Help a Dutch scaper try Nature Style

[SkaleyAquatics]

So many of you know I am a Dutch loving aquascaper. But I want to start pushing my limits to better understand and help others, and with that in mind I would like to setup a nature style aquascape. But am in need of some help/advice.

I have 3 different cubes tanks and I would like to either use the 8g cube (12" cubed) or the 14g cube (15" Cubed) and the biggest issue I am having is hardscaping. Originally I wanted to start off with a Iwagumi layout but I feel like this would be difficult for rock placement without getting the correct rule of thirds. Since this will be on my desk at work I'd love for other coworkers to see it and be impressed and maybe Id try my hand at entering it into a competition. One thing that I want to do differently then normal competition tanks is for this to be a long standing aquarium that I can enjoy for years to come, and then use my knowledge I have gained from this and apply it to future projects as they come up or to help others in my local community grow plants.

So my question for those that have done this style is how are you determining a layout without the focal point being dead center in a tank that seems to want the focal point in the middle? Also any advice for dosing would be great as I have been dosing EI exclusively thus far into my aquascaping journey. In terms of aquasoil I plan to use some used but only a few months old ADA or Netlea, I havent decided which yet because I am unsure if I am reusing the Netlea for a farm tank or not yet. In terms of light I have a Chihiros WRGB 2: 30cm, thats been used variously for a year.

 

[Sb1415]

Hi, not an expert by any means but the video by Josh Sims in green aqua channel was quite helpful (if you have not seen it already) when I was trying to learn more about aquascaping In that format. I think his is more of a Diorama style but believe falls under nature style.

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

Hi, not an expert by any means but the video by Josh Sims in green aqua channel was quite helpful (if you have not seen it already) when I was trying to learn more about aquascaping In that format. I think his is more of a Diorama style but believe falls under nature style.

I'll check it out! This is going to slowly come together this fall/early winter so I am some time but like to start planning early.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

ADA’s journal I think is indispensable for nature style examples, and is where I get my inspiration and ideas from.

 

[DutchMuch]

ADA’s journal I think is indispensable for nature style examples, and is where I get my inspiration and ideas from.

Just wanted to chime in and 2nd this!!

ADA has some absolutely fascinating journal entries. To my knowledge, some are not accessible on their site and you have to dig a bit on the internet/archive. It’s very fun haha.

Here is a unrelated, but fantastic article on the original creation of the Lily Pipe

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

ADA’s journal I think is indispensable for nature style examples, and is where I get my inspiration and ideas from.

Just wanted to chime in and 2nd this!!

ADA has some absolutely fascinating journal entries. To my knowledge, some are not accessible on their site and you have to dig a bit on the internet/archive. It’s very fun haha.

Here is a unrelated, but fantastic article on the original creation of the Lily Pipe

I didn't even know that was a thing, I'll have to do some digging for inspiration. Thanks you both!

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

No digging necessary, ADA - AQUA DESIGN AMANO

The “Nature Aquarium” and “Aqua Journal” tabs are both very helpful and informative.

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

No digging necessary, ADA - AQUA DESIGN AMANO

The “Nature Aquarium” and “Aqua Journal” tabs are both very helpful and informative.

Thank you! I will take a look at these.

 

[techman81]

Take a look at @Nigel 's aquascaping journal. He has an Iwagumi in a 9.3g 45U. Not a cube, but quite small for the style and could give you an idea. Looks really good.

 

[Jeff Miotke]

So my question for those that have done this style is how are you determining a layout without the focal point being dead center in a tank that seems to want the focal point in the middle? Also any advice for dosing would be great as I have been dosing EI exclusively thus far into my aquascaping journey. In terms of aquasoil I plan to use some used but only a few months old ADA or Netlea, I havent decided which yet because I am unsure if I am reusing the Netlea for a farm tank or not yet. In terms of light I have a Chihiros WRGB 2: 30cm, thats been used variously for a year.

What I have found through the years is that cubes are tough. I would advise you to not worry about symmetry or rule of thirds in a cube. Pick a style or better yet find a cube that speaks to you and copy the composition. I promise that your build will not be close to the inspiration but will get you started with a rough blueprint.

What to focus on as a beginner.
1. Avoid square shapes, lean into triangles.
2. Use the whole glass canvas. hardscape should extend throughout the space especially vertically.
3. Have a variety of sizes. It helps to have something like 1/3 large, 1/3 medium and 1/3 small (by weight)
4. Create tension and feeling by leaning hardscape. This will also help build shadows.
5. Negative space (including deeper shadows) is very impactful. Create it.

For fertilizer the APT3 approach is a good starting point for most nature aquariums that are an even mix of plants and hardscape. This is what I've been doing for 15 years or so with dry powders.

Hope that helps!

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

What I have found through the years is that cubes are tough. I would advise you to not worry about symmetry or rule of thirds in a cube. Pick a style or better yet find a cube that speaks to you and copy the composition. I promise that your build will not be close to the inspiration but will get you started with a rough blueprint.

What to focus on as a beginner.
1. Avoid square shapes, lean into triangles.
2. Use the whole glass canvas. hardscape should extend throughout the space especially vertically.
3. Have a variety of sizes. It helps to have something like 1/3 large, 1/3 medium and 1/3 small (by weight)
4. Create tension and feeling by leaning hardscape. This will also help build shadows.
5. Negative space (including deeper shadows) is very impactful. Create it.

For fertilizer the APT3 approach is a good starting point for most nature aquariums that are an even mix of plants and hardscape. This is what I've been doing for 15 years or so with dry powders.

Hope that helps!

This does help Jeff, thank you! I had a feeling that cube's were tough, because before I made this most I started looking at different scapes in tanks and noticed that I couldn't find any that were in a cube. Good to know about the APT3 being a good starting point. I will replicate that recipe with my own dry powders as well.

With that said lookout for an update to my journal when this comes together as I like to keep everything in one place instead of having each tank be its own journal.