Aquascaping is the art of making an aquarium just that little more than a container for fishes. This does not mean trying to imitate a small piece of Nature. In a long association with aquaristics I have yet to see a chunk of aquatic Nature suitable for imitating in the home aquarium. Remember when planning the display that a few well-chosen pearls on velvet look better than a handful of diamonds. The plants must balance each other for size; a plant that reaches 15 in. is useless if your tank is only 12 in. deep, the light will simply scorch it. Allow for expansion, don't instantly try to emulate those fabulous overgrown aquariums one sees at the shows - that takes time and patience. If sub-gravel filtration is used, then Cryps, Watersprite,
Ludwegia, and Wisteria will thrive only if the gravel exceeds 5 cm in depth. Tie the bunched plants together, if they are not already fastened, with either elastic bands or strips of lead weight and bury in the gravel. Rooted varieties are planted singly. Wrap the roots round one finger, while digging a hole in the compost with the others. Spread out the roots and then cover with gravel until the plant crown just shows above the compos. Try to arrange tall-growing plants at the rear, short to the front. Don't obscure rocks with plants that will grow and hide them. Rinse all plants in lukewarm water and at no time allow them to dry out - keep moist on damp newspaper or floating in a bucket. Sometimes referred to as sand, but don't confuse this with the seaside variety. Most of the compost used in Britain comes from Chesil Beach in Dorset and varies from fine to coarse grade. It doesn't matter much which size you choose, but pieces the size of dried peas are most popular. You will require about 9.5kg for our tank, but it is cheap, so don't stint by not using enough. Some enthusiasts make their own by grinding large rocks, but this is hard work. and not worth the effort for the beginner.
