Aquascape Layout Planner

Aquascaping is an art form where composition is key. Before lifting heavy stones or disturbing substrate, use this interactive planner to sketch your vision. Whether you are aiming for the Golden Ratio or a simple Island layout, visualizing your hardscape and planting strategy here can make the difference between a chaotic tank and a stunning underwater garden.

How to use:

1. Enter your tank size and give the layout a simple name.
2. Sketch or note where your main hardscape and focal point will sit.
3. Assign foreground, midground, and background plant zones.
4. Add your planned filter position and stocking ideas.
5. Adjust until the layout feels simple enough to maintain in real life.

If the layout looks too crowded or complicated in the planner, that’s already useful information. It’s usually a sign to remove one hardscape piece or one plant species before you buy anything.

1. Tank Setup

Define your canvas aspect ratio.

2. Add Elements

3. Guides

Rule of Thirds

Toggle grid lines to place focal points at intersection points (Golden Ratio approximation).

Drag to Move • Click to Select

Substrate Slope (Depth)

Left Right

Edit Selected

Rotation

Size

Composition Balance

A balanced aquascape typically avoids equal distribution. Aim for dominance in one area (Negative Space vs. Hardscape).

Design Templates & Principles

Island Layout

Also known as "Convex" composition. Hardscape and plants are centralized, leaving open space on both sides.

Why it works: Creates a strong focal point and is easier to maintain as plants don't grow against the glass.

Triangular Layout

Slope composition. Height starts high on one side and tapers down to the other, creating a dynamic flow.

Why it works: Provides a sense of direction and vastness, mimicking a riverbank or hillside.

Double Island

"Concave" composition. Two mounds of hardscape on either side with a negative space valley in the center/offset.

Why it works: The "valley" draws the eye deep into the tank, creating an illusion of great depth.

Aquascape Layout Planner • Designed for Hobbyists

Use this tool to experiment with layout principles before building. Remember: Hardscape provides the skeleton, plants provide the flesh.

Designing Nature: The Art of the Layout

"An aquascape is 20% planting and 80% hardscape structure." This tool helps you visualize the skeleton of your tank before you ever get your hands wet.

📐 The Golden Ratio & Rule of Thirds

Beginners often place their main rock or driftwood right in the center of the tank. This creates a "static" and boring look. Nature is rarely symmetrical.

Use the grid in this planner to apply the Rule of Thirds. Place your "Focal Point" (your best looking stone or red plant) at one of the intersections of the grid lines (about 1/3 from the left or right). This directs the viewer's eye across the entire landscape.

• Triangular Layout: Slopes from high on one side to low on the other. Good for corner tanks.
• Concave (U-Shape): High on both sides, open in the middle. Creates immense depth.
• Convex (Island): High in the middle, low on sides. Easiest for maintenance.

🏞️ Creating Depth in Small Tanks

How do you make a 60cm tank look like a vast landscape? The secret is in the slope and the plant layering.

The 3 Layers of Planting:

• Foreground: Low growing carpets like Monte Carlo or cosmetic sand. Keep this area open to avoid a messy look.
• Midground: The transition zone. Use Cryptocoryne, Anubias on wood, or Java Fern to hide the base of your stem plants.
• Background: Tall stem plants like Rotala or Bacopa. Plant these densely to create a "wall" of color.

Pro Tip: Bank your substrate high in the back (3-4 inches) and low in the front (1 inch). This instant slope forces perspective.

Layout FAQ

What is "Negative Space"?

Negative space is simply "empty water." Do not fill every inch of the tank. Leaving an open area (usually at the top or center) gives the fish room to swim and gives the viewer's eyes a place to rest. It makes the tank look less chaotic.

Hardscape First or Plants First?

Always hardscape first. Place your rocks and wood before adding water. This "Skeleton" determines the flow of the tank. Plants will grow and change, but the hardscape is permanent. Use this tool to lock in your hardscape positions before you buy heavy stones.