How to Dutch Style Rules (Intermediate Guide)

Are you ready to take your aquascaping skills to the next level? The Dutch style is both classic and striking, featuring lush plant groupings and vibrant colors. In this intermediate guide, we’ll break down the official Dutch style rules, discuss top plant selections, and share essential tips for creating a healthy, competition-ready Dutch aquascape. Whether you’re upgrading from a beginner layout or aiming for show-quality results, this article will help you master the art of the Dutch-style aquarium.

What Is the Dutch Style in Aquascaping?

Dutch aquascaping is one of the oldest and most respected aquascaping techniques, originating in the Netherlands during the 1930s. Instead of relying on hardscape elements, Dutch tanks use lush plant groupings, varied heights, and bold color contrasts to create a “living garden.” Each plant species plays a role in the overall design, making careful planning essential for success.

• No hardscape dominance: Stones and wood are optional and seldom featured.
• Plant variety: High plant density, with 8-12 species minimum for typical displays.
• Structured layout: Arranged in terraces, streets, and distinct plant groups.

For more on different aquascaping styles, see our Comprehensive Guide to Aquascaping Styles.

Core Dutch Style Rules (The NBAT Guidelines)

The Dutch style is governed by official rules published by the NBAT (Nederlandse Bond Aqua Terra), which judges top aquascaping contests. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use of Plant “Groups”

Each plant species is grouped together in clusters or “streets.” These should be:

• No wider than the tank is deep (usually 4-12 cm wide)
• Clearly separated from adjacent plant groups

Limit groups of the same species to three or fewer for visual diversity.

2. Structured “Street” Planting

The hallmark of Dutch style is the “plant street”—long, narrow rows that often use similar-leafed species but contrasting colors. Arrange these diagonally or front-to-back for depth.

3. Color and Texture Contrast

A Dutch aquascape should contain dramatic contrasts in:

• Leaf colors (reds, greens, pinks, browns)
• Leaf shapes and sizes (thin, broad, lacy, spikey)

Avoid placing two similar plants side-by-side to maintain visual interest.

4. Foreground, Midground & Background Layers

Design your scape with clear height differences:

• Foreground: Short, carpeting plants (e.g. Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)
• Midground: Medium-height bushy species (e.g. Staurogyne repens)
• Background: Tall, stem plants (e.g. Hygrophila polysperma, Limnophila aquatica)

This layering creates depth and perspective—a Dutch tank should feel multidimensional.

5. Minimal Hardscape Use

Wood and rocks are allowed, but should be discreet and never dominate the layout.

6. Open “Sand Path”

Traditional Dutch setups often feature a curved sand path, leading the eye into the tank. This isn’t required but remains a competition favorite.

Best Plants for Dutch Style Aquascaping

Successful Dutch tanks use a wide botanical palette. Some favorites for their growth habits and coloration:

• Rotala rotundifolia: Vibrant pinks and reds for contrast streets.
• Ludwigia repens: Classic red-stem plant, perfect for taller backgrounds.
• Alternanthera reineckii: Intense red foliage, slow grower.
• Pogostemon erectus: Pine-like, vertical stems.
• Bacopa caroliniana: Rounded, thick leaves in bushy clusters.
• Hygrophila corymbosa: Fast-growing, green-blue hue.
• Echinodorus bleheri: Large, background “anchor” plant.

Mix fast and slow growers, and always prune aggressively to maintain street shape and avoid overgrowth.

Step-by-Step Layout Planning

1. Sketch Your Layout:

   Draw a top-down and a front-view diagram. Mark the spots for each species, paths, and terraces.

2. Choose Contrasting Plants:

   Pick at least 8-12 plant species with different textures/colors. Plan streets and groups with clear separations.

3. Layer Substrate and Add Hardscape (If Any):

   Use nutrient-rich substrate for root feeders. Only minimal stones or driftwood, if at all.

4. Plant From Back to Front:

   Install background stem plants first, then midground, then carpet/foreground species.

5. Establish Clear Group Divisions:

   Leave visible gaps (often sand lanes) between groups for a crisp, professional look.

For more layout inspiration, check out our Dutch Aquascaping Gallery.

Maintenance Tips for Stunning Dutch Aquascapes

Pruning and Shaping

Regular trimming is essential for Dutch tanks. Cut plants just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth and maintain defined streets. Remove overgrown stems weekly, and thin dense groups to prevent algae problems.

Fertilization & CO₂ Injection

Dense planting demands consistent nutrients. Dose with a balanced aquarium fertilizer and supplement with iron for red plants. CO₂ injection improves growth rates and coloration, giving your Dutch layout that vibrant show-quality finish.

Light and Water Parameters

• Lighting: 8-10 hours per day with medium to high intensity.
• Water changes: 30-50% weekly to maintain crystal clarity and healthy growth.

Fish and Invertebrate Choices

Small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf corydoras complement the lush planting. Consider adding clean-up shrimp for algae management, but avoid large fish that might distort or uproot plant groups.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Too few plant species: Dutch tanks should look like underwater gardens, not mono-cultures.
• Poor contrast: Plan each street with both color and leaf shape in mind.
• Messy group boundaries: Use curved, natural borders between groups—not sharp straight lines.
• Overgrowth: Schedule regular pruning to prevent chaos and shadowing.
• Unbalanced layout: Step back and view from different angles to check overall balance.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Dutch Style Aquascape

The Dutch style is a rewarding challenge for aquascapers who love plants and crave structured elegance. By following NBAT rules, focusing on vibrant contrast, and maintaining clear group boundaries, you’ll craft a tank that’s both healthy and spectacular. Want to share your progress or ask questions? Join our Aquascaping Forum and connect with other Dutch aquascaping enthusiasts!

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