Nature Aquarium Style: A Complete Guide to the Art of Aquascaping

The Nature Aquarium Style is more than just a way to decorate your fish tank—it’s a philosophy, an art form, and a method of connecting with the natural world through aquascaping. Unlike traditional aquarium setups that focus solely on fish, the nature style emphasizes harmony between aquatic plants, hardscape elements like rocks and driftwood, and the overall layout. Popularized by Japanese aquascaper Takashi Amano, this approach aims to replicate the beauty of natural landscapes inside an aquarium.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, principles, design techniques, required equipment, and maintenance of the Nature Aquarium Style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced aquascaper, this guide will help you create a breathtaking underwater world.

The Origins of Nature Aquarium Style

The Nature Aquarium Style was first introduced in the 1980s by Takashi Amano, the founder of ADA (Aqua Design Amano). Inspired by Zen gardens, Japanese aesthetics, and natural landscapes, Amano designed aquariums that mirrored mountains, valleys, forests, and rivers.

His philosophy centered on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection and impermanence. This meant aquariums were not rigidly structured but allowed to evolve naturally over time.

Today, the Nature Aquarium Style is one of the most popular aquascaping methods worldwide, inspiring aquarists to merge creativity, design, and ecology in their tanks.

Core Principles of Nature Aquarium Style

To understand the Nature Aquarium Style, it’s important to look at its guiding principles:

1. Harmony with Nature

The goal is to recreate natural environments rather than artificial decorations. Every element—plants, rocks, driftwood, and substrate—should mimic natural formations.

2. Simplicity

Minimalism is key. Unlike Dutch aquascapes, which are rich in plant variety, the Nature Aquarium Style uses fewer species, focusing on balance and harmony instead of color diversity.

3. Rule of Thirds and Golden Ratio

These design principles help create balanced compositions. For example, focal points such as a large stone or driftwood piece are placed off-center to draw the eye naturally.

4. Negative Space

Open swimming areas for fish are just as important as planted areas. Negative space enhances depth and realism.

5. Evolution Over Time

Nature-style aquariums are dynamic. Plants grow, algae may appear, and the layout changes, just like a natural landscape.

Designing a Nature Aquarium

Creating a Nature Aquarium Style aquascape requires careful planning. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Choose the Tank

• A rimless glass aquarium is often preferred for a clean, unobstructed view.
• Common sizes range from 10 gallons (nano setups) to 100+ gallons for large landscapes.

Step 2: Select the Substrate

• Nutrient-rich substrate is essential for plant growth.
• Many aquascapers use ADA Aqua Soil or similar products.
• Layering techniques can be used with sand in the front and soil in the back to create depth.

Step 3: Add Hardscape (Rocks and Driftwood)

• Rocks represent mountains, cliffs, or riverbanks.
• Driftwood can mimic fallen trees, roots, or forest structures.
• Hardscape is often arranged using the Iwagumi triangle rule, where stones are placed in asymmetrical but balanced compositions.

Step 4: Plant Selection

• Unlike Dutch aquascaping, the Nature Aquarium Style uses limited plant species.
• Popular plants include:
  • Foreground: Hemianthus callitrichoides (dwarf baby tears), Eleocharis parvula (dwarf hairgrass).
  • Midground: Cryptocoryne wendtii, Anubias nana.
  • Background: Vallisneria, Rotala rotundifolia, Limnophila sessiliflora.
  • Epiphytes: Java fern, mosses, and Bucephalandra attached to driftwood and rocks.

Step 5: Adding Fish and Shrimp

• Fish should complement the layout rather than dominate it.
• Popular choices: Neon tetras, cardinal tetras, rasboras, and otocinclus catfish.
• Shrimp such as Amano shrimp and cherry shrimp help control algae.

Equipment for a Nature Aquarium

To achieve a successful Nature Aquarium Style setup, you need the right equipment:

1. Lighting
   • Strong lighting promotes healthy plant growth.
   • LED aquarium lights are most commonly used.
2. Filtration
   • A high-quality canister filter ensures clean water and good circulation.
   • Surface skimmers may be added to remove surface film.
3. CO2 Injection
   • Essential for lush plant growth.
   • Pressurized CO2 systems are preferred for advanced setups.
4. Fertilization
   • Liquid and root fertilizers supply nutrients.
   • Balanced dosing prevents deficiencies.
5. Maintenance Tools
   • Aquascaping scissors, tweezers, and algae scrapers keep the tank neat.

Maintenance of a Nature Aquarium

Nature aquariums require consistent care to maintain their beauty:

• Water Changes: 20–30% weekly to maintain water quality.
• Trimming Plants: Prevents overgrowth and maintains aquascape design.
• Algae Control: Balance light, CO2, and nutrients to prevent algae outbreaks.
• Equipment Checks: Ensure filters, CO2 systems, and lighting are functioning properly.

Common Layout Styles in Nature Aquariums

While every aquascaper has their unique creativity, some common layout types exist:

1. Mountain/Valley Layout
   • Rocks form mountain ranges with valleys running between them.
2. Island Layout
   • Plants and hardscape are concentrated in the center, with open space around.
3. Forest Layout
   • Driftwood simulates trees, with mosses and ferns creating a forest-like look.
4. River Layout
   • Sand pathways represent rivers cutting through plant-covered land.

Advantages of Nature Aquarium Style

• Enhances relaxation and reduces stress.
• Promotes creativity and artistry.
• Provides a natural and healthy habitat for fish.
• Mimics ecosystems, teaching balance in aquatic environments.

Challenges of Nature Aquarium Style

• Requires more effort than simple aquariums.
• Initial setup costs can be high due to specialized equipment.
• Algae management can be tricky in the early stages.
• Constant trimming and re-scaping may be needed.

Nature Aquarium vs. Other Aquascaping Styles

Tips for Beginners

• Start with a small tank (20–30 gallons) for easier maintenance.
• Use low-maintenance plants like Java fern, Anubias, and mosses.
• Don’t overcrowd with fish—keep the focus on the aquascape.
• Be patient—plants need time to establish.
• Take inspiration from nature—visit forests, rivers, and mountains for layout ideas.

Conclusion

The Nature Aquarium Style is not just about aquascaping—it’s about creating a living piece of art that reflects the beauty of the natural world. By combining hardscape, plants, and fish in harmony, you can design a thriving ecosystem that evolves with time. Although it requires patience, effort, and creativity, the reward is a stunning underwater landscape that captivates everyone who sees it.

If you’re looking to move beyond traditional aquariums, the Nature Aquarium Style is an inspiring and fulfilling path to explore.

FAQs about Nature Aquarium Style

Q1. What is the Nature Aquarium Style?
The Nature Aquarium Style is an aquascaping method developed by Takashi Amano, focusing on natural landscapes, balance, and harmony between plants, hardscape, and fish.

Q2. How is it different from Dutch aquascaping?
Dutch aquascaping emphasizes plant diversity and color, while Nature Style focuses on natural scenery using fewer plant species.

Q3. Do I need CO2 for a Nature Aquarium?
While not mandatory, CO2 injection is highly recommended for lush plant growth and vibrant colors.

Q4. What are the best fish for a Nature Aquarium?
Small schooling fish like neon tetras, rasboras, and peaceful shrimp species are ideal.

Q5. How often should I trim plants?
Trimming depends on plant growth, but generally, every 1–2 weeks is recommended to maintain the layout.

Q6. Is the Nature Aquarium Style suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can start with low-maintenance plants and simple layouts, gradually moving to more complex setups.

Q7. What size tank is best for Nature Aquariums?
A 20–40 gallon tank is ideal for beginners, offering enough space for layouts without being too difficult to maintain.

Q8. Can I use artificial decorations in a Nature Aquarium?
No, artificial ornaments are avoided. The goal is to use only natural elements like rocks, wood, and plants