Must-Know Basics for Aquascaping Beginners: Five Key Tips to Build Your Underwater Garden
In recent years, aquascaping has become a popular form of interior art. The lush greenery swaying underwater creates a living masterpiece that soothes the mind. Building a perfect aquascape not only offers visual delight but also a sense of accomplishment as you engage in water changes, algae removal, equipment cleaning, and maintaining ecological balance.
From setting up the tank to building the hardscape and planting aquatic plants, these are just the initial steps in aquascaping. After setting up the tank, it enters a two-week “cycling phase.” This phase focuses on cultivating beneficial nitrifying bacteria, removing harmful substances, and balancing water elements. Once water conditions stabilize, plants grow well, and the fish and shrimp are thriving, the cycling process is complete.
Next comes the 2-3 month “scaping phase,” during which plants are adjusted and trimmed according to their growth to achieve the desired design. Finally, the tank enters the long-term “maintenance phase,” requiring careful attention to ensure plant health, algae control, and prolonged visual appeal. Today, we’ll explore five common maintenance questions to help you manage your aquascape more effectively.
How to Change the Water?
An aquascape is a self-contained ecosystem that struggles to maintain balance over time. Regular water changes are crucial for reducing harmful substances and maintaining a healthy balance of nutrients. Without water changes, toxic buildup can harm plant health and encourage algae blooms.
Water Change Methods
- Cycling Phase
- Days 1-3: Replace 50% of the water daily.
- Day 4 onward: Replace 1/3 of the water every other day until the cycling phase is complete.
- Maintenance Phase
- Replace 1/4 to 1/5 of the water weekly.
- Algae Outbreaks
- Replace 1/4 of the water every other day until algae growth is under control.
How to Fertilize?
Proper fertilization is essential for healthy plant growth. The most commonly used fertilizers in aquascaping are base fertilizers, root fertilizers, and liquid fertilizers.
Fertilization Tips
- Base Fertilizers
- Add during the initial setup and avoid reapplying later.
- Root Fertilizers
- Use when larger or fast-growing plants show signs of nutrient deficiency. Insert the fertilizer near the plant’s roots for quick, localized effectiveness.
- Liquid Fertilizers
- Add when most plants in the tank show nutrient deficiencies.
- Start with the minimum recommended dosage and gradually adjust to avoid algae blooms.
- Increase frequency if water changes are performed more often.
How to Add CO2?
CO2 plays an essential role in aquascaping, providing plants with much-needed carbon for growth and helping to suppress algae.
Recommendations for CO2
- Continuous Supply
- It’s best to keep CO2 running 24/7 to avoid fluctuations in pH levels.
- Special Cases
- If fish or shrimp show signs of distress at night, synchronize CO2 with the aquarium lights or use an air pump during off-hours to maintain oxygen levels.
How to Clean the Filter?
The cleaning frequency for filters depends on water flow and algae levels:
- If water flow remains strong and algae outbreaks are minimal, clean the filter every 3 to 6 months.
Cleaning Steps
- Reserve two buckets of tank water.
- Open the filter, discard the dirty water, and clean the filter body.
- Rinse the filter media in the reserved tank water—never use tap water.
- When replacing filter media, do so incrementally (e.g., 1/3 at a time) to avoid disrupting the tank’s ecosystem.
How to Trim Aquatic Plants?
Trimming not only enhances the aesthetics of your aquascape but also promotes plant health and growth.
Trimming Techniques
- Stem Plants
- When plants grow close to the water’s surface, cut them 1/3 above the roots. Replant the trimmed sections if needed.
- Bushy Plants
- Remove old or yellowing leaves during trimming.
- Carpet Plants
- For plants like dwarf hairgrass and Monte Carlo, use curved scissors to “mow” the foliage.
Trimming is an art that takes practice. With time and effort, you’ll be able to shape your aquascape into a stunning underwater garden.