout. Aquarium owners who adhere to these basic rules can build an aquarium that transports viewers into a fascinating underwater world.
Substrate
Substrate is a material that is used to cover the bottom of the aquarium. It can affect plant growth and aesthetics. There are a variety of options available, from brightly colored substrate to match the theme of a castle or mermaid for children’s aquariums, to the more natural brown gravel which blends with the driftwood and aquatic plants. It is crucial to think about the size, color, and the reactivity of the substrate with water, in addition to the impact it has on fish when selecting a substrate for your aquascape.
In general, you should pick a substrate that’s not too thick. A thick substrate could hinder the growth of your plants and could block filters and be difficult to clean. The hue of the substrate is a personal preference. Colors that are bright on the substrate will make fish that are light colored appear more prominent, however they can cause fear in some fish. Dark substrates will enhance the hue of fish and are recommended for fish that are darker. It is also possible to create an “decreasing in size” arrangement of the substrate, scaping the focal point of driftwood and rocks with bigger rocks, and then using smaller gravel for the rest of the substrate.
Aquatic Plants
Aquariums are adorned with aquatic plants. They give it a the appearance of natural plants and help to provide oxygen and absorb ammonia, which helps fish and invertebrates. Many fish species can also make use of the plants as spawning grounds and shelter. Additionally, they assist control algae growth and stabilize pH levels of the tank water.
Find a trusted shop which sells live plants to find the ideal aquatic plant. Avoid retailers that offer non-aquatic species in their aqua department. They will not last and are likely to end up dying after a short time.
There are many aquatic plants for the avid aquarist, such as the moss, stem and carpeting species. Many of them originate from tissue culture, making them a healthy option for the beginner aquarist. Takashi Amano has made the species of riccia, also known as dwarf hairgrass, a cult. These plants can be found in salwater or freshwater aquariums. They are also submerged or emersed, depending on the preferences of the plant.
Rock and Driftwood Placement
The use of driftwood and rocks is an essential part of an aquascape. They can help create a space that is natural and add layers for the aquarium. Natural elements also permit you to create focal points in your aquarium that draw the eye. You can create focal points by using any object, from a huge piece of driftwood, or a unique rock formation to shadowing.
Driftwood must be carefully placed within your aquascape to ensure that it doesn’t leach tannins into the water, which could endanger aquatic plants. Driftwood should be of the proper size for the tank. The larger pieces of driftwood are more noticeable and can increase the height of your tank, whereas the smaller pieces can be utilized to fill in gaps and add visual interest.
Large pieces of wood can be used as the appearance of a mountain or cliff within your aquascape, while a smaller one can be used as an underwater cave. Utilizing color contrasts to make depth is important. For example, using an assortment of small and large rocks and varying shades will help make your aquarium appear more natural.
Aquarium Water Filtration and Chemistry
The maintenance of the water’s quality and balance of chemical is the final stage of aquascaping. It requires frequent water changes and trimming of plants as well as an accurate balance of light CO2 and nutrients. This requires the use of various filter media, such as GFO, synthetic polymers and carbon.
Layers are an excellent way to create an illusion of depth and perspective in the be hai san aquarium. It is essential to incorporate an array of different plants, in both the background and the foreground. The viewers can then lose himself in the scenery of the aquarium.
The rule of thirds is a simple yet effective method to accomplish this. This involves creating an imaginary grid of two horizontal lines as well as two vertical ones across the surface of your aquarium to split it into equal parts. The creation of the focal points along these lines, or at points where they cross can help you avoid symmetry and ensure that your tank is lively and interesting.