Concave Layout Tutorial: Complete Guide for Intermediates

Ready to elevate your aquascaping skills? The concave layout is a classic aquascape style beloved for its dramatic sense of depth and natural aesthetics. This comprehensive tutorial will guide intermediate aquascapers through every step of building a stunning concave aquascape, from concept and hardscape to planting, maintenance, and expert tips.

What is a Concave Aquascape Layout?

The concave layout is an aquascaping design where the substrate and hardscape rise on both sides while dipping down in the center, creating a visually appealing “valley” or “glen” effect. This aquascape composition draws the viewer’s eye towards the central focal point and enhances depth perception—a key element in professional-looking aquascapes.

Why Choose a Concave Layout?

Depth & Dimension: The dip in the middle mimics natural riverbeds and valleys, adding perspective.
Showcases Mid-ground Plants: Ideal for highlighting mid-ground flora or a feature, such as driftwood or rock.
Easy Fish Movement: Fish enjoy the open ‘valley’ for swimming and exploration.
Flexible Planting: Suitable for a variety of aquatic plant species.

Essential Equipment & Materials

Before starting your concave aquascape, make sure you have the right gear:

Glass aquarium (60-90cm wide is perfect for beginners to intermediates) – see our guide on aquarium sizes
High-quality substrate (nutrient-rich or inert, depending on plant selection)
Hardscape materials: stones (e.g., Seiryu, Dragon Stone) and/or driftwood
Selected aquatic plants (foreground, midground, background types)
Aquascaping tools (tweezers, scissors, substrate spatula)
Lighting suitable for plant growth
CO₂ system (optional but recommended)
Filtration system and heater (if required)

Step-By-Step Concave Layout Aquascaping Tutorial

1. Plan Your Aquascape

Sketch your desired concave layout or gather reference photos to clarify your design and flow. Consider the focal point—should the valley be centered or off-center for a more natural look?

2. Prepare the Substrate

Add a nutrient-rich bottom layer if you’re planting heavy root feeders.
On both sides of the aquarium, build up the substrate to form the “hills,” sloping it downwards towards the center to establish the concave shape.
Use a brush or spatula for a smooth gradient and to prevent avalanche effects once water is added.

3. Build the Hardscape

Arrange rocks or driftwood starting with the largest pieces positioned on the “hills,” framing the valley.
Place smaller stones or wood to fill gaps and enhance the natural look, avoiding symmetrical patterns.
Test different angles and placements before finalizing your hardscape. Photograph your progress for comparison.

Pro tip: Consider using aquascaping glue or cable ties to securely join hardscape pieces, making maintenance easier.

4. Plant Selection & Positioning

A chieving healthy plant growth is crucial for a vibrant concave layout. Balance leaf shapes, heights, and colors for depth and contrast:

Foreground: Short carpeting plants such as Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears), Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass), or Monte Carlo.
Midground: Bushy or mid-height species e.g. Cryptocoryne wendtii, Staurogyne repens, or Bucephalandra.
Background/“Hills”: Taller plants such as Rotala rotundifolia, Vallisneria, or Ludwigia arcuata to enhance the concave slope.
Consider mosses or Anubias attached to hardscape for a more organic feel. See our complete moss guide.

Plant densely from the beginning for best results and less algae risk.

5. Filling & Cycling the Aquarium

Gently fill your tank to avoid disturbing the scape (use a plate or plastic bag to soften water flow).
Cycle your aquarium properly to establish beneficial bacteria—see our aquarium cycling tutorial.

6. Lighting, CO₂ & Fertilization

Set your lighting for 8-10 hours daily. Gradually increase light to prevent algae.
Inject CO₂ (optional, but beneficial for demanding plants & lush growth).
Implement a regular fertilization regime adjusted for your plant selection. Review our fertilizer guide for details.

Advanced Tips for a Professional Finish

Layer substrate with different grain sizes for natural appearance and better plant anchoring.
Use “negative space” in the valley for drama—less can be more.
Maintain asymmetry between the left and right “hills” for realism.
Trim plants regularly to maintain the concave effect as they grow.
Experiment with strategic placement of red or colorful plants along the slope for a visual highlight.

Maintaining Your Concave Aquascape

Perform weekly water changes (at least 30%) to keep water parameters stable.
Trim and replant overgrown stems to preserve the valley structure.
Monitor plant health and respond quickly to signs of algae or nutrient deficiency.

For more on maintenance, check our aquascaping maintenance checklist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too little substrate on the sides, which causes the slope to flatten over time.
Overcrowding plants in the valley—keep this area open to enhance depth.
Neglecting water flow, which can lead to stagnant pockets or uneven CO₂ distribution.

Inspiration: Stunning Concave Aquascape Examples

Browse our gallery of layout ideas for more concave aquascape inspiration and new plant/hardscape combinations.

Conclusion

Mastering the concave layout opens a world of artistic possibility in aquascaping. With thoughtful planning, striking hardscape, vibrant planting, and good maintenance routines, your aquarium will capture attention and provide a flourishing habitat for plants and fish alike.

Ready to Start Your Concave Aquascape?

Explore more advanced tips, detailed guides, and aquascaping inspiration at aquascaping.academy. Share your progress in our community or leave any questions in the comments—happy scaping!