If you’re looking to take your aquarium to the next level, these aquascaping tips will help you create a stunning and balanced fish tank that both you and your fish will love. Aquascaping is the art of arranging plants, rocks, driftwood, and other elements to build a beautiful underwater scene. It’s not just about looks — a well-designed tank also supports healthy water flow, happier fish, and thriving plants.
At Toni’s Pet Station, we’ve just completed our new in-store feature tank, full of colour, life, and design inspiration. Whether you’re setting up your first tank or revamping an old one, these practical tips will help you get started with confidence.
🌿 Tip 1: Start with a Vision
The first of our aquascaping tips is maybe the most important, before you buy a single plant or rock, you need to have a clear plan. Think about the look and feel you want your tank to have. Do you want a lush, jungle-style aquascape? A minimal layout with lots of open space? Or maybe something themed — like a natural riverbed or fantasy-style layout?
Having a vision helps you choose the right materials and keep your aquascaping focused. Sketch out a rough idea or browse online photos for inspiration. The team at Toni’s Pet Station can also show you examples from our feature tank in store.
Good aquascaping is about more than placing items randomly. With a little planning, your tank can become a living work of art that supports your fish and plants in the best way.
🪨 Tip 2: Choose the Right Substrate
The substrate is the foundation of your aquascape. our next aquascaping tip isn’t just for looks — it plays a big role in the health of your fish and live plants. Some fish, like corydoras or loaches, need soft sand to sift through. Others, like goldfish, do better with gravel that’s easier to clean.
If you plan to add live plants, use a nutrient-rich base layer or a specialised plant substrate. These help roots grow and support plant health long-term.
For a feature tank design that really stands out, layer different substrates or create gentle slopes and depth. This adds visual interest and creates natural zones for fish to explore.
At Toni’s Pet Station, we stock a variety of aquarium substrates and can help you choose the best type based on your vision and the fish you plan to keep.
🪵 Tip 3: Layer with Hardscape for Depth and Drama
The next of our aquascaping tips is all about hardscape elements — like driftwood, rocks, and decorative structures — form the backbone of a great aquascape. They give your fish places to hide, rest, and explore, while also creating a sense of depth and visual interest.
To achieve that “wow” factor in your feature tank design, use a technique called the rule of thirds. Place your largest elements off-centre and layer smaller items around them to build balance and flow. Combining smooth stones with textured wood can give your tank a natural feel, especially when paired with live plants.
Be sure to choose aquarium-safe hardscape materials. At Toni’s Pet Station, we carry a wide range of pre-soaked driftwood, lava rock, slate, and unique tank-safe ornaments that are perfect for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
Tip: Avoid stacking items too high — you want a stable layout that’s safe for your fish and easy to maintain.
🌿 Tip 4: Pick Plants with Purpose
Plants do more than make your aquarium look beautiful — they help stabilise water conditions, oxygenate the tank, and give fish a sense of safety. But not all aquatic plants serve the same role. our next aquascaping tip is to be sure to choose the right plant for your tank.
When designing your feature tank, use a mix of foreground, midground, and background plants to add layers and depth:
- Foreground: Low-growing carpets like dwarf hairgrass or java moss create lush green bases.
- Midground: Bushy plants like crypts or anubias provide shape and texture without blocking the view.
- Background: Tall stem plants like vallisneria or hygrophila add vertical movement and fill space.
Make sure to pick plants that suit your lighting and maintenance routine. If you’re using a low-tech setup, stick with hardy, low-light options.
Not sure what to choose? Toni’s Pet Station stocks a wide variety of live aquarium plants, and our team can help you pick species that thrive in your specific setup.
🎨 Tip 5: Add Colour with the Right Fish
The right fish can bring your aquascape to life — literally. Once your layout is established with rocks, plants, and substrate, it’s time to choose fish that complement the scene both visually and behaviourally. The next aquascaping tip is choosing the right fish.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Colour contrast: Brightly coloured fish like neon tetras, guppies, or bettas stand out beautifully against green plants and dark rocks.
- Swimming levels: Mix species that swim at different levels (top, middle, bottom) to keep the entire tank feeling active and dynamic.
- Community compatibility: Choose peaceful fish that will get along, especially if you’re going for a calm and elegant feature tank.
- Tank size and bio-load: Don’t overstock — a well-balanced tank always looks better and stays healthier.
A good aquascape showcases the fish without overwhelming them. Your fish should look like they belong in the environment — not just placed in it.
Need help choosing the right mix? Our team at Toni’s Pet Station is happy to offer advice based on your tank size, water conditions, and style goals.
💡 Tip 6: Don’t Forget the Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of fish tank design — but it can make or break your aquascape. Our second to last aquascaping tip is all about lighting. The right lighting brings out the colours in your plants and fish, adds depth to the layout, and helps support plant growth in live tanks.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- LED lights are energy-efficient, low heat, and available in a range of spectrums.
- Natural light tones help your aquascape look more realistic and highlight detail.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae blooms and overheating.
- Use timers to simulate natural day and night cycles (generally 8–10 hours of light per day is ideal).
If you’re keeping live plants, make sure your lighting matches their needs. Some plants require high-intensity lighting, while others do fine with low light.
Lighting doesn’t just help your tank look beautiful — it creates a stable environment where fish and plants can thrive.
🧽 Tip 7: Plan for Easy Maintenance
A beautiful tank is great — but only if you can keep it that way. When designing your aquascape, always think about how you’ll clean and maintain it over time. Possibly one of the most important aquascaping tips we have is making sure maintenance isn’t a chore you dread but a cathartic part of your weekly routine.
Here’s how to make maintenance easier:
- Leave space at the front and sides for a gravel vacuum or algae scraper.
- Avoid overcomplicating your layout with too many tiny hiding spots that are hard to reach.
- Choose hardy plants and decorations that can handle water changes and algae growth.
- Use a substrate that’s easy to clean and doesn’t trap too much waste.
Good design should be both functional and beautiful. You’ll thank yourself later when regular cleaning doesn’t require a full tank teardown!
Create a Fish Tank You’ll Love for Years
Designing and aquascaping a fish tank is more than just arranging rocks and adding fish — it’s about creating a thriving, visually stunning ecosystem that’s easy to maintain and brings joy every day.
Whether you’re setting up a small betta tank or a feature aquarium like the one at our store, following these aquascaping tips will help you build a setup that works beautifully for both you and your aquatic pets.
If you need help choosing fish, plants, or aquascaping supplies, our team at Toni’s Pet Station is here to help. Come in and see our new display tank, get inspired, and ask us anything about how to bring your dream tank to life.