Aquascaping is the art of underwater gardening: arranging aquatic plants
and decor in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium. There
are a number of distinct styles including the Dutch garden aquascape, the
Japanese nature style, jungles, biotopes, and for the more adventurous –
paludariums. Aquascapes usually include small fish or shrimps as well as
the plants, although some choose to feature plants only. Decor such as
driftwood and various types of rockwork can be used to further enhance the
scene.
The primary aim is to create an artistic underwater ‘landscape’, taking
in the requirements of individual plant species and their growth habits.
There are lots of factors that need to be considered and balanced,
including lighting, substrate, feeding (fertilisers), CO2 dosage, water
temperature, filtration, algae control etc. Aquascapes that include fish
must also take their needs into account.
