How to aquascape

[A Hill]

I think as people age in the hobby they tend to prefer simple aquascapes that give the biggest punch. With that said there are two classic aquascaping styles.

Dutch, your nicely arranged stems and then foreground plants, no intermixing.

"Natural" or "ADA" style, nature style aquariums which allow much more plant mingling with each other.

Each can be acheived with many or only a few plant species.

It really comes down to the look and feel you're trying to achieve, and the experience level of the aquascaper.

-Andrew

[cah925]

Originally Posted by Orlando

This is a difficult question to answer. Its kinda like describing a haircut over the phone...

Your best bet would be to study as many aquascapes and there plants and try to mimic them.
You will also need to know which plants have certain demands such as high light, low light etc. There is plenty to read though here on PTF, the plant finder will help you to ID plants and give you a feel of what is what in plant species.
Most of all just have fun doing it, there is nothing wrong with trial and error.

Regards, Orlando

Originally Posted by Christine T

I just started my first planted tank in Sept of this year. What I found, was that being new to the hobby, I had very little knowledge of how things were going to look when they grew in. I ended up taking out a lot, adding a lot, taking out a whole lot, adding a little here, a little there, some more of that over here...etc.

I think that once you get a feel for how certain plants grow, and what they will look like when mature, it's probably easier to plan an aquascape. Anyone can plan that they want this or that here or there, but what matters is what it ultimately looks like (to you that is )

I agree with both these comments. I spent some time just growing plants to learn what I can and cannot grow based on the conditions I have in my tanks. Now that I have a better feel for it, I am trying to actually scape. I have 1 tank in particular that I am very pleased with, another 2 that are coming along but still need a little work.

[EdTheEdge]

Originally Posted by JL15219

What is the best way to aquascape using 3 to 4 different species of plants or using many? I guess what I am trying to ask is which way looks better...I hope this is clear

Try then try again... then you will want to try again... which will eventually lead to more trying.

It's the only way really.

[JL15219]

Originally Posted by EdTheEdge

Try then try again... then you will want to try again... which will eventually lead to more trying.

It's the only way really.

LOL Yeah well I basically buy every plant that I think I maybe able to grow

[bbaker]

Originally Posted by cah925

I agree with both these comments. I spent some time just growing plants to learn what I can and cannot grow based on the conditions I have in my tanks. Now that I have a better feel for it, I am trying to actually scape. I have 1 tank in particular that I am very pleased with, another 2 that are coming along but still need a little work.

You and me, both. I'm about to tear down my first tank, which was an "everything omelette." Not the best 'scape, but no regrets. It's not a bad idea to do that with a first tank - it's fun and you learn a lot that you can't get from a forum... and as long as you continue to make your monthly payments on all the plants it helps build your credit rating, too!

[maddyfish]

I am sort of a planted tank outsider, but I will add my thoughts. Find some actual underwater pictures and replicate them. Or better yet, go out snorkeling and look around on your own.
I have put together very few planted tanks that were actually meant to look good, most of my planted tanks are purely to service breeding livebearers, but when/if I put together an actual show tank planted tank, it will be in this manner.
I have freshwater snorkled all across FLorida and Kentucky and I have NEVER seen anything underwater that looks like one of those Japanese style planted show tanks. Why use natural life to build a completely un-natural, contrived aquascape? Might as well use a plastic diver and treasure chest.

[sewingalot]

Originally Posted by maddyfish

I am sort of a planted tank outsider, but I will add my thoughts. Find some actual underwater pictures and replicate them. Or better yet, go out snorkeling and look around on your own.
I have put together very few planted tanks that were actually meant to look good, most of my planted tanks are purely to service breeding livebearers, but when/if I put together an actual show tank planted tank, it will be in this manner.
I have freshwater snorkled all across FLorida and Kentucky and I have NEVER seen anything underwater that looks like one of those Japanese style planted show tanks. Why use natural life to build a completely un-natural, contrived aquascape? Might as well use a plastic diver and treasure chest.

This is actually an excellent idea to get a great planted scape.

[malaybiswas]

IMO, both can be done with the right plan and a few guidelines. And both can be beautiful if properly done and maintained. I like both ways.

If you want to keep it simple with 2-3 varieties, try to choose shorter fore/mid ground type plants to cover most of the space. If you want to add taller plants, use them as accents in corners, center or the background. With fewer species, if most of the space is covered with tall plants, it gives very less space for the fishes to move, hampers circulation of water as well as light availability in all areas of the tank.