Aquarium Hardscape

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Help and advice on shopping for: Aquarium Hardscape

Aquarium hardscape is the hard landscaping materials we use to decorate aquariums. This can be wood or rocks, twigs, leaves and stones, and anything apart from soft furnishings like plants. Hardscape is a term commonly used by aquascapers who borrow Japanese Zen layout techniques to arrange wood and rocks in pleasing formations in planted tanks and aquascapes.

Can I use aquarium hardscape in any fish tank?

Some rocks contain lime and will raise pH and hardness, so are unsuitable for softwater fish. Other sharp, abrasive rocks may be unsuitable for algae grazing fish with soft sucker mouths or clumsy fancy goldfish. Wood and leaves are not suitable for marine aquariums.

How much aquarium hardscape do I need?

This is down to personal taste, but make sure that individual pieces of wood or rocks will fit through the top of the tank, first of all. Heavily decorated aquariums make for better visual displays. Very rocky tanks suit Lake Malawi cichlids and very woody tanks suit Amazon biotope tanks.

What are leaves for in aquariums?

Leaves are also referred to as "botanicals" and their use is relatively new in the hobby. Leaves are a natural product that float initially before slowly sinking and releasing tannins into the aquarium. Leaves make forest-dwelling fish feel at home and make biotope tanks more realistic. They are also used as a food source by freshwater shrimp.

Why is my fish tank wood floating?

Many aquarium woods float when first purchased, but should eventually sink over weeks and months. Presoak outside or boil wood to speed up the process, or pin it down with heavy rocks until it becomes waterlogged.