Freshwater Aquarium Aquascaping Ideas

The right aquascaping can make any aquarium look even better. No matter what the size of your tank or which fish you plan to keep, you can use an assortment of live plants, artificial plants and rocks to create a natural environment your fish are sure to love.

  1. Live Plants

    • Live plants are the perfect accent to your aquarium, but their usefulness goes beyond mere beauty. Live plants compete with algae for the available nutrients in the water, so you might see a marked decrease in algae growth after you introduce your live plants. Choose an assortment of live plants for your tank, including beginner-friendly species like Java fern, Java moss, water wisteria and sword plants.

    Tiered Sizes

    • Create a more interesting look in your tank by using various size plants throughout the aquarium. Place a line of tall plants in the back of the tank and use those plants to hide the air intake tubes, filters and other necessary but unsightly items. Place a line of medium size plants in the middle of the tank, and use smaller, shorter and bushier plants in the foreground. This creates a layered look that can be very attractive in any aquarium.

    Rock Caves

    • Many fish prefer to hide in caves and set up their territories around the entrances. You can create a rock cave by placing various size rocks and stones in the corners of your tank, as well as along the rear of the aquarium. Cichlids in particular enjoy nesting in these rock caves, and they may even use them as spawning areas and locations to raise their young.