Basic Aquascaping for Beginners
Aquascaping, like any other passion, takes time, dedication, and extensive research. So here we will teach you the basic knowledge about aquascaping, which can be challenging, but in the end very satisfying as a hobby.
Aquascaping is about basic principles of design and applying them to the aquarium. With the help of browsing other aquascapes, you’re encouraged to decide what style and layout you enjoy the most.
If you want to learn more about this art, keep on reading!
What are the things you need for aquascaping?
First things first, you need a tank
If you want to do some aquascaping, you will need a huge tank. With a small tank, it will accumulate waste faster, and therefore it is high maintenance. Height also plays an essential role in aquascaping.
Deep tanks are hard to clean, and as a result, it affects plant growth. Always remember not to choose a tank that is both narrow and deep. It’s dangerous for your plants and challenging to maintain anyway.
Excellent lighting
Aquarium lighting is vital for plant growth and fish health in the aquarium. It is especially crucial in planted aquascaped tanks that demands high light requirements.
LED lights utilize the latest technology allowing for lower wattage with the same output. It is profoundly customizable, and many commercial products exist in a wide variety of. It releases less heat and uses less power, an excellent choice for the modern aquarist.
A deeper tank may require more lighting while a shallower tank may need less. Light bulb temperature should be kept between 67,00K and 10,000K. These temperatures will more closely match the sunlight and give the plants the spectrum of light needed to grow.
Hardscape and substrate materials
A substrate is a material that serves as the ‘soil’ where nutrients can be found, and that also holds the roots of your plants, something very important if you want to create a layout for your aquascape. Hardscape elements, such as rocks, pebbles, gravel, stones, and driftwoods, help create balance and add the natural look to your design.
Water filtration system
Filtration is one of the essential things in your tank. It can make or break your tank’s health and appeal, because poor filtration means poor plant growth and fish coloration. That’s why it’s so critical as an aquascaper to use the correct filter for your tank!
But if you’re wondering what are some filter tools you can use, then keep in mind that there are only three primary tools: mechanical, biological and chemical, which include various types of filters.
No matter which filter you choose— from hanging filters, canister filters, internal filters, to undergravel filters—your most important mission is to keep the water clear and habitable.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) equipment
In a water tank, it is imperative that you provide your aquatic plants the supply of carbon needed dioxide using a CO2 system. Without it, they can’t photosynthesize to their full potential. Aquatic plants are autotrophs and make their food.
But the excessive supply of carbon dioxide can be harmful to your plants and fish. There are options in providing the right amount of carbon dioxide. You can choose a to use pressurized CO2 bottles or electronically generated CO2, and DIY CO2.
Planting the tank
Choosing plants for your aquarium should be about maintaining balance in your design. They could be moss, plants, grass or ferns, but experts recommend that you could use a combination of these. If you’re a beginner, you can opt for artificial ones. Vegetation is absent in aquariums with only a hardscape design.
Stick to a natural decor for your aquascape. For attention-grabbing, any other color should do the trick. Red and orange colored plants are also suitable for your aquascape. You should be informed of the size of the leaves of the plants as larger leaves make your tank look smaller than its real size. Plants with big leaves also hide the natural beauty of your aquascape. Therefore smaller plants work as well.
Fertilizers
Choosing the adequate liquid fertilizers helps your plants to reach optimum growth, so make sure to buy nitrate and phosphate-free fertilizers, perfect to prevent algae from growing.
To keep fish and aquatic life safe, get a time-release pond plant food. This will help feeding all types of flowering pond plants for 30 days.
The above tips should be beneficial for those who are new to the art of aquascaping. With constant practice, it is clear that you can make great aquascapes.
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