Nature Aquarium

November 2014

Nature Aquarium is a style of aquascaping developed by Takashi Amano in the early 1990’s and is now in vogue in the exquisite residences of designers, creative and art lovers, seen as a perfect living art. More than ten years after Takashi Amano remains the biggest name in the design of the nature aquarium style and has truly influenced the aquascaping scene. The beauty of Amano’s tanks is that they truly evoke a deep sense of nature.

“Choosing between a saltwater and a freshwater aquarium is difficult. Both are stunning but they are very different. Natural aquariums are all about the aquascaping, the shapes and the range of colours. They are perfect for those that want to create a natural feel and for whom creativity plays an important role in their life. Saltwater aquariums are more extravagant and exotic and help create a fantasy world. If you are passionate about the sea and vibrant colours this is the tank for you.” (Daniela, Aquarium Architecture)

Nature aquariums are renowned for their aquascape more than the fish living inside. The aquascapes illustrate miniature versions of forests, valleys, mountains or hillsides while the ecosystem is alive just like real environment where aquatic plants, fish and microorganisms are coexisting in nature.

The concept is characterized by extreme attention to the alignment and grouping of stones, driftwood and sand on top of aquatic plants in order to create the most real natural ambience and flow.

Elements of Japanese gardening concept Wabi Sabi are generally used when designing a Nature Aquarium even though the general look of the aquascape might look unplanned. In reality, accomplishing this type of layout requires a lot of elaborate work.

In the design of a Nature Aquarium it is recommended to have only one focal point to maximise its impact. Plants are usually selected depending to their likeness to the plants found in the outdoors while the fish are chosen to compliment the aquarium’s layout.

The equipment used for this type of aquarium is usually rather high-tech and an adequate lighting system and a Co2 system are necessary. Maintenance is required weekly or every two weeks depending on the aquarium size in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing Nature Aquarium.

“To know Mother Nature is to love her smallest creations.” Takashi Amano

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