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=== Saltwater reefs === |
=== Saltwater reefs === |
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[[Image:Reef Aquarium At Home.jpg|thumb|right|340px|Reef aquascape]] |
[[Image:Reef Aquarium At Home.jpg|thumb|right|340px|Reef aquascape]] |
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Dutch and nature style aquascapes are traditionally [[Freshwater aquarium|freshwater systems]]. In contrast, relatively few ornamental plants can be grown in a [[Marine aquarium|saltwater aquarium]]. Saltwater aquascaping typically centers on mimicking a [[Reef aquarium|reef]]. An arrangement of [[live rock]] forms the main structure of this aquascape, and it is populated by [[coral]]s and other [[marine invertebrates]] as well as [[coralline algae]], which together serve much the same aesthetic role as freshwater plants.<ref> |
Dutch and nature style aquascapes are traditionally [[Freshwater aquarium|freshwater systems]]. In contrast, relatively few ornamental plants can be grown in a [[Marine aquarium|saltwater aquarium]]. Saltwater aquascaping typically centers on mimicking a [[Reef aquarium|reef]]. An arrangement of [[live rock]] forms the main structure of this aquascape, and it is populated by [[coral]]s and other [[marine invertebrates]] as well as [[coralline algae]], which together serve much the same aesthetic role as freshwater plants.<ref>Eric H. Borneman (2004). Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. (Neptune City, N.J.: T.F.H. Publications), pp. 323-341 ISBN 1890087475.</ref> |
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==Techniques== |
==Techniques== |
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{{see also|Aquarium lighting}} |
{{see also|Aquarium lighting}} |
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In addition to design, freshwater aquascaping also requires specific methods to maintain healthy plants underwater. Plants are often trimmed to obtain the desired shape, and they can be positioned by tying them in place inconspicuously with thread.<ref>[[Takashi Amano]] (2008). Nature aquarium techniques to create & maintain an aquascape, ''The Aquatic Gardener'', vol. 21, number 2, pp. 8-17.</ref> Most serious aquascapers use aquarium-safe fertilizers, commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help the plants fill out more rapidly.<ref> |
In addition to design, freshwater aquascaping also requires specific methods to maintain healthy plants underwater. Plants are often trimmed to obtain the desired shape, and they can be positioned by tying them in place inconspicuously with thread.<ref>[[Takashi Amano]] (2008). Nature aquarium techniques to create & maintain an aquascape, ''The Aquatic Gardener'', vol. 21, number 2, pp. 8-17.</ref> Most serious aquascapers use aquarium-safe fertilizers, commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help the plants fill out more rapidly.<ref>James, p. 16.</ref> Some aquarium substrates containing [[laterite]] also provide nutrients.<ref>James, p. 28.</ref> |
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It is also necessary to support photosynthesis. A variety of lighting systems may be used to produce the full [[visible spectrum|spectrum of light]], usually at 2-4 [[watt]]s per gallon.<ref name=light></ref> Lights are usually controlled by a timer that allows the plants to be acclimated to a set cycle.<ref name=light> |
It is also necessary to support photosynthesis. A variety of lighting systems may be used to produce the full [[visible spectrum|spectrum of light]], usually at 2-4 [[watt]]s per gallon.<ref name=light></ref> Lights are usually controlled by a timer that allows the plants to be acclimated to a set cycle.<ref name=light>James, pp. 20-29.</ref> Depending on the number of plants and fish, the aquascape may also require carbon dioxide injection. This can be accomplished with a simple homemade system, using a soda bottle filled with [[yeast]], warm water, and sugar, and connected to an [[airstone]] in the aquarium, or with a pressurized CO<sub>2</sub> tank that injects a set amount of carbon dioxide into the aquarium.<ref>James, p. 17.</ref> |
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Algae is considered distracting and unwanted in aquascaping, and is controlled in several ways. One is the use of [[algae eater|organisms that consume algae]], such as some fish (notably [[cyprinid]]s of the genera ''[[Gyrinocheilus]]'' and [[Siamese algae eater|''Crossocheilus'']], and [[catfish]] of the genera ''[[Ancistrus]]'', ''[[Hypostomus]]'', and ''[[Otocinclus]]''), shrimp, or [[snail]]s, to clean the algae that collects on the leaves. A second is using adequate light and CO<sub>2</sub> to promote rapid growth of desired plants, while controlling nutrient levels, to ensure that the plants utilize all fertilizer without leaving nutrients to support algae.<ref> |
Algae is considered distracting and unwanted in aquascaping, and is controlled in several ways. One is the use of [[algae eater|organisms that consume algae]], such as some fish (notably [[cyprinid]]s of the genera ''[[Gyrinocheilus]]'' and [[Siamese algae eater|''Crossocheilus'']], and [[catfish]] of the genera ''[[Ancistrus]]'', ''[[Hypostomus]]'', and ''[[Otocinclus]]''), shrimp, or [[snail]]s, to clean the algae that collects on the leaves. A second is using adequate light and CO<sub>2</sub> to promote rapid growth of desired plants, while controlling nutrient levels, to ensure that the plants utilize all fertilizer without leaving nutrients to support algae.<ref>James, pp. 46-47.</ref> |
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== Contests == |
== Contests == |
Revision as of 23:59, 2 September 2009
Aquascaping is the craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cavework, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium. Aquascape designs include a number of distinct styles, including the garden-like Dutch style and the evocative nature style.[1] Typically, an aquascape includes fish as well as plants, although it is possible to create an aquascape with plants only, or even with rockwork or other hardscape and no plants. Although an aquascaper's primary aim is to create an artful underwater landscape, he or she is also necessarily concerned with the technical aspects of aquatic plant maintenance. Filtration, carbon dioxide supply at levels sufficient to support photosynthesis underwater, substrate and fertilization, lighting and algae control are among the many factors that must be balanced in the closed system of an aquarium tank to ensure the success of an aquascape.[2]
Designs
Dutch style
The Dutch aquarium employs a lush arrangement in which multiple types of plants having diverse leaf colors, sizes and textures are displayed much as terrestrial plants are shown in a flower garden. This style was developed in the Netherlands starting in the 1930's, as freshwater aquarium equipment became commercially available.[1] It emphasizes plants located on terraces of different heights, and frequently omits rocks and driftwood. Linear rows of plants running left-to-right are referred to as "Dutch streets."[3] Although many plant types are used, it is traditional to see neatly trimmed groupings of plants with feathery foliage, such as Limnophila aquatica and various types of Hygrophila, along with Alternanthera reineckii, Ammania gracilis, and assorted Rotala used for color highlights.[3] More than 80% of the aquarium floor is covered with plants, and little or no substrate is left visible.[3] Tall growing plants that cover the back glass originally served the purpose of hiding bulky equipment in the tank.[1]
Nature style
A contrasting approach is the nature or Japanese style, introduced in the 1990's by Takashi Amano.[1] Amano's three-volume series, Nature Aquarium World, sparked a wave of interest in aquarium gardening, and he has been regarded as quite possibly the most influential aquascaper in the world.[4] Amano's compositions draw on Japanese gardening techniques that attempt to mimic natural landscapes by the asymmetrical arrangement of masses of relatively few species of plants, and carefully selected stones or driftwood. The objective is to evoke a landscape in miniature, rather than a colorful garden. This style draws particularly from the Japanese aesthetic concepts of Wabi-sabi (侘寂), which focuses on transience and minimalism as sources of beauty, and Iwagumi (岩組),[5] which sets rules governing rock placement. In the Iwagumi system, the Oyaishi (親石) or main stone is placed slightly off-center in the tank, and Soeishi (添石) or accompanying stones are grouped near it, while Fukuseki (副石) or secondary stones are arranged in subordinate positions.[6] The location of the focal point of the display, determined largely by the asymmetric placement of the Oyaishi, is considered important, and follows ratios that reflect Pythagorean tuning.[7] Plants with small leaves, such as Eleocharis acicularis, Glossostigma elatinoides, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Monosolenium tenerum, Riccia fluitans, and Java moss (Versicularia dubyana or Taxiphyllum barbieri) are usually emphasized, with more limited colors than in the Dutch style, and the hardscape is not completely covered. Fish, or freshwater shrimp such as Caridina multidentata and Neocaridina heteropoda, are usually selected to complement the plants and control algae.
Biotopes
The styles above often combine plant and animal species based on the desired visual impact, without regard to geographic origin. Biotope aquascapes are designed instead to replicate exactly a particular aquatic habitat at a particular geographic location, and not necessarily to provide a garden-like display. Plants and fish need not be present, but if they are, they as well as any gravel and hardscape must match what would be found in nature in the habitat being represented.[8]
Paludariums
In a paludarium, part of the aquarium is underwater, and part is above water. This allows plants, such as Cyperus alternifolius and Spathiphyllum wallisii, to grow emersed, with their roots underwater but their tops in the air, as well as completely submersed. Unlike other aquarium setups, paludariums are particularly well-suited to keeping amphibians.[9]
Saltwater reefs
Dutch and nature style aquascapes are traditionally freshwater systems. In contrast, relatively few ornamental plants can be grown in a saltwater aquarium. Saltwater aquascaping typically centers on mimicking a reef. An arrangement of live rock forms the main structure of this aquascape, and it is populated by corals and other marine invertebrates as well as coralline algae, which together serve much the same aesthetic role as freshwater plants.[10]
Techniques
In addition to design, freshwater aquascaping also requires specific methods to maintain healthy plants underwater. Plants are often trimmed to obtain the desired shape, and they can be positioned by tying them in place inconspicuously with thread.[11] Most serious aquascapers use aquarium-safe fertilizers, commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help the plants fill out more rapidly.[12] Some aquarium substrates containing laterite also provide nutrients.[13]
It is also necessary to support photosynthesis. A variety of lighting systems may be used to produce the full spectrum of light, usually at 2-4 watts per gallon.[14] Lights are usually controlled by a timer that allows the plants to be acclimated to a set cycle.[14] Depending on the number of plants and fish, the aquascape may also require carbon dioxide injection. This can be accomplished with a simple homemade system, using a soda bottle filled with yeast, warm water, and sugar, and connected to an airstone in the aquarium, or with a pressurized CO2 tank that injects a set amount of carbon dioxide into the aquarium.[15]
Algae is considered distracting and unwanted in aquascaping, and is controlled in several ways. One is the use of organisms that consume algae, such as some fish (notably cyprinids of the genera Gyrinocheilus and Crossocheilus, and catfish of the genera Ancistrus, Hypostomus, and Otocinclus), shrimp, or snails, to clean the algae that collects on the leaves. A second is using adequate light and CO2 to promote rapid growth of desired plants, while controlling nutrient levels, to ensure that the plants utilize all fertilizer without leaving nutrients to support algae.[16]
Contests
Early Dutch hobbyists began the practice of aquascape contests, with over 100 local clubs.[3] Judges had to go through about three years of training and pass an examination in order to qualify.[3]
Today, the Aquatic Gardeners Association, based in the United States, Aqua Design Amano, based in Japan, and AquaticScapers Europe, based in Germany, conduct annual freshwater aquascaping contests. Entries from around the world are submitted as photographs and explanatory text online. The Aquatic Gardeners Association contest is judged based on overall impression (35 points); composition, balance, use of space and use of color (30 points); selection and use of materials (20 points); and viability of aquascape (15 points). There are also smaller contests conducted by Acuavida in Spain, and by the Greek Aquarist's Club.
Public aquariums
Large public aquariums sometimes use aquascaping as part of their displays. Because they are typically displaying wildlife from a particular habitat, the displays are often created to be biologically accurate biotopes, either freshwater or saltwater.
References
- ^ a b c d Matt Hennig (June, 2003). Amano versus Dutch: Two art forms in profile, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, pp. 68-74.
- ^ Barry James (1986). A Fishkeeper's Guide to Aquarium Plants. (London: Tetra Press/Salamander Books) ISBN 0861012070.
- ^ a b c d e Robert Paul Hudson (May 30, 2008). Going Dutch.
- ^ Herbert R. Axelrod, Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod and David E. Boruchowitz (1998). Aquarium Fishes of the World. (Neptune City, N.J.: T.F.H. Publications), p. 718 ISBN 0793804930.
- ^ "Iwagumi and Sanzon Iwagumi Aquariums," Aquatic Eden website. Feb. 11, 2007.
- ^ Takashi Amano (2009). How to improve your Iwagumi layout, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 22, number 1, pp. 37-41.
- ^ "The Golden Rule of Aquascaping," Aquatic Eden website. Nov. 16, 2006.
- ^ "Biotope Aquaria," Mongabay.com. Dec. 7, 2004.
- ^ Paludariums.net.
- ^ Eric H. Borneman (2004). Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. (Neptune City, N.J.: T.F.H. Publications), pp. 323-341 ISBN 1890087475.
- ^ Takashi Amano (2008). Nature aquarium techniques to create & maintain an aquascape, The Aquatic Gardener, vol. 21, number 2, pp. 8-17.
- ^ James, p. 16.
- ^ James, p. 28.
- ^ a b James, pp. 20-29.
- ^ James, p. 17.
- ^ James, pp. 46-47.
External links
The following sites offer tutorials, images, and in-depth discussions on aquascaping styles and techniques:
- AquaScaping World Forum
- AquaScaping World Magazine
- Aquatic Gardeners Association
- Great Aquascapes Group at Flickr
- Aquatic Eden Blog
These sites provide extensive non-commercial descriptions of aquatic plant species and their use in aquascaping: