How to Set Up an Aquascape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aquascaping is more than just setting up an aquarium—it’s about creating an underwater world that’s both visually stunning and functional for your fish and plants. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through setting up a thriving planted tank. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Add Aquasoil to the Bottom of the Tank

A good substrate is the foundation of a successful aquascape. Aquasoil provides essential nutrients for plant growth and helps maintain stable water parameters.

? Tip: Slope the aquasoil higher toward the back of the tank to add depth and perspective to your layout.

Step 2: Add Hardscape (Rocks & Driftwood)

Your hardscape—rocks, driftwood, and other decorations—defines the overall look of your aquascape.

? Choose natural-looking materials like Seiryu stone, dragon stone, or spiderwood to create a balanced, nature-inspired design.
? Placement matters! Follow the "Rule of Thirds" to create a visually appealing composition.

Step 3: Add Live Plants

Time to bring your aquascape to life! Choose plants that match your skill level and maintenance routine.

? Beginner-Friendly Plants:
✔ Anubias (low-light, hardy, attach to hardscape)
✔ Java Fern (slow-growing, doesn’t need substrate)
✔ Cryptocoryne (great for foreground and midground, easy to maintain)

? Tip: Use aquascaping tweezers for precise planting, and mist plants with water while setting up to prevent them from drying out.

Step 4: Add Dechlorinated Water

Slowly fill the tank with dechlorinated water to avoid disturbing your layout.

? How to prevent cloudiness?
✔ Place a plate or plastic bag over the substrate and pour water gently over it.
✔ Use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and chloramine.

Step 5: Cycle the Tank (2-4 Weeks)

Before adding fish, you need to establish beneficial bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrites.

? Cycling Tips:
✔ Add bacteria supplements to speed up the process.
✔ Test water weekly for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
✔ Introduce snails or shrimp to help with algae control.

? Ready for fish? Once ammonia and nitrites hit 0 ppm and nitrates are under 20 ppm, your tank is safe!

Step 6: Test Water & Add Fish!

Once your tank is cycled, it's time to test water parameters and introduce fish slowly.

? Great beginner fish for aquascapes:
✔ Neon Tetras
✔ Guppies
✔ Cherry Barbs
✔ Otocinclus (great for algae control!)

? Acclimate fish by floating the bag in your tank for 15-30 minutes before releasing them.

Final Touches & Maintenance

✔ Lighting: Use an aquarium light suited for plant growth (6-8 hours daily).
✔ Fertilization: Add liquid fertilizers or root tabs as needed.
✔ Water Changes: Perform weekly 20-30% water changes to keep parameters stable.

Start Your Aquascaping Journey Today!

Now that you know how to set up an aquascape, it’s time to create your dream tank! Need supplies? Check out PetZoneSD for premium aquasoil, plants, hardscape, and fish!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or visit us in-store!