- Aquascaping.academy

Beginner’s Guide to Aquascaping: Easy Steps to a Beautiful Planted Aquarium

Dreaming of a lush, thriving planted aquarium? Aquascaping offers a unique way to express creativity while providing a vibrant ecosystem for your aquatic pets. Whether you’re new to the hobby or want to refine your skills, this guide offers essential steps and tips for beginners to create a stunning aquascape with confidence.

What is Aquascaping?

Aquascaping is the art of arranging aquatic plants, rocks, driftwood, and substrates in your aquarium to create captivating underwater landscapes. From nature-inspired layouts to intricate designs, aquascaping elevates the look and health of your fish tank. Not sure where to start? Our overview of aquascaping styles can inspire your creative direction.

Step 1: Choose the Right Aquarium

Pick an aquarium suitable for aquascaping. For beginners, a tank between 10 and 30 gallons (40-110 liters) is ideal—large enough for stability, yet manageable. Consider a rimless glass tank for optimal viewing and easy maintenance.

Step 2: Select Your Substrate

The substrate is the foundation of your planted aquarium. Nutrient-rich substrates like aquasoil support robust plant growth. For budget setups, blend inert gravel or sand with root tabs or layer an active substrate beneath decorative gravel for both function and aesthetic appeal.

Popular Substrate Choices

Aquasoil (Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, etc.)
Fine gravel or planted tank sand
Layered with leca or substrate additives for extra nutrients

Learn more about choosing the right substrate for various aquascaping styles and plants.

Step 3: Hardscape Design Basics

Hardscape elements—such as rocks and driftwood—provide structure. Begin with a focal point and use the Rule of Thirds to position major elements off-center for a natural look. Arrange rocks (like Seiryu or Dragon Stone) and driftwood to create depth, caves, and hideouts for fish.

Tips for Hardscape Placement

Test your layout outside the tank first
Use varying sizes and textures for realism
Anchor wood with rocks if it floats

Browse our hardscape inspiration gallery for ideas.

Step 4: Choosing Aquatic Plants

Start with easy, beginner-friendly plants that thrive in most conditions:

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Anubias (Anubias barteri and cultivars)
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)
Dwarf Sagittaria
Marimo Moss Balls

Place taller or bushier plants at the back and sides, mid-sized for the midground, and low-growing carpet plants (like Dwarf Hairgrass) in the front. For details about plant selection, see our best beginner plants guide.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Aquascape

Assembly Steps:

Rinse the tank and substrate (unless using pre-washed aquasoil).
Add substrate at a slope—higher at the back, lower in front—to create depth.
Arrange hardscape elements firmly into the substrate.
Mist substrate and hardscape lightly before planting.
Plant aquatic plants using aquascaping tweezers for delicate handling.
Fill the tank slowly with dechlorinated water to avoid disturbing your layout.

Install Equipment

Lighting: Choose LED lights designed for planted tanks—6-8 hours per day to prevent algae.
Filtration: Use a gentle sponge filter or hang-on-back filter for clear water and water movement.
Heater: Optional, but keep tropical tanks at 22-26°C (72-78°F).
CO₂: Not essential for beginners. Many easy plants thrive without added CO₂, but growth may be enhanced by a simple system.

Step 6: Cycle the Aquarium

Before adding fish or shrimp, allow your aquarium to go through the nitrogen cycle. This builds beneficial bacteria and prepares the tank for aquatic life. Test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels weekly—cycling takes 2-6 weeks.

Step 7: Stocking with Fish and Invertebrates

Once cycled, choose beginner-friendly species that complement your aquascape, such as Neon Tetras, Otocinclus catfish, Cherry Shrimp, or Amano Shrimp. Add livestock slowly and monitor water parameters.

Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Aquascape

Perform weekly water changes (25-50%)
Trim overgrown plants regularly
Monitor algae and adjust lighting if needed
Dose with liquid fertilizers for healthy plants
Clean the glass and filter monthly

For detailed care routines, refer to our aquascape maintenance guide.

Common Aquascaping Mistakes to Avoid

Using incompatible plants or fish
Skipping the cycling process
Overfeeding fish (can cause algae and water quality issues)
Setting up too ambitious layouts as a beginner
Neglecting regular plant maintenance

Ready to Start Your Aquascaping Adventure?

Aquascaping is both rewarding and therapeutic—perfect for hobbyists of all ages. With these beginner-friendly steps, you’ll build a beautiful planted aquarium that you can be proud of. Learn more with our comprehensive aquascaping guide and connect with the growing community here at Aquascaping Academy!

Share your aquascape creations with us and get ongoing tips—subscribe to our newsletter or join our aquascaping forum today!