Dutch Aquascaping Style: Techniques And Plant Selection For Beginners

Welcome to the colorful world of Dutch aquascaping! If you’re new to planted aquariums and looking for a style that combines beauty with structure, Dutch aquascaping might be perfect for you. This traditional approach to underwater gardening started in the Netherlands in the 1930s and has won the hearts of aquarium fans worldwide.

Unlike nature-inspired layouts that mimic wild underwater scenes, Dutch aquascapes focus on neat plant arrangements with clear patterns and stunning color contrasts. Think of it as an underwater flower garden!

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create your own Dutch-style aquarium. From basic techniques to plant choices, equipment needs, and step-by-step instructions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

What Makes Dutch Aquascaping Special?

Dutch aquascaping stands out from other styles in several key ways:

Organized plant groups: Plants are arranged in clear sections rather than randomly scattered
Strong focus on plants: Unlike other styles that use rocks and wood, Dutch tanks mainly showcase plants
Bold color contrasts: Different colored plants create visual interest and eye-catching patterns
Neat, manicured look: Regular trimming keeps everything tidy and formal
Streets and rows: Open paths between plant groups (called “streets”) create depth and structure
Minimal hardscape: Few rocks or driftwood pieces (if any)
High plant density: Lots of different plant species packed together

Dutch aquascapes often follow the “rule of thirds” for balance and use plants of different heights, textures, and colors to create visual interest.

Getting Started: Equipment You’ll Need

Before jumping into creating your Dutch aquascape, make sure you have the right equipment:

Equipment	Purpose	Recommendation for Beginners
Tank	Holds water and plants	20-40 gallon tank (longer is better than taller)
Lighting	Provides energy for plant growth	Medium to high-intensity LED lights
Substrate	Anchors plants and provides nutrients	Nutrient-rich aquasoil or plant substrate
Filtration	Keeps water clean	Canister filter for larger tanks, HOB for smaller ones
CO2 system	Provides carbon for plant growth	Simple starter kit (for serious plant growth)
Fertilizers	Supply essential nutrients	All-in-one liquid fertilizer for beginners
Maintenance tools	For tank upkeep	Scissors, tweezers, algae scraper, water test kit

Why good lighting matters: Dutch-style tanks need proper lighting since they focus so heavily on plant growth. Many plants used in Dutch aquascapes need medium to high light to thrive and show their best colors.

Choosing the Right Plants

Plant selection is the heart of Dutch aquascaping. Here’s what to look for when choosing plants:

Plant Types Based on Height

Background plants (8-20+ inches)

Vallisneria
Jungle Val
Amazon Sword
Rotala species
Limnophila aquatica

Midground plants (4-8 inches)

Cryptocoryne wendtii
Hygrophila polysperma
Ludwigia repens
Bacopa caroliniana
Alternanthera reineckii

Foreground plants (1-3 inches)

Staurogyne repens
Dwarf sagittaria
Helanthium tenellum
Marsilea hirsuta
Glossostigma elatinoides

Plants for Color Contrast

What makes Dutch tanks stand out is their vibrant mix of colors. Consider including:

Red/pink plants: Alternanthera reineckii, Ludwigia palustris ‘Red’, Rotala macrandra
Green plants: Vallisneria, Microsorum pteropus, Bacopa caroliniana
Yellow/gold plants: Cabomba aquatica ‘Golden’, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
Purple plants: Hygrophila pinnatifida, Nymphaea lotus ‘Red’

Beginner tip: Start with easier plants like Vallisneria, Amazon Sword, Cryptocoryne wendtii, Anubias, and Java Fern. As you gain experience, you can try more challenging species.

Step-by-Step Dutch Aquascaping Technique

Let’s break down how to create your Dutch aquascape in manageable steps:

1. Plan Your Layout

Before adding anything to your tank:

Draw a simple sketch of your design
Mark where different plant groups will go
Plan your “streets” (open paths between plant groups)
Consider the rule of thirds for balance
Think about height progression (tallest in back, shortest in front)

2. Prepare Your Tank

Install your equipment (filter, heater, lights)
Add your substrate (2-3 inches deep, sloping higher at the back)
Fill the tank partially with water
Test and treat the water as needed

3. Plant in Groups

Start with background plants, working forward
Plant similar species in groups of at least 3-5 stems
Leave clear “streets” between groups
Create triangular or rectangular sections of plants
Avoid mixing too many species in one area

4. Follow the Dutch Planting Rules

Traditional Dutch aquascaping follows several key rules:

Use at least 12 different plant species
No more than 70% of the tank should be one plant type
Plant in groups, not individually
Create clear “streets” for visual flow
No two groups of the same color should touch
Include a focal point to draw the eye

Beginner-friendly modification: Start with 6-8 plant species instead of 12+ to make maintenance easier while you learn.

5. Establishing Your Tank

Fill the tank completely after planting
Start your filter and heater
Begin with 8-10 hours of light daily
Add fertilizers according to package instructions
If using CO2, start at 1 bubble per second and adjust as needed
Be patient! It takes 2-3 months for a Dutch tank to fill in

Maintenance: Keeping Your Dutch Aquascape Beautiful

Dutch aquascapes need regular care to maintain their formal, garden-like appearance:

Weekly Tasks

Test water parameters
Change 25-30% of the water
Add liquid fertilizers
Trim fast-growing plants
Remove any algae
Clean glass

Monthly Tasks

Deep trim all plant groups
Reshape and redefine “streets”
Thin out dense plant groups
Check equipment
Clean filter

Maintenance tip: Keep a set of dedicated aquascaping tools like long scissors, tweezers, and a rake for easier maintenance.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Cause	Solution
Algae growth	Too much light, excess nutrients	Reduce light hours, increase water changes
Leggy plants	Insufficient light	Upgrade lighting, trim and replant tops
Yellow leaves	Nutrient deficiency	Adjust fertilizer routine
Melting plants	Transition shock	Be patient, remove dead material
Cloudy water	Bacterial bloom, substrate disturbance	Water changes, improved filtration

Inspiration: Dutch Aquascape Examples

Looking at successful Dutch aquascapes can help you understand the style better:

Classic Dutch: Structured rows of stem plants with clear streets and minimal hardscape
Modern Dutch: Traditional Dutch planting with some nature-style elements added
Dutch-Iwagumi hybrid: Dutch plant selection with the clean lines of Iwagumi rock arrangements

Check online aquascaping forums, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts for examples of beautiful Dutch tanks.

Choosing Fish for Dutch Aquascapes

While Dutch style focuses on plants, fish add movement and life. Good choices include:

Schooling fish: Neon tetras, cardinal tetras, rasboras (stay in groups for visual impact)
Centerpiece fish: Gouramis, angelfish, or German blue rams (add focal interest)
Bottom dwellers: Corydoras catfish or kuhli loaches (help clean the substrate)
Algae eaters: Otocinclus catfish, nerite snails (help with maintenance)

Pick fish that won’t dig up or eat your plants. Avoid large cichlids, goldfish, and other plant-destroyers.

Final Tips for Success

Start small: Begin with easier plants and fewer species
Be patient: Dutch tanks take time to mature and fill in
Keep learning: Join online communities to share experiences
Take photos: Document your progress to see how far you’ve come
Enjoy the process: Aquascaping should be fun and relaxing!

Conclusion

Dutch aquascaping offers a structured, colorful approach to the underwater world that’s both beautiful and rewarding. While it requires some work to maintain, the results are worth the effort. By starting with the basics outlined in this guide and gradually building your skills, you’ll be creating stunning Dutch-style planted tanks in no time.

Remember that every aquascape is unique, and the most important thing is creating something you enjoy. Happy aquascaping!

FAQs

Q: Do I absolutely need CO2 for a Dutch aquascape?

A: While not 100% necessary for beginners, CO2 helps plants grow faster and healthier. You can start without it using easy plants, but adding CO2 later will open up more plant options.

Q: How many hours should I keep my lights on?

A: Start with 8 hours daily and adjust based on plant growth and algae levels. Too much light can cause algae problems.

Q: How often should I trim my plants?

A: Fast-growing stem plants might need weekly trimming, while slower plants might only need monthly attention. Watch your plants and trim as needed to maintain the neat appearance.

Q: Can I create a Dutch aquascape in a small tank?

A: Yes! While traditional Dutch aquascapes are often in larger tanks, you can create a mini version in tanks as small as 10 gallons by using fewer plant species and smaller varieties.

Q: What’s the difference between Dutch and Nature Aquarium styles?

A: Dutch style focuses on organized plant groups, streets, and color contrast with minimal hardscape. Nature style (popularized by Takashi Amano) uses rocks and driftwood to create natural-looking landscapes inspired by real outdoor scenes.