This is my curated list of the resources that I’ve reviewed and can recommend to those wanting to learn more about natural, planted aquariums and aquascaping. Some are freely available and some are paid. I may receive a small affiliate payment if you choose to purchase an item via one of the links provided. If you choose to do so, I greatly appreciate it. It allows me to pay for ScapeFu’s bandwidth and keep it freely available on the Internet.
Books
Nature Aquariums: Complete Works 1985-2009 takes you on a journey through over two decades of the most innovative and breathtaking designs from nature aquarium pioneer Takashi Amano. In this collection of works from the world-renowned aquarist, over 200 vibrant, full-color photos display the captivating beauty of nature aquariums while providing detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create your own aquatic masterpiece. Along with expert advice on plant and fish selection, water chemistry, and maintenance, the author includes essays outlining aquarium aesthetics and his own personal design philosophies to inspire readers to create their own harmonious and tranquil nature aquarium designs.
Who is this for?
Those who want to get inspiration from one of the best aquascapers this world has ever seen, Takashi Amano. He is the founder of Aqua Design Amano and the Nature Aquarium concept. He changed the way the world thinks about freshwater planted aquariums.
Use these works to learn from him. He does go into some detail with some of the aquascapes that give you insights into what he used to achieve the work of art. However, PLEASE don’t get discouraged because your first or second attempt doesn’t come out just like one of his. Inspiration is what you’re looking for here.
The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium presents scientific information that hobbyists can use to set up and maintain successful planted freshwater aquaria. Book contains practical tips using a question-and-answer format in boxes scattered throughout the text. Hobbyists learn how to keep a healthy and inexpensive aquarium. Although the author prefers low-tech methods, she lays out the science that underlies all methods. The author shows that hobbyists can create thriving planted freshwater tanks WITHOUT CO2 injection, fertilizers, expensive lighting, and other high-tech gadgets.
Who is this for?
This book is for those wanting to understand the ecosystem of a natural, planted aquarium. Before you can have a beautiful aquascape, you must know how to grow plants! This book gives you a very good understanding. I recommend everyone to read it. It is written by Diana Walstad who is one of the pillars of this hobby.
Additionally, this book explains how to go about growing plants without all of the expensive life support system. However, please note that you will then be limited in the aquascapes you can produce. They can be beautiful but your palate will be limited as fast growing, light-loving plants will not do well with the low-tech method.
Clubs
Aquatic Gardeners Association is THE club for those interested in the US hobby. I highly recommend you join. The Aquatic Gardener (TAG) is a wonderful publication they put out.
Online Forums and Other Sites
Aquatic Plant Central is the forum I started so forgive me for placing it first. It has a special place in my heart.
The Planted Tank is another, very large forum of friendly hobbyists all willing to lend a hand.
The Barr Report is a forum started by Tom Barr, renown aquatic plant aquarist famous for his fertilization method. He is single-handedly responsible for reducing the amount of algae US planted aquariums have.
Aquascaping World is a wonderful forum for all things aquascaping. Aquascapers from around the world frequent it and leave behind some of the most beautiful photos of aquascapes.
The UK Aquatic Plant Society is home for aquascapers and aquatic plant enthusiasts on the “other side of the pond”. The Journal section has amazing works. Highly recommended.
Last updated: January 19, 2014