How to Aquascape: Nature Style

The Nature-style aquarium was introduced by Japanese aquarist Takashi Amano in the 1990s and has greatly influenced modern aquascaping worldwide. The style is inspired by natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. The Nature Aquarium does not create an underwater garden but recreates the beauty and peacefulness of nature inside an aquarium. 

The design depends on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. It values the beauty of balance, simplicity, and natural imperfection. As a result, Nature-style aquariums feature carefully arranged driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants that work together to create a scene that looks natural and harmonious.

What Are the Characteristics of the Nature Aquarium?

The Nature style aquariums are designed to recreate the beauty of natural landscapes inside an aquarium. It uses a careful arrangement of driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants to create a miniature underwater version of places such as hills, forests, mountains, rivers, or valleys. 

Most Nature-style aquariums are inspired by real landscapes and use a design principle from Japanese gardening. An important principle is the Golden Ratio (Golden Rule). It helps position the aquarium's main feature in a visually pleasing spot. 

Even if a nature aquarium looks simple and natural, it is actually carefully planned. Every rock, piece of driftwood, and plant is usually placed with a purpose to create a perfectly balanced and realistic scene. Dutch aquariums feature many plant species, whereas Nature-style aquariums usually have fewer. 

These plants are arranged in small, natural-looking groups to create a harmonious flow. Another key feature of the Nature aquarium is that it usually has one main focal point, such as a large rock or a unique piece of driftwood. The focal point is placed according to the Golden Ratio to naturally draw the viewer's attention. It maintains a balanced layout.

What Are the Principles of the Nature-Style Aquariums?

An important principle of Nature style aquarium is restraint. Avoid filling every part of the aquarium with plants or decorations. Open sand areas and swimming space. These are just as important as planted areas because they create balance and make the layout look natural. 

Choose How You Want Your Aquarium To Be

When you decide to set up your aquarium, check photos of natural aquascapes. There are different options available that include Rocky riverbanks, moss-covered hills, forest streams, and mountain valleys. 

Choose one landscape as your inspiration. Then, make a simple sketch of your aquarium layout. Mark the position of the main focal point and the direction you want the viewer's eye to follow. Even a quick sketch can help avoid major changes that can happen later. 

Here is How to Set Up Your First Planted Aquarium: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners.

Add The Substrate

You need to create a substrate to give the aquarium a sense of depth. Make sure to add about 3-4 cm of nutrient-rich aquarium soil at the front. Increase the depth to about 8-10 cm at the back. The slope can make the aquarium look larger and more natural. 

If you want to prevent the slope from collapsing over time, place lava rocks or substrate that supports plates under the higher areas before adding soil. You can also create a sand foreground, separated from the soil with small stones. The contrast between light-colored sand and dark aquarium soil creates the look of a natural riverbed. 

Know How to Plant Aquarium Plants in Substrate?

Set Up The Hardscape

You can start by placing your main rock or driftwood as the aquarium's focal point. Then add smaller rocks or branches around it to support the overall design. These secondary pieces complement the main feature without withdrawing attention. 

If you want to get a more natural appearance, use an odd number of rocks or wood pieces (such as 3 or 5). You can even bury the bottom 1-2 cm of each rock into the substrate so they appear naturally embedded instead of simply resting on top. 

When working, take a step back frequently and look at the aquarium from the front. You can take a photo with your phone, which helps you notice areas that need adjustment.

Plant The Aquarium

Divide the aquarium into three planting zones. 

You can plant heavily from the beginning. Dense planting helps reduce algae growth by allowing plants to absorb nutrients before algae can. Use long planting tweezers to place each plant carefully.

Here is A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Set Up a Healthy Aquarium for Beginners.

Fill The Aquarium

Fill the aquarium slowly to avoid disturbing the substrate and hardscape. You can place a plate or colander on the substrate and pour water onto it so it flows gently into the tank. Once your tank is filled, start with the equipment. Turn on the filter. 

Use a heater if your room temperature is too low, and keep the lighting on for only 5-6 hours per day. It happens during the first two weeks to reduce algae growth. During that period, add liquid carbon every day. You can even use a complete liquid fertilizer from the second week onward. Most new aquarium soil usually releases ammonia during the first few weeks. 

New aquarium soil usually releases ammonia during the first few weeks. If you want to remove it and help the aquarium cycle properly, do a 50% of water change every day for the first two weeks. Early maintenance is important because it helps prevent algae outbreaks and creates a healthier environment for plants and fish. 

Know 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Setting Up Your Aquarium. 

Trimming and Plant Growth

Fast-growing stem plants usually need their first trimming after 3-4 weeks, when they reach the water surface. If you want the plant group thicker, cut the stems to about half their height. Replant the trimmed tops back to the substrate. Carpeting plants spread naturally across the foreground, but these should be trimmed occasionally to keep them dense, short, and healthy. 

A nature aquarium usually reaches its best appearance after 3-4 months, when plants grow fully, carpeting plants have spread, moss has attached to rocks and driftwood, and the overall layout looks mature and natural. It is important to be patient. Don't add fish too early, increase the light too quickly, or use too much fertilizer, as these can lead to an algae problem. 

Follow Every Step To Set Up The Aquarium

A successful nature-style aquarium should look natural and effortless. The reason is that rocks, driftwood, and plants have always belonged together. The appearance can be achieved through careful planning, thoughtful placement of rocks and driftwood, choosing a small number of plant species, and leaving some open spaces rather than filling every corner. When you follow these steps and allow the aquarium time to mature, you can create a beautiful living landscape.