How to Do Aquascaping

Aquascaping an aquarium is an exciting and important part of keeping fish. Aquarists should strive to create underwater scenes, which resemble nature as closely as possible. From an aesthetic point of view, keep tall décor toward the rear of the aquarium. This applies to pieces of driftwood and plants, as well as any ornaments the hobbyist might choose to include in the aquarium. Java moss will soften hard surfaces, such as pieces of driftwood, once encouraged to grow on the wood.

Things You'll Need

  • Freshwater aquarium
  • Pre-washed aquarium gravel
  • Cotton thread
  • Java moss
  • 3 pieces of driftwood
  • 3 large (twice fist-size) rounded river rocks
  • 2 handfuls of small round river stones
  • 9 to 15 broad-leaved plants
  • 9 to 13 fine-leaved plants
  • Heater
  • Internal filter
  • Small pieces of driftwood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place pre-washed aquarium gravel onto the bottom of the aquarium. Slope the gravel from back to front, with a depth of 2 inches at the rear of the tank and a depth of 1 inch at the front. This gentle slope will allow debris and detritus to accumulate near the front of the aquarium, where you can easily siphon it out.

    • 2

      Use cotton thread to secure various pieces of Java moss onto three attractive pieces of driftwood. Ensure that you secure the moss onto any thin branches of wood that point out from the main piece.

    • 3

      Place these pieces of driftwood on the gravel. Spread them out, with the largest piece toward the rear of the aquarium.

    • 4

      Place three large, round pre-washed rocks into the tank. Position each one near and in front of the pieces of driftwood.

    • 5

      Position a number of small and rounded river stones, in small groups, around the larger rocks.

    • 6

      Plant nine to 15 large-leaved plants along both sides and along the back glass pane of the aquarium. Choose plants with naturally red or dark green leaves for these areas. Always plant your aquatic vegetation in odd numbers, which creates a more natural look.

    • 7

      Plant nine to 13 fine-leaved plants in the center of the aquarium, but toward the back.

    • 8

      Place your heater and internal filter on one of the side glass panes, so that they are not immediately visible when you look into the aquarium.

    • 9

      Use cotton thread to attach small pieces of Java moss to tiny pieces of driftwood and place these on the gravel, near the center of the gravel. Place them close to the front glass pane.

    • 10

      Allow your plants to grow for at least three months before trimming the leaves.