Aquascaping Styles and Techniques for Natural Planted Aquariums

What Is Aquascaping?

Aquascaping is the process of designing underwater landscapes inside a fish tank. It’s kind of like gardening, but everything happens underwater. People use plants, rocks, wood, and sometimes cave-like structures to build a scene. Some tanks look like dense jungles. Others are more open, like calm riverbeds or nature-inspired setups. Some aquascapes include fish, while others focus only on plants or rockwork.

Where Aquascaping Started

This hobby started getting popular in the Netherlands in the 1930s. At the time, new tools and gear for freshwater aquariums were easier to find, especially after World War I. Fishkeeping had already grown as a hobby, and people began experimenting with aquariums that focused less on the fish and more on the plants and overall layout. That’s how aquascaping got its start as a creative outlet.

The Technical Side of Aquascaping

Aquascaping is part art, part science. The design side is creative, but making it all work long-term takes planning. Tanks need good filters, the right kind of light, and enough carbon dioxide to help the plants grow. You also have to think about algae control, fertilizing the plants, and picking the right type of substrate for the roots to grow in. If even one thing is off, it can throw off the whole setup. Getting it right takes balance and patience.

Aquascaping as a Community

Today, aquascaping has a strong online presence. Hobbyists post photos, trade plants, enter contests, and share tips. It’s a global scene, but one of the bigger groups is the Aquatic Gardeners Association in the United States, with over a thousand members. The community is tight-knit, and the craft keeps evolving as more people get involved.

Dutch-Style Aquascaping

One of the original and most detailed styles is the Dutch aquarium. This look uses a dense, colorful mix of plant species. It’s like a garden packed into a glass box. The plants vary in color, leaf shape, and height. Terraces are built to give the tank levels, and you’ll rarely see rocks or driftwood. Instead, the focus stays on the plants. Rows of plants are arranged from left to right, a layout known as “Dutch streets.”

This style often includes fine-leaved species like Limnophila aquatica and different types of Hygrophila. For contrast and color, aquascapers add red plants like Alternanthera reineckii, Ammania gracilis, or different types of Rotala. These tanks are packed, with over 80 percent of the bottom covered in greenery. You’ll barely see any bare substrate. Taller plants often fill the background to hide filters and other equipment from view.

The Bottom Line

Aquascaping takes time, skill, and planning. It's a blend of design and biology. When done right, it turns a simple aquarium into a living, growing landscape. Whether you're into colorful plants, minimalist layouts, or detailed sceneries, there's a style that fits. And with so many people sharing their setups online, it’s easier than ever to learn and get inspired.

The Nature Aquarium Style

The Nature Aquarium style came from Japan in the 1990s. It was introduced by Takashi Amano, a photographer and aquascaper. His book series Nature Aquarium World made a big impact and changed how people approached aquarium design. Instead of treating the tank like a garden, he treated it like a small-scale version of nature. His goal was to create scenes that looked like real landscapes, not planted displays.

Amano was known for his landscape photography, and he used special camera techniques to capture his aquariums with more depth and clarity. He often focused on composition, balance, and simplicity. His work showed off fish tanks and treated them like art. Many people even called him a portrait photographer of aquariums because of the way he captured the mood of each scene.

Japanese Design Principles in Aquascaping

Amano based his designs on Japanese garden aesthetics. These gardens aim to recreate the feel of nature, not just copy it. That’s why his aquascapes used uneven shapes, limited plant types, and carefully placed stones or driftwood. He often followed the golden ratio, placing one strong focal point slightly off-center. The idea was to make a natural scene feel alive, not perfect. The beauty came from restraint, not excess.

This approach connects closely to the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi finds beauty in imperfection, age, and simplicity. In aquascaping, that means muted colors, small plants, open spaces, and natural flow. It’s about the feeling, not the flash.

The plant choices reflect that. Instead of bold reds or wide leaves, you’ll find tiny species like Glossostigma elatinoides, Eleocharis acicularis, Eleocharis parvula, and Hemianthus callitrichoides. These plants look like grass or moss, which helps build that peaceful, organic look. Java moss, Riccia fluitans, Staurogyne repens, and small aquatic ferns are common too.

Fish and shrimp are added with purpose. They’re not the main feature, and usually there are just a few kinds. Species like Caridina multidentata and Neocaridina davidi are popular because they eat algae and fit into the natural look. Smaller fish are often picked to make the tank seem bigger than it really is.

 

Sub-Styles of the Nature Aquarium

The Nature style includes three main subtypes: Ryoboku, Iwagumi, and Diorama. Each one has its own structure and feel.

Ryoboku Style

Ryoboku means "driftwood" in Japanese, and this style uses wood as the centerpiece. The wood often stretches upward, even above the waterline. This adds height and makes the tank feel like part of a real forest or riverbed. Manzanita, bogwood, Redmoor, and other types of driftwood are used depending on the shape and texture.

Usually, only one type of wood is used to keep it realistic. Stones might be added, but they’re secondary. What makes Ryoboku tanks stand out is the use of moss and other plants that grow on the wood. These give the setup an older, weathered look, which adds depth and character. It doesn’t feel clean or new, for it feels natural and settled.

This style focuses on balance, contrast, and flow. Everything works together to build one connected scene. Nothing looks out of place, and nothing feels forced. That’s what makes Ryoboku both simple and striking at the same time.

Iwagumi Style Aquascaping

Iwagumi is a minimalist aquascaping style that comes from Japan. The word means “rock formation” in Japanese, and in this layout, stones are the main focus. Each rock has a specific name and purpose. The setup usually includes three primary rocks: one large stone called the Oyaishi and two smaller ones known as Soeishi. There can be more, but these three form the core.

The Oyaishi is placed off-center. This is done on purpose to create a strong focal point. The other stones, including Fukuseki or secondary rocks, are arranged around it. The layout follows natural ratios to keep everything balanced and visually appealing. These ratios often line up with ideas from classical geometry, making the layout feel grounded and intentional.

In Iwagumi aquascapes, plants are often used, but they take a back seat. The focus stays on the shape, texture, and placement of the rocks. This clean, open style relies on strong lines and empty space to make the hardscape stand out. It’s a calm and structured layout that takes planning and patience.

Nature and Fantasy-Inspired Aquascapes

A more dramatic sub-style of nature aquascaping builds full underwater landscapes that look like mountains, cliffs, valleys, or even imaginary scenes. These setups are all about the hardscape. Rocks and driftwood are glued together carefully over weeks or months to build a realistic scene.

Plants in these tanks are minimal. Only a few kinds are used, and they usually have small leaves to match the scale of the hardscape. This keeps the scene from looking out of proportion. The layout is often meant to feel like a real place, or at least something that could exist in nature.

This style is high-effort and usually for experienced aquascapers. The focus is on depth, structure, and fine detail. It’s not just about growing plants. It’s about creating a living diorama inside the tank.

 

Jungle Style Aquascaping

The jungle style feels wild and unkept. Unlike Dutch or nature styles, this one doesn’t aim for neat lines or polished layouts. It’s made to look untamed, like a riverbank or tropical floodplain. The plants grow freely, often without trimming.

Jungle aquascapes tend to have little visible hardscape. Rocks and wood might be buried under thick plant growth. There’s also not much open space. Large-leaf plants like Echinodorus bleheri help give the tank a bold, overgrown feel.

This style also uses dark substrates, tall stem plants, and floating plants to block light. This creates a shadowy, layered effect, like sunlight filtering through tree leaves. Common plant choices include Microsorum pteropus, Bolbitis heudelotii, Vallisneria americana, Crinum species, Aponogeton, Hygrophila pinnatifida, Sagittaria subulata, Anubias, and Limnobium laevigatum.

The result is a dense, living jungle under glass. It looks raw and natural, not staged or trimmed.

Biotope Aquariums

Biotope aquascaping isn’t about how pretty the tank looks. It’s about accuracy. Each tank is built to match a specific real-world aquatic environment. That includes the water chemistry, the substrate, the rocks, and the plants and animals used.

Everything in a biotope tank must naturally exist in the same habitat. You won’t find random plant and fish combos here. These setups are designed to recreate places like the Amazon River, African rift lakes, or Southeast Asian streams.

Biotope aquariums are great for studying natural ecosystems in a controlled way. They let hobbyists observe how different species interact in a setup that mimics the wild. Some tanks don’t even include fish or plants, just water, sand, and rocks arranged to match a specific location. The goal is realism, not decoration.

Blackwater Biotope Aquariums

Blackwater biotope tanks recreate the look and conditions of dark, slow-moving rivers, swamps, or forest pools. These setups are based on places like the Amazon rainforest, where the water is stained dark by decaying plant matter. That includes driftwood, leaves, and seed pods that release tannins, humic acids, and fulvic compounds. These substances lower the pH and soften the water, making it low in minerals and more acidic.

This kind of water isn’t just for looks. The tannins have natural antifungal traits and may help boost fish immune systems. Many freshwater species from South America and Southeast Asia thrive in blackwater. The darker water helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior, including breeding.

Blackwater aquariums often skip plants altogether, since the low light and acidic conditions make it hard for most aquatic plants to survive. But if plants are used, they’re species that can handle dim lighting. Some aquarists also tone down artificial lighting to match the fish’s native environment. A gentle water pump can add slight movement to mimic the flow of a forest stream or river.

What Is a Paludarium?

A paludarium is a type of aquarium that includes both land and water. It blends elements of terrariums and traditional aquariums to model natural environments like tropical riverbanks, jungle wetlands, bogs, or coastal habitats. These tanks are only partly filled with water. Some areas are built up with substrate so that land sections rise above the waterline.

This setup allows a mix of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. Some grow fully underwater, while others grow emersed, meaning their roots stay in water but their leaves rise into the air. Plants like Cyperus alternifolius, Spathiphyllum wallisii, and several types of Anubias are common. Some bromeliads can also thrive in the raised land areas. Floating plants such as Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes add more layers to the tank and work well in this design.

Unlike regular aquariums, paludariums are ideal for amphibians. Frogs, newts, and other animals that need both land and water can live comfortably in these hybrid environments. With the right setup, a paludarium can support a full ecosystem that feels like a real rainforest floor or river’s edge.

What Is a Riparium?

A riparium is a type of tank that mimics the edge of a river or stream. It’s a variation of a paludarium, but the focus is on the shoreline area. The setup usually includes aquatic plants placed in floating containers that are fixed to the back wall of the aquarium. These plants often grow up and out of the tank, especially if the top is left open. It creates a natural, riverside look that blends land and water elements.

Saltwater Aquascaping vs Freshwater Styles

Dutch and nature-style aquascapes are built around freshwater environments. They use a wide mix of freshwater plants to create thick, living displays. Saltwater aquascapes are different. Most saltwater tanks can’t support the same kind of decorative plants, so the layout usually revolves around coral reef designs. Instead of plants, saltwater setups use live rock as the base. The structure is covered with corals, sponges, marine invertebrates, and algae. Coralline algae and macroalgae add texture and color, serving the same visual role as plants do in freshwater tanks.

Lighting for Reef Tanks

Light is critical in reef aquascapes. Many of the animals in these tanks, like corals and giant clams, rely on tiny organisms called zooxanthellae. These algae-like microbes live inside the coral and glow under the right light. They need strong lighting, especially in the UV range, to stay healthy. Reef tank owners use special lamps to make the colors pop and help the corals thrive. The brighter the light, the more vibrant the tank looks.

Freshwater Plant Care and Tools

In freshwater setups, plant care matters as much as layout. Aquascapers trim plants to keep their shape and help them grow thick and full. If a plant won’t stay in place, it can be tied down with thread until it roots. Fertilizers are a must, usually added as liquid or tablets to speed up plant growth. Some tank substrates come with built-in nutrients, like laterite, which helps nourish the roots from below.

Some people also use reverse osmosis filters to deal with hard tap water. These filters strip minerals out of the water, making it safer for sensitive species. Once the water is filtered, minerals are added back in at the right levels to create ideal conditions for both plants and animals.

Light Requirements for Freshwater Tanks

Freshwater plants need the right type of light to grow. Tanks usually run on a full spectrum of light between 2 to 4 watts per gallon. Most aquascapers use timers to keep a consistent light cycle, which helps the plants stay healthy. Some people skip artificial lights entirely and place their tanks near a window. North or northeast-facing windows work best since they don’t get harsh, direct sunlight. This setup gives the plants a steady, natural light source.

Carbon Dioxide in Planted Aquariums

A planted tank often needs extra carbon dioxide. CO2 helps plants grow faster and stay healthier. There are two main ways to add it. One is a DIY setup, where a bottle of yeast, sugar, and warm water creates CO2 that flows into the tank through an airstone. The other option is a pressurized CO2 system, which slowly releases a set amount of gas. Both methods work. The pressurized system is more reliable but needs regular tank refills. The yeast method is cheaper, but it takes more hands-on work and needs frequent resets.

Dealing With Algae in Aquascaping

Algae is one of the most common problems in aquascaping. It shows up when there’s too much waste or leftover nutrients in the tank. To fix it, aquarists do regular water changes to keep nitrate levels down. Another trick is using algae-eating animals. Some fish, like those from the Crossocheilus, Gyrinocheilus, Ancistrus, Hypostomus, and Otocinclus groups, are known for cleaning algae. Certain shrimp and snails also help keep surfaces clean.

Keeping light and CO2 levels balanced is another key. When plants grow fast and healthy, they absorb all the nutrients, leaving less food for algae. When adding new plants, aquascapers sometimes disinfect them first using a diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide dip. This helps kill off hidden algae, snail eggs, or unwanted pests that might be hitching a ride.

Low-Tech Aquascaping and the Walstad Method

Not every aquascaper relies on heavy equipment. Some hobbyists keep things simple and still get great plant growth. This low-tech approach, known as the Walstad Method, was made popular by Diana Walstad. Instead of using gravel, this method often uses soil at the base. CO2 systems and strong filters are skipped entirely, and lighting is kept minimal. A small number of shrimp or fish are added, mostly to avoid excess waste. In these setups, the plants do most of the work, absorbing the nutrients from fish waste and helping clean the water naturally. It’s a slower process but often leads to stable, balanced tanks without constant upkeep.

Aquascaping Competitions in the Netherlands

Aquascaping contests began in the Netherlands with local clubs. There were over 100 clubs involved at one point. Judges had to train for around three years before they were qualified to score the tanks. These competitions still happen every year, organized by the National Aquarium Society.

The contests go through three rounds. First, there’s a local round. Winners from that level move on to district competitions. Then, the top scorers go on to the national level. These contests aren’t just about how the tank looks. Most of the judging points are based on biological health. That means clean water, healthy fish, and thriving plants matter more than flashy design. Dutch judges actually visit each contestant’s home to inspect the tank in person and test the water themselves.

Global Aquascaping Contests

Other major contests are held in the United States, Japan, and across Europe. The Aquatic Gardeners Association in the US, Aqua Design Amano in Japan, and AquaticScapers Europe in Germany all host yearly competitions. Entries come in from around the world as photos and written descriptions.

The Aquatic Gardeners Association contest looks at four areas: the first is overall impact, worth up to 35 points. Then, there’s composition and color use, which can earn up to 30 points. Materials and their placement score up to 20 points. Lastly, the long-term viability of the setup counts for 15 points.

IAPLC: The Top International Contest

The biggest event in aquascaping is the International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest, or IAPLC. It’s run by Aqua Design Amano. In 2024, it had 1,450 online entries. Winners in recent years include Josh Sim in 2017 and 2019, Takayuki Fukada in 2015 and 2016, and Luis Carlos Galarraga in 2024. This contest is the highest-profile event in the aquascaping world.

Other European Competitions

There are also smaller contests held across Europe. Acuavida hosts one in Spain. Greece has its own event, run by the Greek Aquarist's Board. Aquagora handles the French competition. These events vary in size, but all help keep the community active and involved.

Aquascaping in Public Aquariums

Large aquariums have used aquascaping techniques for over a century. As far back as the 1920s, the New York Aquarium set up reef-style tanks with tufa rock and sea corals. These public displays often focus on accuracy. Most are designed to match real habitats, called biotopes, showing viewers how aquatic life looks in nature.

Lisbon Oceanarium’s Nature Aquarium Display

The largest public nature-style aquascape is in Portugal at the Lisbon Oceanarium. It’s called "Forests Underwater" and was created by Takashi Amano. It was meant to be a short-term exhibit, but it became a permanent fixture. As of 2024, it has been on display for over nine years. The tank uses Amano’s signature approach, blending plants, light, and layout into a living underwater forest that draws huge crowds.