Aquascaping

The nature style or jungle style are most forgiving for beginners. They use irregular hardscape placement and dense planting that hides imperfections. Iwagumi is beautiful but requires precise hardscape placement and demanding carpet plants.

Always test rocks with vinegar before adding them. If the vinegar fizzes, the rock will alter your water chemistry. Safe options include seiryu stone, dragon stone, and lava rock. Boil or soak all rocks before use.

Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, mosses, and floating plants thrive without CO2. These epiphyte and rosette plants do not require substrate nutrients and tolerate lower light levels.