5 Things I Wish I Knew About Aquascaping

[@GirlTalksFish]

*Have you tried aquscaping before? If so, got any tips and tricks to share?* Here's my previous attempt at aquascaping (and yes, I was trying to use a calm nature documentary voice but it was _really_ hard): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZfKqnScaquLn7s

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

I always try to hide my filter and heater with tall fluffy plants, to give my tank a more natural look, as well as trying to use small plants to fill in gaps or where I think they will enhance the tanks look. Using floater plants gives the tank an untamed or jungle like look so I like to use those as well. I also use plants of different appearance. Although my plants are all low tech I pick plants that look different. I use plants with broad leaves, skinny leaves, and plants with needles like leaves to give some texture to the tank, as well as different hardscape, to fill in gaps, as well as add something different to a tank that’s just filled with plants. In one of my tanks, I have a single piece of gold vines driftwood, off of the centre and following into the side that has fluval stratum, and I feel like it gives the tank a very interesting look. I also use plants that not everyone has, such as aquarium banana lilies, floating Java moss balls, and blue stricta. These are all plants I don’t see very often and I feel like when you see a tank that doesn’t have plants in it that everyone else uses it gives tank character

[@supabiscuit]

@@xXdutchieeeXx I got alot from this comment, and the suggestion on plant types gives me something to look into. Thanks for posting this

[@SteveScapesYT]

IAPLC World Rank 2 from last year, aiming for World Champion this year. My tip would be to start with the most intensive diorama style-- tons of hardscape material, high impact, deep depth of field style like you see in the contests. The reason is that it's much easier to objectively judge your work, judge your progress than trying out the simpler styles like Iwagumi or Amano's NA styles. To get really good at the simpler styles takes intuition; which is simply a function of raw experience and very difficult to tell if you're getting better at or not-- you could spend decades doing it and not improving at all. With the diorama style, yeah it's a big investment and a ton of work, but if your scale is wrong, it looks wrong. Your wood either looks like real trees, or stone like mountains, or they don't. Very easy to be objective-- and while art is subjective, those who treat it as an objective endeavor will improve faster. The experience and and skills to do the simpler styles well will come naturally. What is easier for beginners? Smaller tank, low tech, little hardscape SEEMS easier because it is CHEAPER-- but being real, bigger tanks are more stable, high tech tanks take care of themselves more, and those who invest in quantity hardscape and tackle the heavily involved style of intensive diorama will definitely improve faster. Also Irene, glad to see you grab insights from Karen and George-- if you'd like to chat with me, my door is open.

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

@@supabiscuit my pleasure. I’m glad you found it useful

[@Lightning_McNugget]

Not really an aquascaping book, but I have to recommend: Ecology of the Planted Aquarium, by Diana L. Walstad.

[@wanderingturtleadventures8619]

One tip I like is that things look more natural in odd numbers. 1,3, or 5 rocks, pieces of drift wood, or plants in a cluster. Not always the rule but I’ve definitely found it to be true in most cases.

[@Aquafinity]

Definitely agree! Green aqua mentioned this in one of their videos!

[@dungbui1341]

It do be like that

[@bigsur370]

Yes! In design conventions ODD NUMBERS are one of the rules, it makes things more pleasing to the eye. Golden Ratio also helps!

[@missyflutter5562]

It’s actually a design principal and it is ALWAYS the rule 😊

[@johnnygee4206]

If anyone asks, I always refer to my aquascaping style as "abstract" so I can get away with anything and make it seem like I meant to do it. Comes in handy when your niece wants help with designing her tank. Pink gravel + bubbling mermaid + anubias = "abstract". BTW, congrats on 100K! Well done and well deserved!

[@muhammedadil3754]

Dont allow her to do that .

[@johnnygee4206]

@@muhammedadil3754 Too late. I got outvoted and overruled, 1 to 1. She's better at math than me, so I'm just taking her word that I lost.

[@muhammedadil3754]

@@johnnygee4206 what does that mean

[@sociallyawkwardbutterfly9764]

Hey, it's great that she wants to join in.

[@bunkfoss50yearsago53]

The way Irene poses in the thumbnails makes her look like a professional. Even though I know many people who have been this experienced since childhood, and many who are the prodigies of fish keeping, I would rather come watch her because she feels more like a pro. She is a pro, and the thumbnails are a prime example of why she seems like that.

[@brianwong9565]

I thank you for breaking down, the sometimes intimidating, world of aquascaping so that a newbies, like me, can gain a bit of courage to branch out and give it a try. I am fascinated by the diorama and iwagumi type scapes, but am nervous about the algae issues with the likely small number of plants.

[@lillgill156]

Uv sterilizer will be your friend if you get algae/bacteria blooms

[@MW-qw4mf]

Shoutout to all the aquarists who dump plants in and let them grow!

[@geraldwalker7609]

For somebody not specializing in aquascaping you did a mighty fine job.

[@jaymiller3238]

I watch all your videos, but this one really impressed me. I like the way you showcased the experts' advice, then compared it with your actual experience, successful or not so successful. It made me consider what I've currently accomplished, and imagine what I might do differently, next time. That's what a good instructional video should do, in my experience. Well done.

[@Giobemo]

Same. Inspirational without being overwhelming or intimidating.

[@DRaquascapes]

Thank you for this. I am a 6 year student of professional aquascapers and I appreciate you introducing and explaining real aquascaping to fish hobbyists.

[@HaleyJackson-j8s]

Such a fantastic break down and overview of everything aquascaping! THANK YOU!

[@tinywing1236]

awesome! me and my dad are making a aquarium stand and I will definitely save this for later!

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

Congrats on reaching 100,000 subscribers!

[@davidwilds3819]

Thanks for all the info. Going to check into those books. Also, nice Iverson cameo :)

[@vincentalaimo7527]

I always love your content and delivery. You’re very natural on screen! It’s like a friend dropping in to chat xoXo

[@lozzatam]

brilliant and informative vid as always!!

[@jamesholbrook7785]

Although I have little interest in aquascaping, I found this very informative and entertaining. Thank you so much Irene. You gave me some ideas.

[@condorX2]

I just realize you enjoy being a rookie fish keeper for decade😁

[@happygreenhanoi]

Thanks for sharing

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Great tips. I usually look at aquascapes I like and then simply try to copy them. I often add one more item that I like and then I am set. When I am tired of an aquascape I change it. Lots of my plants are on the hardscape. So it is easy to move things around. My last scape I have had for a year. I'm ready for a couple of changes. Have a good day.

[@naddyn685]

I like the way you translate complex aquascaping into user friendly language and practical tips!

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

One thing I wish I knew was to just go for live plants from the start. It gives your tank a natural looks, because well, it is. And your tank is always changing, plants are always growing and getting trimmed, new plants are being added, plants are being taken away. When you have fake aquarium plants and decorations it’s boring, it doesn’t give your tank character, nore does it ever change unless if you move things around a bit. One tip that I would give to all beginner fish keepers is to not be scared, try out live plants instead of fake, give aquascaping a go. YOLO so go all out 😁

[@supabiscuit]

Agreed 100. And artificial plants require so much cleaning and can harm the fish.... Plus you miss out on all the natural benefits live plants contribute to the quality of your water

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

@@supabiscuit yeah exactly. I can’t stand tanks with artificial plants in them anymore. It’s almost sad that people aren’t willing to try live plants

[@TheaVee]

@@xXdutchieeeXx hiii!! It’s Thea v from petscord

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@xXdutchieeeXx girl talks fish has a tank with plastic plants in it.

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

@@jeffalbillar7625 I know but hers at least looks more natural

[@joygopal]

Your water is crystal clear

[@twunderaquatics1770]

I love trying to aquascape. I've tried several styles but when the summer hits they all turn into Jungles. I always love anything Aquapro does. He's my goto on a lot of things. Great video. 👍

[@miss.scales7159]

Me: *struggles to grow plants* You: Ugh they grow too much

[@stephsexoticpets]

MD fish tanks is usually my go to :)

[@timothy_b03]

@@stephsexoticpets Yep i fell in love with his 4ft angel tank and have recreated it twice so far. About to be 3 times haha

[@condorX2]

I prefer aquaponics for my self cleaning nano tank. The households plants are free and the green light up the room.

[@ellenstrycker1239]

This is great, thanks. Im in the planning stages of a new 75 and I really want to make a nice display

[@jimmyjames2022]

Always enjoy your vids Irene. For a newbie, aquascaping can be a bit intimidating in terms of an ideal "expert" layout. I found a gratifying low tech layout just mimicking natural settings with mopani, dragon stones, java ferns and one anubias petit for some shrimps and snails. With some scissors and forceps I can trim plants easily to keep the growth looking controlled, or I can just let it go like your 'jungle'. Cory at the COOP says that letting the tank 'season' without too much tinkering is the best way forward and that worked for me.

[@apss5736]

The fish love it too. I have a betta in a planted jungle tank and he loves it

[@ymannmisa9290]

For someone who don't usually Aquascaping the Tips and advice that you are giving is way better than those who are really doing it. Thank you for taking the trouble kf researching for us and keep the info going

[@bugsandbrushes]

What an interesting video. Now I'm even more happy with my first ever aquarium I've recently set up. I guess being an illustrator was a huge advantage for me, since I pretty much applied composition rules to design my tank and it turned out fantastic (yes, I am shamelessly complimenting myself 😬).

[@bat8512]

BugsAndBrushes share a photo so we can see!

[@bugsandbrushes]

@@bat8512 uhm, not sure how to share here, but I'll sure upload some photos on one of my Instagram accounts if all the fish moved in. I'll make a note to let you know :)

[@meghannnickoloff5632]

Thanks Irene! Ive been wanting to learn how to style my tanks but haven’t been able to find videos that give a summary of principles. I will be referring back to this one many times as I redesign all my tanks !

[@waterlover]

Love this gals videos. She sounds so genuine

[@stephsexoticpets]

Yes! Thank you!! This video is exactly what I’ve needed. ~me glancing at my in progress aquascape~ I’ve seriously spent hoursss compiling pictures of aquascapes from google to tropica in albums for each of my tanks on my phone. Like, staring at them at night trying to decide what’s best for the fish 😂 I have plants from flip aquatics coming tomorrow!! I’m so excited. Thank you!!!!

[@jenxu2]

My tanks are all jungles at this point...lol! I use rocks wood and plants. I really like my scape to be pleasing to me. My main plan is to find fish that can be together then decor that I like. Jungle is definitely my style!

[@ed6393]

Great video. I'd say also, you don't have to worry about conforming to a particular style too much. Go with what YOU enjoy and think looks good.

[@garretforeman6313]

Love how this video is edited!

[@sneakyangels9156]

I really liked the video! Nice and informative. :)

[@Cbtrainnut]

Loved the practice practice practice pop up! What a great sense of humor. Thanks for the great info!

[@bbaasje]

Thank you for this information. Awesome graphics! Especially when you dres the lines on the aquarium

[@Cichlid_4_ever]

Omg I love those books I have read sunken gardens soooo much great reference book saved me on so much

[@supriyadivekar1021]

The video was awesome especially the intro.. And the jungle tank you have is amazing too

[@Aquafinity]

True!

[@dusk1947]

I love this hobby for the application of science. But aquascaping is where the science meets art. It's all esthetic with tidbits of horticulture mixed in. Like landscape design in a small box. Great tips and good references. My own experience showed that an extended hardscape-only period was extremely helpful. I had rock and wood only for weeks before putting in substrate. This allowed me to sketch plans and visualize what it could look like. And it was reorganize a good 8 time before I found something satisfying. Don't rush the hardscape. The other is an ability to predict the adult size of the plant. This is a key to land scaping. The plant might look great now, but it could triple in size. So put it where it's mature size is appropriate. Don't scape the tank today, scape the tank 3-6 months from now.

[@PalJoey-on1yi]

How many people realize that those beautifully 'scaped tanks in shows and photos in mags and websites are specifically created for the occasion and MAINTAINING and growing the plants are another thing entirely. There are resources out there on the subject, but we really need a couple of definitive books on the subjects of light and growing plants.

[@luster5497]

Artistics skills goes a long way here

[@Tropicalfishcrazechannel]

Aquascaping art of create natural beauty in tank. Thanks for info👍

[@michaels5705]

Great topic, well covered. Thanks also for pointing out some purchase-worthy references.

[@TonyVainosky]

Aquascaping is so much fun. Only been doing it for about 5 months, but I'm now making my own stone/rock structures for in tank use. Really cool making a mini environment for real living things to live (and hopefully thrive) in 😊

[@Aquafinity]

Really cool indeed! 😎

[@supabiscuit]

I got alot from this video. Thanks

[@SapphireandPrince]

I appreciate learning about different types of aquascape! thank you~

[@vivekvs1992]

It's always nice to see your videos, especially because of how you describe the mistakes or problems you went through and how you hit over them... I'm definitely in the nano tank category right now... Got 2 tanks with me and one for my mother... And I scraped them in 3 different ways.. Definitely letting them run for at least 6 months before breaking them up.... One thing I found out was.. Its better to put the lower most layer of substrate like crushed lava rock in small filter bags.. So you can easily separate them from aquasoil when you're rescaping.. This will also help in maintaining the hills and slopes that you have created...

[@gabijones2445]

Thanks Irene, you rock. Take care.

[@steviekehoe]

I'd love to see you aquascape that 20 gallon!

[@marlonallansupetran7120]

Woohoo, this is next level for you! Looking forward for more new content!

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I haven't got the artistic talent to do good aquascaping, but did the best I've ever done with Cosmo's tank. My other two aquariums (rehomed) looked disastrous, but it was okay because the fish were happy. Once I'm settled in my new place I'll probably have to live with just another 10 gallon and maybe a couple of small indoor ponds (if breeding shrimp or fish for sale is a possibility). BUT my daughter in law inherited her mother's 75-gallon with 2 goldfish (1 common, 1 shubunkin), so I might be able to help with the upgrade she'll probably need. Not much in the aquascaping department, but setting up a new tank will be fun anyway!

[@kippiekipzz]

Love the jungle style.

[@Aquafinity]

Me too! 😃

[@bat8512]

Irene - Your quality of videos is outstanding! I am a recent subscriber (started in June) and it has been fun to watch how they have developed over time. Awesome job!

[@mattgray9297]

Well I just couldn’t agree more

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank my amazing editor TF for this video! He brings up the quality of the entire channel. 😍

[@patrickgould1535]

Great video! I like trying different aquascapes. I’d love to have a rack of Nano tanks to try the various styles.

[@grimmalkinn]

I love that you shamelessly have a horrible example displayed. What an honest education method.

[@jodybouchereau9393]

Thankyou for sharing all your well researched knowledge

[@milkshakemistake6239]

I definitely love jungle style the most!

[@Aquafinity]

Me too!

[@FishSuppliesPlus]

Amazing video

[@Evil_Genius_888]

As always a nice video. I’ve been watching George’s channel for years! He does an island style scape that I just can’t seem to replicate. I’m really starting to get interested in biotopes and ripariums.

[@Chazaquascape]

Wow 😳 good tutorial 👍👍👍👍

[@TheDude1k]

Love your videos Irene! Keep it up girl!

[@naegwut]

Great breakdown

[@NORIaquaCh]

As always, love your videos.

[@legendaryjohnny7483]

Hi Irene, besides aquascaping I believe than nearly any vegetable is acceptable to shrimp, even the hard ones, just remember to boil them to make it soft and chewable for them like the : ( Amano and Cherry Shrimp ). ;)

[@apontutul]

Lots of information. Thank you

[@KentAJDK]

Nice introduction to the subject. Lol without any real actionpacked auqascaping. Just some very good pictures and eksplaining from pictures from U own tank. 👍😁

[@chrisdelafuente8489]

Awesome Video!!!

[@TheRealTMar]

My blue dream shrimp are in a jungle tank with a blue police box. But I want to get them a new tank, of the same volume as their current one but a bit upgraded, and make a nice layout. I recently made a diorama tank with a lush carpet, a dolmen made of elderly rocks and a couple of different trees around. Once the algae phase clears, I think it'll look very nice.

[@siavashsh3557]

so humble!

[@CHAISOICY]

Biotopes are my favorite, it’s more natural than anything else.

[@joshgroenewald7454]

Love the new intro

[@ivanveras1724]

Did she reference bobby duke?!?! Love it

[@TheDevilcup]

I agreed that we should keep the aquascape as long as possible as you can. Even it is total failure, you will learn what is good and bad. My first scape is total disaster which have plant that do not grow, full of algae and even cyno.. but that tank was kept for at least 9 months. I rescape it after that and that is my 2nd scape and it is still running after almost a year, with some issues and still learning. After the 2nd scape, i did started a couple or more tank just to see what the effect of doing a bit different here and there! And what i like most from George Farmer recommendation is about the 1st month of the setup, you need to do lotz of water changes (not only lightly stocked)! that really helps especially for beginner like me. I understand different area of the world has it's limitation, e.g. for the place i stay, it is hot and humid through out the year, i am constantly fighting Algae. Setting up a scape is just 50%, the next 50% is about maintenance. Enjoy Scaping!

[@drewzero1]

My current longest-running scape is five years old. It's seen a lot of changes including filters, plants, stocking, and even replacing most of the gravel with sand. I have learned so much by making small incremental changes instead of starting from scratch every time.

[@TheDevilcup]

Five years!!! That incredible!

[@sovrappensiero1]

Whoa. You found George Farmer’s new book in your library?! I need to live near your library, LOL! So cool to have a great library. Mine is horrible. 😞

[@caewalker9276]

I'm as good as you are with the jungle style. Thanks Irene.

[@drugbuddy665]

Do you think you'd ever setup a terrarium/riparium/paludarium? Love your videos!

[@thoughtforamoment6310]

What are the beginner basics of growing live plants

[@TonyVainosky]

Start. That's step #1. Rest you'll pick up

[@pjp9383]

I would say the first step is researching easy plants that you think might do well in your tank. This will vary depending on things like whether you have gravel / sand (in which case you might try things like java fern or anubias) or soil / substrate (dwarf sag, crypts, swords), how much light your tank gets, and whether you have fish that are likely to uproot your plants. Then, once you've chosen a couple of plants to try, get just a couple of them, place or plant them in your tank, and see how they do! There are tons of "beginner plant" videos, including some that Irene has done, but I would suggest that once you have a short list of possible plants, you should research them more specifically. It's easy to find care guides for specific plants too, and that will help you find out more details to increase your chances of success - things like that you can bury the roots of anubias, as long as you don't bury the rhizome, or what kind of water parameters (temp, hardness) each plant prefers. Good luck!

[@kbs36]

I do want that! Thank you.

[@UserError7861]

Seems like there should be another aquascape style, Themed. There’s been some amazing aquascapes done that don’t really follow one specific style that you mentioned. Forget which channel, but there’s an avatar themed scape on KZbin. I kind of prefer the simplistic kind of messy aquascapes for my tanks. Mostly so I don’t need to worry about upkeep maintenance. There’s tons of aquascapes that look fantastic, but also look like they’d take a lot of work to keep that way too.

[@AQUAPLANET128]

Great video 👍😍

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Good advice Amy. Tank On

[@rokujuichi]

is it possible with just sponge filter? how to clean step by step?

[@Ekster77]

I like the sloaping style, but don't know how to keep my substrate in place. It always gets flat after a few weeks. I have very small, round gravel because of my pygmae corys. What can I do about that? Do you perhaps have any tips? Nice video by the way!

[@nikolai09blerged]

Pretty much don’t have catfish or any gobies that can dig

[@Sofia-kp8iw]

could you put small stones/rocks around a place where you want to slope it so that they don't slide down?

[@ellerikke3948]

Build up with Stones or wood to hold them in place. Also you don't need a great slope to get a deepness effect.

[@csharpe5787]

@@nikolai09blerged what's the fun in that. Us gravel bags and you can have both.

[@Ekster77]

@@csharpe5787 what do you mean by us gravel bags?

[@pickled_sneeze]

I'm inspired. My tank has been really lack luster, I've got a giant brown algae breakout going on so I need to tweak to fix it. At least my snails are well fed.

[@4fourtyfour4]

question. What plants do you use for your tank???

[@kawaiisaurx167]

Iwagumi style LION KING !

[@ellerikke3948]

My favourite tanks are the ones that doesn't look styled at all, like heavy density of a stemplants or moss, like a between a meadow and forrest in one with a few microfish or shrimp(and a ton of CO2 to get it that lush). However my current setup is concave, with Dutch style colouring(a ton of red plants, some of them were bought green), but more natural and clear hardscape with driftwood with a forrest around the filter, because no one ever likes looking at the filter...

[@LauroSlayer]

Please i need to know: What's the air pump you use for that sponge filter? Does it make a lot of noise?

[@mattgray9297]

Check out the USB air pumps from aquarium co-op. Affordable, small and they are practically silent.

[@vanlam9776]

Aquarium Design Group! 😊

[@joshbrz]

hey, thanks for the heads up on those books! i was able to put holds the last copy of both books (plus diana walstad's). i never think to check SPL for this stuff! :))

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

I do well with plants but, right now I'm tearing down a 10 gallon because of red worms in my guppys! I cannot get rid of them. This parasite has killed everything so starting over again in a few months when get some more money. I had several $100s in that tank with nano fish. I usually start with 3-6hardy plants and get them going well then start with a little more challenging ones. I don't use tabs I just put em in there. I want to get one of those bridges with the plants growing on it this time! 👍👏

[@rickspringer4814]

Fenbendazole

[@johnmartin4650]

I situate some plants ……let it grow…..love nature

[@johnwood738]

Never ending question, had standard gravel tanks got fair at them. Then I tried under gravel filter different. Now I’m trying sand. How the plants respond are just a little different in each,plus I’m trying to breed things in every tank.

[@arenelomax]

I saw Planet Aquarium tanks and A.D.G. Are you out of Houston, TX?

[@kevinburola889]

@ Girl Talks Fish Would you consider active substrate? Or simply prefer inert? Thanks

[@davidkiss9806]

Ammm. I love you? I mean your aquariums.... Keep up the god work. And your husband is lucky :)

[@NoLimits7997]

Yeah my fav style is jungle style because its actually like a another world.... i can feel it Like a city of fish...

[@joakimlager2477]

U good at this girl

[@susanstaples6171]

Hee hee what accent was that when you said “I want that!”🤗

[@GirlTalksFish]

Haha, I was imitating Bobby Duke Arts. He always uses this exaggerated American southern accent when saying, "I want that."

[@gabesrunning8495]

Remember the time when u did comment on my channel too!😉Now ure a 100k youtuber!! Amazing job, Irene!!Mad respect!🐠🐠🐠