Aquascaping
Aquascaping is the craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cavework, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium—in effect, gardening under water. Aquascape designs include a number of distinct styles, including the garden-like Dutch style and the Japanese-inspired nature style.[1] Typically, an aquascape houses fish as well as plants, although it is possible to create an aquascape with plants only, or with rockwork or other hardscape and no plants.
Aquascaping appears to have begun to be a popular hobby in the 1930s in the Netherlands, following the introduction of the Dutch style aquascaping techniques. With the increasing availability of mass-produced freshwater fishkeeping products and popularity of fishkeeping following the First World War, hobbyists began exploring the new possibilities of creating an aquarium that did not have fish as the main attraction.[2]
Although the primary aim of aquascaping is to create an artful underwater
Aquascape hobbyists trade plants, conduct contests, and share photographs and information via the Internet.[5][6][7] The United States-based Aquatic Gardeners Association has about 1,200 members.[7]
Designs
Dutch style
The Dutch aquarium employs a lush arrangement in which
Nature style
A contrasting approach is the "nature aquarium" or Japanese style, introduced in the 1990s by
Ryoboku
This aquascape style is based on using wood as the main hardscape material. The word Ryoboku (流木), which can be translated into English “driftwood”, represents aquariums set up with wood.
Iwagumi
The Iwagumi (岩組) term itself comes from the Japanese "rock formation" and refers to a layout where stones play a leading role.[16] In the Iwagumi style, each stone has a name and a specific role.[17] Rocks provide the bony structure of the aquascape and the typical geometry employs a design with three main stones, with one larger stone and two other smaller stones, although additional rocks can also be used.[18] The Oyaishi (親石), or main stone, is placed slightly off-center in the tank, and Soeishi (添石), or accompanying stones, are grouped near it, while Fukuseki (副石), or secondary stones, are arranged in subordinate positions.[19] The location of the focal point of the display, determined largely by the asymmetric placement of the Oyaishi, is considered important, and follows ratios that reflect Pythagorean tuning.[20]
Diorama
This nature aquascape sub-style uses a physical landscape or fantasy scene as the main source of inspiration. This aquascape style typically focuses on the hardscape in order to create a landscape effect with planting often limited to very small textures and a few species in order to maintain a sense of scale. The hardscape layouts are often highly complex underwater structures that take months to create rocks or wood being painstakingly glued together.[21]
Jungle style
Some hobbyists also refer to a "jungle" (or "wild jungle") style, separate from either the Dutch or nature styles, and incorporating some of the features of them both. The plants are left to assume a natural, untrimmed look. Jungle style aquascapes usually have little or no visible hardscape material, as well as limited open space. Bold, coarser leaf shapes, such as
Biotopes
The styles above often combine plant and animal species based on the desired visual impact without regard to geographic origin. Instead, Biotope aquariums are designed to replicate a particular aquatic habitat at a particular geographic location, not necessarily to provide a gardenlike display. Plants and fish need not be present, but if they are, they must match what would be found in nature in the habitat being represented. The gravel, hardscape, and chemical composition of the water must also represent the habitat desired. By including only organisms that naturally exist together, biotopes can be used to study ecological interactions in a relatively natural setting.[24][25]
For instance, blackwater biotope aquariums mimic a
Paludariums
A paludarium is an aquarium that combines water and land inside the same environment. These designs can represent habitats including tropical
A riparium is a paludarium that imitates a
Saltwater reefs
Dutch and nature style aquascapes are traditionally
Lighting plays a particularly significant role in the reef aquascape. Many corals, as well as tridacnid clams, contain symbiotic fluorescent algae-like dinoflagellates called zooxanthellae.[35] By providing intense lighting supplemented in the ultraviolet wavelengths, reef aquarists not only support the health of these invertebrates, but also elicit particularly bright colors emitted by the fluorescent microorganisms.[36]
Techniques
In addition to design, freshwater aquascaping also requires specific methods to maintain healthy plants underwater. Plants are often trimmed to obtain the desired shape, and they can be positioned by tying them in place inconspicuously with thread.[38][39] Most serious aquascapers use aquarium-safe fertilizers, commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help the plants fill out more rapidly.[40] Some aquarium substrates containing laterite also provide nutrients.[41] Reverse osmosis filters may be used mitigate damaging effects of hard water on sensitive animals and plants, and filtered water is remineralized to the ideal hardness.[42]
It is also necessary to support photosynthesis by providing light. A variety of lighting systems may be used to produce the full spectrum of light, usually at 2–4 watts per gallon (0.5–1 watts per litre).[43] Lights are usually controlled by a timer that allows the plants to be acclimated to a set cycle.[43] Alternatively, some aquarists opt for placing their aquariums near windows (usually north or northeastern-facing, to avoid harsh direct sun), without artificial lighting, thus giving plants a more consistent, natural light cycle.
Depending on the number of plants and fish, the aquascape may also require carbon dioxide supplementation. This can be accomplished with a simple homemade system (using a bottle filled with yeast, warm water, and sugar, connected to an airstone in the aquarium), or, more commonly, with a pressurized CO2 tank that diffuses a set amount of carbon dioxide into the aquarium water.[44][45] Both methods have benefits and challenges, with the use of pressurized carbon dioxide necessitating the refilling of tanks periodically, usually at a gas supplier, and yeast-sugar methods requiring general maintenance and more frequent changing-out.
Algae (including
Although serious aquascapers often use a considerable amount of equipment to provide lighting, filtration, and CO2 supplementation to the tank, some hobbyists choose instead to maintain plants with a minimum of technology, and some have reported success in producing lush plant growth this way.[49] This approach, sometimes called the "Walstad Method" and popularized by Diana Walstad, can include the use of soil in place of aquarium gravel, the elimination of CO2 apparatus and most filtration, and limited lighting. Only a few fish or shrimp are kept to limit the quantity of fish waste. Plants are used to perform the water-cleansing role typically played by aquarium filters by utilizing what fish waste there is as fertilizer.[50][51]
Contests
Early Dutch hobbyists began the practice of aquascape contests, with over 100 local clubs.[8] Judges had to go through about three years of training and pass examinations in multiple disciplines in order to qualify.[8][52] This competition continues to be held every year, under the auspices of the National Aquarium Society.[53] There are three rounds, beginning with contests in local clubs. First-place local winners are entered in the second round, held in fifteen districtkeuring (districts). The winners at that level are then entered in the third round, which is the national championship.[53]
In the Dutch contest, the focus is not only on composition, but also on the biological well-being of the aquarium's inhabitants. Most points are, in fact, awarded for such biological criteria as fish health, plant health, and water quality. Unlike contests in other countries, the judges travel to each contestant's home to evaluate the tank, where they measure the water parameters themselves.[53]
The Aquatic Gardeners Association,[54] based in the United States, Aqua Design Amano,[55] based in Japan, and AquaticScapers Europe,[56] based in Germany, also conduct annual freshwater aquascaping contests. Entries from around the world are submitted as photographs and explanatory text online.[57]
The Aquatic Gardeners Association contest is judged based on:
- overall impression (35 points),
- composition, balance, use of space and use of color (30 points),
- selection and use of materials (20 points), and
- viability of aquascape (15 points).[57]
There are also smaller contests conducted by Acuavida in Spain,[58] by the Greek Aquarist's Board,[59] and by the French association Aquagora.[60]
Public aquariums
Large
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Hennig, Matt (June 2003), Amano versus Dutch: Two art forms in profile, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, pp. 68–74.
- ^ Harrison, Tim (3 July 2019). "A Brief And Incomplete History of Aquascaping". Barr Report.
- ^ "Aquascaping 101 – An Introductory Guide for Beginners". FishTankSetups. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
- ISBN 0-86101-207-0
- ^ Mitchell, Sherry (2 October 2003). "The Fish Are Fine, but the Plants Are Fabulous". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
- ^ Wei, Tan Karr (26 July 2007). "The exotic trade of aquascaping". Malaysia Star. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
- ^ a b Netburn, Deborah (19 September 2009). "Aquascaping: Aquarium meets terrarium in the Japanese-inspired design practice". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
- ^ a b c d e Hudson, Robert Paul (30 May 2008), Going Dutch Archived 10 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
- ISBN 0-7938-0493-0.
- ^ "How Takashi Amano Takes Nature Photography to New Depths". Japan Objects.
- ^ Aqua Design Amano Co., Ltd. "Founder - Takashi Amano | ADA - NATURE AQUARIUM". Aqua Design Amano. (not an independent source)
- ^ a b "The Simple Aquascape". aquariuminfo.org.
- ^ The Nature Aquarium Style, 8 January 2014.
- ^ ISBN 978-1510753389
- ^ "AQUASCAPING TECHNIQUE and AQUARIUM SETUP LESSONS : Iwagumi, Ryoboku, Biotope". Aquascaping Lab. 7 September 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ "Iwagumi and Sanzon Iwagumi Aquariums," Aquatic Eden website, 11 February 2007.
- ^ "Iwagumi Aquascaping: A Beginner's Guide". The Aquarium Adviser. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
- ^ The Iwagumi Layout: An Introduction, 7 January 2014
- ^ Amano, Takashi (2009), How to improve your Iwagumi layout, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 22, number 1, pp. 37–41.
- ^ "The Golden Rule of Aquascaping," Aquatic Eden website, 16 November 2006.
- ISBN 978-1510753389
- ^ Farmer, George. "Our guide to aquascaping styles" (PDF). UK Aquatic Plant Society. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 August 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ Terver, Denis (2009). "Définition de aquascaping". Aquaportail (in French). Archived from the original on 22 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ James 1986, pp. 37–45.
- ^ "Biotope Aquaria," Mongabay.com, 7 December 2004.
- ^ Flickerton, Bob. "Blackwater Aquariums: How to Setup a Biotope Tank". fishtankadvisor. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- S2CID 164443814. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ Mari (20 November 2015). "Blackwater Aquariums". The Aquarium Guide. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ Flickerton, Bob (24 April 2020). "Blackwater Aquariums: How to Setup a Biotope Tank". Fish Tank Advisor. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ Paludariums: Discover Water Garden Terrariums!
- ^ Paludariums.net.
- ^ Michael (13 February 2020). "Difference between Aquarium, Terrarium, Riparium, and Paludarium?". Shrimp and Snail Breeder. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ISBN 1-890087-47-5
- ^ Michael, Scott W. (November 2006), Aquascaping reef habitats, Aquarium Fish Magazine, pp. 66–73.
- ^ Borneman 2004, pp. 47–55.
- ^ Borneman 2004, pp. 326–334.
- ^ Alexander, Bob (November 2005). "The first Parlour Aquariums and the Victorian Aquarium Craze". History of parlour aquarium. parlouraquariums.org. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2010.
- ^ Amano, Takashi (2008), Nature aquarium techniques to create & maintain an aquascape, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 21, number 2, pp. 8–17.
- ^ Turon, Lluis Ruscalleda (2009), How to use Riccia and Java moss in the aquarium, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 22, number 4, pp. 11–13.
- ^ James 1986, p. 16.
- ^ James 1986, p. 28.
- ^ Woodward, John. "Why You Should Use Reverse Osmosis Water for Your Aquarium". freshwatersystems. Fresh Water Systems. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ a b James 1986, pp. 20–29.
- ^ James 1986, p. 17.
- ^ Nyberg, Tarah (2003), Yeast CO2 Archived 18 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine, (Retrieved 10 October 2009).
- ^ Claussen, Kathleen. "How to Remove Algae from a Fish Tank". Fetch. WebMD. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ James 1986, pp. 46–47.
- ^ L, Tammy. "How to Quarantine New Aquarium Plants". buceplant. BucePlant. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ Lass, David A. (March 2009), Three tough planted tanks, Aquarium Fish International, pp. 30–37.
- ISBN 0-9673773-1-5.
- ^ "Online forum on the "Natural" method". Aquaticplantcentral.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Bondskeurmeesters: Judges' website". Cbkm.nl. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b c "NBAT Dutch contest website". Nbat.nl. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Aquatic Gardeners Association". Aquatic-gardeners.org. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Aqua Design Amano". Adana.co.jp. 27 April 2012. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "AquaticScapers Europe". Aquaticscapers.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b "Aquatic Gardeners Association judging website". Showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Acuavida". Acuavida. Archived from the original on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Greek Aquarist's Board". Aquatek.gr. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
- ^ "Aquagora CAPA". Aquagora.fr. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ISBN 1-4102-1147-9.
- ^ Buckley, Kate (2010), Planted aquaria for zoological parks, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 23, number 4, pp. 5–20.
- ^ "Forests Underwater". Oceanário de Lisboa. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
Further reading
- ISBN 0-7938-0089-7.
- Artists Create Mesmerizing Miniature Worlds, All Within The Confines Of A Fish Tank, at the Huffington Post, 4 February 2014 (accessed 17 February 2014). Includes noteworthy photographs of aquascapes.
External links
The following sites offer tutorials, images, and in-depth discussions on aquascaping styles and techniques:
- Aquatic Gardeners Association
- UK Aquatic Plant Society
- Great Aquascapes Group at Flickr
- Aquatic Eden Website
- Advanced Aquascaping Guide
- Rotala Butterfly – Calculator tools for planted tanks
These sites provide extensive non-commercial descriptions of aquatic plant species and their use in aquascaping:
- Aquatic Plant Finder Archived 16 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database