Dutch aquarium

The "Dutch aquarium" is an aquarium situated within a landscape that emphasizes dense, lush plant life. About thirty years ago, this style originated in Holland, but after becoming popular among aquarists worldwide, the name stuck.

The Dutch pond’s primary goal is to astound onlookers with its diverse array of lush plants and vibrant hues. The Dutch have a great fondness for adorning homes and streets with elaborate floral arrangements and lush vegetation. Aquarium keeping has also been affected by this trend.

Replicating the Dutch style in an aquarium requires at least three times the length of the container, with width and height roughly equal. Amazing compositions can also be made in a less long aquarium, but the Dutch aquarium still features panoramic views, striking color contrasts, and an abundance of lush vegetation. The front glass of the aquarium is the only opening for viewing, and the side walls are typically closed.

Plant placement principles for creating a Dutch aquarium

• Every plant species is planted in big clusters rather than individually, resulting in a dense thicket rather than the stems being visible in the end;

• Every group of plants is positioned closely to one another; the bottom should be devoid of any empty space. Only very small plants in the foreground can be planted over a larger area; each species of plant is planted in roughly equal amounts;

• Tight tiering is observed when planting: low plants are in the foreground, followed by medium-sized ones, and tall plants only form a continuous background in the background;

• medium-sized or tall plants can be positioned in the foreground’s corners to create a sort of frame for the underwater image;

• Long-stemmed species are typically planted next to creeping plants in certain locations. One or possibly two large rosette plants are planted to create contrast and draw attention;

• the leaf forms of adjacent plant groups should differ noticeably;

• Green plants should be next to red or olive ones in order to produce striking contrasts;

• Because of the extremely high planting density in a Dutch aquarium, stones are hardly ever used to create a landscape. On occasion, you can add a small, barely noticeable snag to the bottom of the thickets so that its parts peek through the foliage;

• You can place a snag next to a large plant that is positioned in a strong point and stands out against the rest of the arrangement. Getting the observer’s attention is the most important thing.

Very bright lighting is necessary for a high planting density; otherwise, the reservoir will grow pathetic stems with dying yellowish leaves instead of lush, dense thickets.

A simple black or dark wall would make the ideal backdrop for a Dutch aquarium. The pond’s vegetation is arranged densely, making the back wall nearly invisible from the outside. Furthermore, the abundance of vegetation eliminates the need for artificial pieces that are distracting.

The best plants for the Dutch landscape are those that grow quickly, require little maintenance, and can quickly become dense, lush thickets.

The middle tier has the highest concentration of planted species. Roughly 10 cm of length are allotted to each group of plants. A long, wide Dutch pond can hold up to thirty different species of plants.

The backdrop is covered in tall plants.

Plants are placed on terraces with multiple levels to produce a volumetric effect.

Because so many of the plants in the Dutch aquarium have long stems, its composition is vertical. "Leiden street" is a technique used to add diversity to the landscape. The people who live in the Dutch city of Leiden are well known for their skill at using flowers and greenery to decorate their homes.

"Leiden street" is arranged diagonally in an aquarium, cutting through a wall of densely packed plants that differ from one another in terms of color and form. A prominent piece, such as a stone, a snag, or a single, large plant that stands out against the surrounding landscape, is located at the end of the "street."

In a Dutch pond, fish are merely decorative and take on a secondary role. The aquarium "Holland" is home to small schooling species, occasionally angelfish.

And now just grin, because this is a "Dutch aquarium" as well.

  • Post category: Aquarium from A to Z / Aquarium where to start

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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