How To Setup An Aquascape Aquarium

When setting up an aquascape aquarium, obviously the critical living things you need are aquatic plants—be it live or artificial plants—and along with other non-living decorative items and aquarium equipment. But first, let discuss why we need aquatic plants in aquarium and their main functions:

Function of Aquatic Plants In Aquarium

• They visually enhance your tank.
• They provide shade and shelter for the fish.
• They keep water conditions pure by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen.
• They help remove nitrate, a waste product, by utilizing it as food.

Preparing Your Aquascape Aquarium

• Plan the desired layout thoroughly beforehand. Ensure that everything that goes into the tank—plants, fish, rocks—is compatible with and suited to the system you have chosen (for example, tropical freshwater or marine.)
• Add plants, branches, rocks and gravel to create an interesting variety of textures and shades. The design should incorporate ways to hide technical hardware (by positioning rocks strategically, for the fish to swim freely, and give reclusive species of fish places to hid.
• If you are using a biological filtration system, fit the undergravel filter plate into position before adding your base material.
• Pour the base material over the bottom of the tank. Create a slope that undulates from front to back, to give a sense of perspective to the aquarium.
• Use bogwood or driftwood to enliven your aquascape. Weigh them down or push them deep into the gravel to prevent them from floating to the surface.
• It is advisable to add some water before planting, so you can judge the effect of your efforts. Do not fill the tank completely until you finish planting. Run the water over the rocks to avoid disturbing the base.
• Select plants that are healthy and easy to look after. Ensure plants are thoroughly cleaned before use. You can use artificial plants if you keep herbivorous fish as they would quickly denude your tank of the plants.

How To Arrange Your Aquatic Plants

• Begin by placing taller plant species around the back and sides of the tank. Do not hide the glass completely—leave small gaps to create the illusion of space beyond.
• Use medium-sized, bushy plants as space fillers, and place smaller species in the foreground. Low-growing species look good planted in front of rocks.
• Make your aquascape attractive by selecting a “star” specimen plant which stands out from the rest of the plants, as a point of interest.
• To create a natural look, plant each species in groups.
• Do not push the plants too deeply into the gravel—the crown should be level with, or just above the gravel bed.
• Spread the roots out in the gravel.

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