Introduction to Aquascaping Styles

1. Nature Aquarium Style

 

Origin: Developed by Takashi Amano
Characteristics:

  • Mimics natural terrestrial landscapes underwater
  • Uses the "golden ratio" for layout composition
  • Features prominent hardscape (rocks/driftwood) as focal points
  • Employs carpeting plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides
    Plant Selection: Mosses, ferns, and stem plants with varying leaf sizes

2. Dutch Style

 

Origin: Traditional Dutch aquarium gardening
Characteristics:

  • Focuses exclusively on plant arrangement
  • Uses terraced layers (street plan) with tall background plants
  • Emphasizes color contrast and leaf texture variations
  • Minimal or no hardscape elements
    Distinct Feature: 70-80% plant coverage with open foreground

3. Iwagumi Style

 

Origin: Japanese rock arrangement tradition
Characteristics:

  • Features odd-numbered stone formations (usually 3 main stones)
  • Strict adherence to "Sanzon Iwagumi" (Buddha triad) composition
  • Low-growing carpet plants enhance the minimalist aesthetic
  • Symbolizes harmony and balance
    Key Rule: Oyaishi (main stone) must be 2/3 tank height

4. Biotope Style

 

Origin: Ecological replication movement
Characteristics:

  • Reproduces specific natural habitats authentically
  • Uses only species coexisting in the wild
  • Includes appropriate substrate, water parameters, and decor
  • Often features "blackwater" conditions for Amazonian biotopes
    Documentation Requirement: Must cite geographic reference

5. Jungle Style

 

Characteristics:

  • Dense, unstructured plant growth simulating tropical waterways
  • Allows plants to grow freely above water surface
  • Incorporates floating plants and emergent growth
  • Creates natural hiding spots for fish
    Maintenance: Requires frequent pruning

6. Paludarium Style

 

Hybrid Nature: Combines aquatic and terrestrial elements
Unique Features:

  • Waterfall effects and misting systems
  • Semi-aquatic plants like Cryptocoryne and Anubias
  • Often houses amphibians alongside fish
  • Requires careful humidity control

7. Minimalist/Wabi-Kusa Style

 

Philosophy: "Acceptance of imperfection"
Traits:

  • Small-scale planted containers
  • Uses emergent growth forms
  • Low-maintenance moss balls as focal points
  • Popular for nano aquariums

8. Saltwater Reef Style

 

Marine Variant:

  • Focuses on coral placement and growth patterns
  • Requires advanced lighting and water chemistry control
  • Features live rock as natural filtration
  • Creates intricate cave systems for marine life