Hardscaping

Bogwood is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Calcareous substrate is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Clay is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Dark silt substrate is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Driftwood is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Fine sand is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Granite rocks is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Leaf litter is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Limestone rocks is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Peat moss substrate is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Sand and gravel mix is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Sand is a natural hardscape material used in biotope and aquascaping setups.

Using regular potting soil capped with sand. The cheapest and often most effective way to grow plants (The "Dirted Tank").

A functional substrate made of calcium carbonate. Used to raise pH and KH for African Cichlids and Livebearers.

Seachem Flourite is a porous clay gravel. It is not an active soil (doesn't lower pH) but holds nutrients well.

The buoyant bark of the Cork Oak. Used primarily for terrarium backgrounds or floating islands.

A heavily branched wood often used as an alternative to Spider Wood. Pale color with darker knots.

The dried skeleton of the Cholla cactus. Hollow, holey, and soft. The #1 wood choice for shrimp tanks.

A dense, dark, heavy wood that sinks immediately. Releases beneficial tannins and is virtually rot-proof.

Naturally tumbled, smooth stones found in riverbeds. Essential for biotope aquariums (Hillstream, Rio Xingu).

Actual wood turned into stone over millions of years. Offers the texture of bark with the weight and permanence of rock.

A metamorphic rock known for being flat, dark, and mostly inert. Ideal for creating caves, steps, and retaining walls.

A sedimentary rock with distinct alternating layers of brown and orange clay. Resembles miniature canyons or pagodas.

Detailed specification and application guide for Ohko Stone in freshwater aquariums.

Lava Rock is more than just a budget filler. Discover its biological filtration benefits, usage as a base layer, and how it contrasts in high-tech aquascapes.

A guide to Elephant Skin Stone (Seegebirge). Learn why its weathered texture is perfect for creating aged, natural aquascapes.

Discover the premium Hakkai Stone (Pa-Hai). A rare, river-worn stone from Japan valued for its unique pockmarked texture and inert chemistry.

Explore Frodo Stone (Ancient Stone), a highly textured hardscape material perfect for diorama-style aquascapes and forest layouts.

A complete guide to Spider Wood (Azalea Root). Perfect for detailed nature aquariums, moss trees, and creating intricate depth.

Mopani Wood is a dense, two-toned African hardwood. Learn about its heavy tannin release and use in blackwater or low-tech setups.

Discover Manzanita Wood, a premium hardwood from the USA known for its durability, elegant branching, and rot resistance.

Horn Wood (Iron Wood) is a dense, heavy driftwood that sinks instantly. Perfect for creating dramatic, dark skeletons in planted tanks.

Understand active aquasoil: the gold standard substrate for planted tanks. Learn about handling ammonia spikes and its pH buffering capabilities.

The definitive guide to Seiryu Stone. Understand why this limestone rock is the top choice for Iwagumi layouts and how to manage its effect on water chemistry.

Cosmetic sand adds negative space and contrast to aquascapes. Learn how to maintain it and use it effectively in your layouts.

Before high-tech soils, there was gravel. Learn why this inert, reliable substrate is still a great choice for beginner and fish-focused tanks.