Custom Aquascapes.... what's the deal?
Aquascapes are essentially a way of landscaping an aquarium. They are for the most part an aesthetic thing but there is generally no reason for them to not include plumbing or even the entire filtration system. They can look like anything but the ones we offer attempt to create a more realistic environment for both the viewer and the fish.

From the outside looking in it can be a startling effect as it comes much closer to completing the illusion of a window into another world. For me that is what a show tank is all about.

The Benefits
There are a number of benefits, some obvious, some not so much.

The biggest benefit is obviously appearance but once you spend time with one of these systems you will see that fish often behave differently. My best comparison is the difference in the way fish act when the water is not to their liking vs. when it is. The fish loosen up and relax.

Part of this probably comes from these tanks requiring fewer fish to feel complete. Most aquariums today, especially the Rift Lake Cichlid tanks, depend on high stocking levels to keep the aggression level controlled in the tank. It also is a way of keeping the interest level high from out side the tank ad well. With a properly scaped tank both goals can be realized without over stocking.

Part of it likely comes from the improved water quality. We use all natural materials in the creation of these tanks. Natural sands or gravels for substrates, special porous concrete mixes for the scapes, real woods, live plants and often complete it with oversized sponge filters hidden in the scape. This all adds up to create a massive biological bed for bacteria to grow in and on.

We also build plumbing into the scape to increase currents in order to keep debris suspended long enough to be caught by the filters. That current combined with a spray bars for the return water flow help keep a highly oxygenated environment.

Finally we build different levels into the tank to support different types of fish. Good water and lots of hiding places helps calm the fish but giving enough territory to support the fish you have does wonders for your community. I commonly keep combinations of fish that many will tell you is not a recipe for success and have in fact produced some amazing communities doing so.

What are the limitations?
The only real limitations, and it varies with the different styles of scapes, is that it is not easy to rearrange large parts of the aquarium and that fish can be very difficult to catch. If you are renting an aquarium from us then it is not your problem though so for you there would be no downside.

The aquascaped aquariums are in my opinion some the nicest show tanks available. They are time consuming to create and two months is about the normal lead time but it is well worth it. If you want an aquarium that takes it all to the next level you have to give this some thought.

Ways to get a scaped aquarium
There are a variety of ways to get one of these tanks. Many people build their own and for a basic scape it is not that difficult. They are often made out of styrofoam with concrete applied over the surface like the tank below. I've built many of these and I've seen many more built by others and I will say it take either an artistic person or an experienced person to make a nice one.

How do you get one of ours?
Well call us or email us at the shop. We typically need 2 months lead time to get one ready for delivery and a typical scape like the 55 gallon tank above will cost approximately $500 with full plumbing and filtration built in. We require a non-refundable 30% deposit.

Alternatively, if you are a business, you can rent an aquarium from us with a scape installed. Typically it will add between $30 and $50 per month to the normal monthly rental rate. Contact Us Here