Aquascaping is a wonderful hobby that combines art and nature in a beautiful way. It can be very rewarding to create your own underwater landscape and watch it grow and thrive over time. However, aquascaping is not as easy as it may seem. There are many pitfalls and challenges that beginners may face when they start their journey. In this blog post, we will share with you some of the most common mistakes that we made when we first started aquascaping, and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Performing Enough Water Changes
Water changes are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced aquarium. They help remove excess nutrients, waste products, toxins, and pollutants from the water, as well as replenish minerals and trace elements that are vital for plant growth. Water changes also help prevent algae outbreaks, disease outbreaks, and pH swings that can harm your fish and plants.
It is recommended to change at least 30% of the water in a newly set-up tank every week, and 30-40% of the water in an established tank every two weeks. Changing 100% of the water at once is not necessary and is not advisable, as it will alter the water parameters and shock the fish.
Remember that an aquarium is a closed ecosystem that requires our assistance in changing the water to dilute waste and prevent it from harming your inhabitants or causing algae blooms. Simply topping up the water will not be enough.
2. Overstocking the tank with too many fish
Fish are an important part of any aquascape. They add movement, color, and personality to your tank. However, too many fish can also cause problems for your aquascape. Fish produce waste and uneaten food can pollute the water and cause algae growth if water changes are not performed regularly.
You should also choose fish that are compatible with your plants, water parameters, and tank size. Some fish may be aggressive with others and nibble on your plants, dig up your substrate, or grow too large for your tank.
3. Not using enough plants during setup
Plants are the main attraction of any aquascape. They provide oxygen, filter the water, create shelter and hiding places for your fish, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tank. However, many beginners make the mistake of not using enough plants during setup. They may think that they can add more plants later, or that they want to save money by buying fewer plants and just wait for the plants to grow and fill the tank.
This is a bad idea for several reasons. First of all, plants need time to establish their roots and adapt to your tank conditions. If you add more plants later, they may not grow as well as the ones you already have. Second, plants compete with algae for nutrients and light. If you have too few plants in your tank, algae will have an easier time taking over your tank. Third, plants create a natural balance in your tank by absorbing excess nutrients and carbon dioxide from the water. If you have too few plants in your tank, you may have to deal with nutrient deficiencies or pH fluctuations.
When setting up an aquarium, we recommend using at least 70% of the tank space for plants. You can use a variety of plants with different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to create depth and contrast in your aquascape. Of course, you must choose plants that are suitable for the lighting level in your setup.
4. Using Too Much Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a supplement that provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow. It can help improve the health and appearance of your plants, especially if you have demanding species that require high light and CO2 injection. However, using too much fertilizer early on can also have negative consequences for your aquascape, especially if you are using aquasoil that is already high in nutrients.
Fertilizer can cause nutrient imbalances in your tank if you use more than what your plants can consume. Excess nutrients can fuel algae growth. Fertilizer can also alter the pH and hardness of your water if you use too much or too often.
We recommend for beginners to just follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and adjusting the dosage according to your plant needs and tank conditions. It is normal for some aquatic plants to wilt when they are first submerged, so don’t panic.
5. Planting Stems Too Far Apart and Not Trimming Frequently Enough
Stem plants are plants that grow vertically from the substrate and have multiple nodes and leaves along their stems. They are popular choices for aquascaping because they can create a bushy and colourful backdrop for your tank. However, stem plants also require proper planting and trimming techniques to look their best.
Many beginners make the mistake of planting stem plants too far apart from each other. This can result in sparse and leggy growth, as the plants will stretch towards the light and lose their lower leaves. It can also create gaps and holes in your aquascape that look unnatural and unappealing.
We suggest planting stem plants in groups of 3 stems, with about an inch of space between each group. This will allow the plants to grow densely and form a solid mass of foliage. You can also use tweezers to insert the stems into the substrate at an angle, which will help them branch out more.
Another mistake that beginners make is not trimming stem plants frequently enough. Trimming is necessary to maintain the shape and size of your stem plants, as well as to promote new growth and branching. If you don’t trim your stem plants regularly, they will grow too tall and block the light from reaching the lower parts of your tank. They may also become weak and prone to algae infestation.
We recommend trimming your stem plants every 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast they grow. You can use scissors or pruning shears to cut off the top portion of the stems, leaving about 3-4 inches of stem above the substrate. You can then replant the cuttings in the same or different spot, or discard them if you don’t need them.
6. Impatience and Overreacting to Issues
Many aquascaping beginners can become impatient and overreact when faced with challenges such as algae growth or plant issues. They may hastily make drastic changes to their tank, such as adding too many fish or plants, or introducing excessive medications or fertilizers in hopes of immediate results. This impulsive approach can disrupt the tank’s balance and potentially harm the inhabitants, leading to further complications.
It’s important for beginners to understand that aquascaping requires patience and a methodical approach. Algae and plant issues are common in the early stages, and they can be addressed with proper troubleshooting, adjustments to lighting, nutrient levels, and maintenance routines. Rushing to resolve problems can do more harm than good, so it’s crucial to take a step back, assess the situation calmly, and make gradual changes based on careful observation and analysis.
7. Playing or Tinkering with It Too Much
Aquascaping is a hobby that allows you to unleash your creativity and imagination. You can design your tank however you want, using whatever materials and plants you like. You can also change your tank whenever you feel like it, by adding, removing, or rearranging elements in your aquascape.
However, playing or tinkering with your tank too much can also be detrimental for your aquascape. It can cause stress and damage to your fish and plants, as well as disrupt the balance and stability of your tank. It can also prevent your tank from reaching its full potential and beauty.
We advise you to play or tinker with your tank only when necessary or beneficial for your aquascape. For example, you can play or tinker with your tank when you want to fix a problem, improve a feature, or add some variety to your tank. However, you should avoid playing or tinkering with your tank when you are bored, restless, or dissatisfied with your tank. Instead, you should let your tank mature and develop naturally over time.
8.Trusting Everything You Read on the Internet
The internet is a great source of information and inspiration for aquascaping. You can find countless articles, videos, blogs, forums, and social media platforms dedicated to aquascaping. You can learn from experts, enthusiasts, and fellow hobbyists who share their tips, tricks, experiences, and opinions on aquascaping.
However, it is often difficult or even impossible to tell the whole story completely, as each tank and its environment is unique. What applies to one tank may not apply to another. Therefore, trusting everything you read on the internet can be risky for your aquascape, as it may not apply to your specific situation or goals.
We recommend that you trust but verify anything you read on the internet about aquascaping. You should do your own research from multiple sources and cross-check them for accuracy and reliability. You should also use your own judgment and common sense to evaluate what works best for you and your tank.
We also advise that you visit your local aquascape shops, check out their displays, and ask the staff for more information. This is because the displays are clear evidence of what they are selling and offering. So we welcome you to come and talk to us at our shop, we are happy to guide and share with you the proper way for aquascaping.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes made by aquascaping beginners will help you establish a strong foundation for your underwater masterpiece. Remember to perform regular water changes, maintain appropriate stocking levels, incorporate a sufficient number of plants, choose compatible and low-maintenance species, pay attention to lighting and CO2 levels, plan your hardscape placement carefully, monitor and maintain water parameters, and practice regular maintenance and pruning. Most importantly, exercise patience and avoid overreacting to issues, allowing your tank to develop and mature naturally. By learning from these mistakes, you can create a successful and thriving aquascape that brings you joy and satisfaction for years to come.
