To successfully build a complex and interesting aquascape, there are several simple rules that can be followed. Please note, that you should already have the knowledge of how to grow plants successfully before attempting to create more complex aquascapes.

      There must be an aim in all things, and in Aquascaping, my personal aim is to create an aesthetic piece of art, something the eye will find complex, interesting and most of all, beautiful. To accomplish this goal, there are some basic concepts. Complements, contrasts and tension.

Triangles

    Triangles provide visual climaxes. The eye generally follows straight lines along an image. In a tank the diagonals allow the eye to follow the plants on a "path". In my 29 gallon, There are several diagonals/triangles. The main one begins from the far left with the Rotala rotundifola. This is the climax, or centre point of my tank. The slope descends into some Hygrophila polysperma which provide a similar colour but different leave shape. Surrounding this triangle is a "band" of green. This contrast creates a complexity that I believe is useful in creating an aesthetic picture. Triangles are created by varying levels of height. This is created naturally within my tank, the Rotala shoots for the surface and the Hygrophila grows at a slower rate. to the sides of the Hygrophila are some H. difformis and H. sp. (unknown), these both grow quite low and provide contrastst in colour and leaf shape.

    As you can see, there is another triangle in use here. As the tank is viewable from two sides, it is important for me not to clutter the open spaces. The furthest left of this picture shows the small leafed plant playing a role in complementing the Rotala rotundifola.

Flats

    Open spaces are very important in building planted space. They allow a space for fish to swim in, and a space to plant high light and 'special' plants. I think a flat area provides alot of space for experimentation, particularly in creating complex floors. Hair grass, Glossotigma and Echinodorus tenellus form my carpet, and the leaf shapes perfectly blend with each other. Hygrophila difformis makes an interesting foreground plant, and will throw out runners in good conditions.

Terracing

    To create a sense of depth, most aquarists have a shallower gravel bed in the front, and a deeper one in the back, (e.g 5cm -> 13cm). This can be taken one step further, by building areas of deeper gravel. This was done in my tank by placing the length of rock along the back, and damming up gravel behind it. This allowed me to plant the Rotala at the back as though it was a very "tall plant". By building these terraces, it creates steps and aids in triangle building.

Misc Techniques

    I'm sure this has been done to death, but to attach java moss to rocks or driftwood, wrap black cotton thread around it, and leave it for a couple of weeks. To attach anubias or java fern, twist-ties are more suitable.

    It is not advisable to plant centrepieces, directly in the centre. If you see the first picture, there is the two lines down the centre cut at around 3/5th of the tank. This is known as the Golden section, It is where things seem "paradoxically more balanced, more appealing to our esthetic sensibility." (Amano, NAW). when placing rocks it is good to remember this.

    Also (unlike what I've done), it is a good idea to keep heaters out of the way, it is unsightly. This can be done by either buying a Lifegard heater module or placing it behind plants/rocks. The same goes for output of filters and powerheads. The reason for my placing is out of practicality.

Conclusion

    These are only suggestions, in the end Aquasculpture is a highly personal thing, every person should design their tanks to their own tastes. Allow your own creative juices to run wild and enjoy creating. If you do not enjoy it, take a break and try again later. Aquasculpture must come from both the heart and the mind.

 

Next Section : Plant Choice

 

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