The Jungle Style

The Jungle Style is for those who appreciate the untamed, chaotic beauty of nature. Unlike the meticulous grooming of Dutch or Nature styles, the Jungle aquarium is allowed to grow wild, creating a dense, immersive environment that feels like a slice of a tropical river.

History & Philosophy

Popularized as a counter-movement to high-maintenance styles, the Jungle aquarium focuses on the ecosystem. The idea is to let plants compete for space and light, resulting in a survival-of-the-fittest arrangement where only the strong thrive. It evokes the feeling of diving into a primordial river.

Key Design Principles

1. Density and Scale

The tank should look full, almost overgrown. Plants should reach the surface and even emerge from it. Large, broad-leaved plants are used to create a sense of scale and shadow.

2. Darker Atmosphere

Due to the dense vegetation reaching the surface, light is often dappled or blocked, creating dark, moody areas in the tank. This provides excellent cover for fish.

3. "Organized Chaos"

While it looks wild, there is still a need for some pruning to prevent taller plants from completely shading out lower ones. However, the trimming is less frequent and less precise than in other styles.

Hardscape Materials

• Driftwood: Large, branching pieces of wood (like darker Driftwood or Bogwood) are used to add structure amidst the plant mass.
• Rocks: Usually hidden or used simply to anchor wood.

Typical Flora and Fauna

Fauna

This style is perfect for shy species or those that prefer dim lighting.

• Discus Fish: Their flat bodies allow them to navigate dense plants.
• Angelfish: Similar to Discus, they love vertical structures.
• Gouramis: Enjoy the surface cover.
• Tetras: Larger schools of robust tetras like Bleeding Hearts or Congos.

Flora

Robust, fast-growing plants are key.

• Vallisneria: The classic "Jungle val" creates a curtain of grass at the back.
• Echinodorus (Amazon Swords): Large centerpieces with broad leaves.
• Tiger Lotus: Adds shade and red coloration with surface leaves.
• Cryptocoryne species: For the mid-ground and foreground, tolerant of lower light.
• Floating Plants: Amazon Frogbit or Salvinia to dim the lights.

Maintenance

Generally lower maintenance than Dutch or Iwagumi, but nutrient depletion can be an issue due to the sheer biomass.

• Pruning: Occasional thinning of surface plants.
• Fertilization: Root tabs are essential for heavy root feeders like Swords and Crypts.