Aquascaping is far more than arranging plants inside an aquarium. It is an art form that combines design, horticulture, and aquatic ecology to create living underwater landscapes. Among the many aquascaping styles available today, two of the most influential and recognisable are the Nature Aquarium and the Dutch Style Aquarium.
Although both styles focus on lush planted aquariums, they differ dramatically in their philosophy, layout, planting techniques, and maintenance requirements. One aims to recreate natural landscapes using rocks and driftwood, while the other celebrates the incredible diversity of aquatic plants through carefully planned colour, texture, and height.
If you’re planning your first planted aquarium—or looking for inspiration for your next project—understanding these differences will help you choose a style that suits your goals, experience, and available maintenance time.
In this guide, we’ll compare Nature Aquarium and Dutch Style aquascaping in detail, exploring their history, design principles, equipment, plant choices, maintenance requirements, and suitability for beginners.
What Is a Nature Aquarium?
The Nature Aquarium style was popularised by the late Takashi Amano and has inspired aquascapers around the world.
The philosophy behind this approach is to recreate the beauty of natural landscapes beneath the water’s surface.
Rather than copying nature exactly, a Nature Aquarium captures its atmosphere using carefully arranged:
- Rocks
- Driftwood
- Aquatic plants
- Open swimming areas
Many Nature Aquariums resemble:
- Forests
- River valleys
- Mountain ranges
- Islands
- Woodland streams
The overall goal is to create a calm, balanced composition that feels both natural and timeless.
Core Characteristics of the Nature Aquarium Style
Typical features include:
- Natural-looking layouts
- Carefully positioned hardscape
- Limited but complementary plant species
- Strong sense of depth
- Open negative space
- Organic flow
- Balance and simplicity
Every element is positioned to guide the viewer’s eye through the aquascape.
What Is Dutch Style Aquascaping?
Dutch Style aquascaping originated in the Netherlands during the early twentieth century and remains one of the oldest planted aquarium traditions.
Unlike Nature Aquariums, Dutch aquascapes focus almost entirely on aquatic plants.
Rocks and driftwood play little or no role.
Instead, the emphasis is placed on:
- Colour
- Contrast
- Texture
- Plant groupings
- Height variation
- Layering
Many people describe Dutch aquariums as underwater botanical gardens.
Core Characteristics of Dutch Style Aquascaping
Typical features include:
- Dense planting
- Numerous plant species
- Strong colour contrasts
- Clearly defined plant groups
- Terraced layouts
- Minimal visible substrate
- Little or no hardscape
The overall appearance is highly organised and carefully maintained.
Philosophy Behind Each Style
Understanding the design philosophy helps explain why these two styles look so different.
Nature Aquarium Philosophy
Nature Aquarium layouts aim to evoke emotion through natural scenery.
The aquascaper carefully recreates the feeling of standing beside a river, hiking through a forest, or overlooking distant mountains.
Every rock, branch, and plant contributes to that illusion.
Nature Aquarium design often embraces asymmetry, irregularity, and subtle imperfection because these characteristics are found throughout nature.
Dutch Style Philosophy
Dutch aquascaping celebrates horticulture.
Rather than imitating landscapes, it showcases the incredible diversity of aquatic plants.
The emphasis is placed on healthy growth, vibrant colours, precise trimming, and careful arrangement.
Each plant species is displayed almost like flowers in a formal garden.
Hardscape Comparison
Perhaps the biggest visual difference is the use of hardscape.
Nature Aquarium
Hardscape is fundamental.
Common materials include:
- Dragon Stone
- Seiryu Stone
- Lava Rock
- Spider Wood
- Red Moor Wood
- Malaysian Driftwood
Hardscape forms the skeleton of the entire layout.
Plants are then arranged around it.
Dutch Style
Hardscape is either completely absent or used only sparingly.
The aquarium relies almost entirely on plants to create depth, contrast, and movement.
The viewer’s attention is directed toward the colours and textures of the vegetation rather than rocks or wood.
Plant Selection
Both styles use aquatic plants, but the approach differs considerably.
Nature Aquarium
Typically uses a carefully selected collection of complementary species.
Popular choices include:
- Anubias
- Bucephalandra
- Java Fern
- Monte Carlo
- Dwarf Hairgrass
- Rotala rotundifolia
- Cryptocoryne
- Mosses
The objective is to support the natural landscape without overwhelming it.
Dutch Style
Dutch aquariums often contain a much larger variety of plants.
Examples include:
- Rotala species
- Ludwigia species
- Alternanthera reineckii
- Hygrophila species
- Limnophila species
- Bacopa species
- Pogostemon species
- Cabomba
- Myriophyllum
Each species is planted in distinct groups to create bold visual impact.
Layout Design
Nature Aquarium
The layout is usually based around one or more focal points created using hardscape.
Popular compositions include:
- Island layouts
- Triangle layouts
- Concave layouts
- Convex layouts
Depth is created through perspective, sloping substrate, and carefully positioned rocks and driftwood.
Dutch Style
Dutch aquascapes use rows, terraces, and contrasting plant heights.
The design relies on:
- Colour blocks
- Texture changes
- Leaf shape contrast
- Plant pathways
- Height transitions
Every section of the aquarium is carefully organised to showcase each plant group while maintaining overall harmony.
Colour Palette
Nature Aquarium layouts generally favour natural greens with occasional subtle accents of red.
Dutch aquascapes embrace a broader palette, combining shades of green, red, orange, bronze, and purple to create dramatic visual contrast while maintaining balance.
Lighting Requirements
Lighting is one of the most important factors in any planted aquarium, but the demands vary between Nature Aquarium and Dutch Style layouts.
Nature Aquarium
Many Nature Aquariums combine hardy plants with a smaller selection of demanding species.
Lighting requirements are generally:
- Medium to high intensity
- Full-spectrum LED lighting
- 6–8 hours daily
- Consistent photoperiod using a timer
Because plant diversity is often lower, balancing light with nutrients and CO₂ is usually more straightforward.
Dutch Style
Dutch aquascapes are heavily planted and often feature colourful stem plants that require stronger lighting to maintain compact growth and vibrant colours.
Typical requirements include:
- High-output LED lighting
- Excellent colour rendering
- Consistent 7–9 hour lighting period
- Uniform light coverage across the aquarium
Poor lighting can quickly lead to leggy growth and loss of colour.
CO₂ Requirements
Carbon dioxide plays an important role in planted aquariums.
Nature Aquarium
Simple Nature Aquariums using hardy plants can be successful without injected CO₂.
However, high-end layouts featuring carpeting plants such as Monte Carlo or Glossostigma generally benefit from pressurised CO₂ systems.
Benefits include:
- Faster growth
- Denser carpets
- Improved plant health
- Better algae control when balanced correctly
Dutch Style
Most Dutch aquariums rely on injected CO₂.
The combination of:
- Dense planting
- Fast-growing stems
- Bright lighting
- Frequent trimming
makes CO₂ an essential component of maintaining healthy growth and vibrant colours.
Fertilisation
Healthy aquatic plants require a balanced supply of nutrients.
Nature Aquarium
Fertilisation usually includes:
- Complete liquid fertiliser
- Root tabs for heavy root feeders
- Occasional micronutrient supplements
Because fewer species are often used, nutrient management may be slightly simpler.
Dutch Style
Dutch aquariums consume nutrients rapidly due to their dense planting.
Many aquarists dose:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Iron
- Trace elements
Frequent monitoring helps maintain balanced growth while preventing algae outbreaks.
Maintenance Comparison
Maintenance requirements differ significantly.
Nature Aquarium
Typical weekly tasks:
- Water changes
- Glass cleaning
- Plant trimming
- Water testing
- Equipment inspection
Plant trimming is usually moderate because growth is managed to preserve the natural appearance.
Dutch Style
Maintenance is often more intensive.
Typical tasks include:
- Weekly trimming
- Frequent replanting
- Careful shaping of plant groups
- Nutrient dosing
- Water testing
- Regular fertiliser adjustments
Without consistent maintenance, the carefully structured appearance can quickly become overgrown.
Livestock Selection
Fish should complement the aquascape rather than dominate it.
Nature Aquarium
Popular choices include:
- Neon Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Otocinclus
- Corydoras
- Amano Shrimp
- Nerite Snails
These species enhance the natural atmosphere while remaining peaceful.
Dutch Style
Fish selection is similar but often focuses on species that contrast beautifully with colourful plants.
Suitable choices include:
- Cardinal Tetras
- Lemon Tetras
- Glowlight Tetras
- Cherry Barbs
- Pencilfish
- Small Rainbowfish
Large or destructive fish are generally avoided.
Aquascaping Skills Required
Nature Aquarium
Developing a successful Nature Aquarium requires:
- Understanding perspective
- Hardscape design
- Natural composition
- Plant placement
- Balance
- Patience
Many beginners enjoy this style because it encourages creativity while allowing layouts to evolve naturally.
Dutch Style
Dutch aquascaping places greater emphasis on horticultural knowledge.
Aquascapers should understand:
- Plant growth rates
- Colour combinations
- Nutrient management
- Regular trimming techniques
- Plant propagation
Maintaining the formal appearance requires ongoing attention.
Cost Comparison
Costs vary depending on equipment and plant selection.
Nature Aquarium
Main expenses often include:
- Premium rocks
- Quality driftwood
- Aquasoil
- Rimless aquarium
- LED lighting
Once established, ongoing costs may be relatively moderate.
Dutch Style
Higher ongoing costs may result from:
- Larger numbers of plants
- Fertilisers
- CO₂ refills
- Frequent plant replacements
- Intensive maintenance
The initial setup can also be more expensive due to the number of plant species used.
Which Style Is Easier?
Nature Aquarium
Generally considered more beginner-friendly because:
- Fewer plant species
- Simpler layouts
- More forgiving maintenance
- Greater use of hardy plants
Dutch Style
Often better suited to aquarists with some experience because:
- Plant care is more demanding
- Frequent trimming is required
- Nutrient balance is critical
- Layouts require continuous refinement
Competition Aquascaping
Both styles feature prominently in international aquascaping competitions.
Nature Aquarium layouts dominate many global contests due to their artistic landscapes and dramatic perspective.
Dutch Style aquariums remain highly respected for their technical precision, horticultural excellence, and immaculate maintenance.
Both styles reward patience, creativity, and attention to detail.
Can You Combine Both Styles?
Absolutely.
Many modern aquascapes combine elements from each tradition.
Examples include:
- Natural hardscape with colourful stem plants
- Structured planting around driftwood
- Nature-inspired layouts featuring Dutch-style terraces
- Minimalist compositions with carefully selected accent plants
These hybrid layouts allow aquascapers to develop their own unique artistic style.
Nature Aquarium vs Dutch Style Comparison
| Feature | Nature Aquarium | Dutch Style |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Natural landscapes | Aquatic plants |
| Hardscape | Essential | Minimal or none |
| Plant Variety | Moderate | Extensive |
| Colour Palette | Mostly natural greens | Wide range of vibrant colours |
| CO₂ | Optional to recommended | Usually essential |
| Maintenance | Moderate | High |
| Difficulty | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
| Visual Style | Natural and organic | Formal and structured |
| Fish Role | Complement the landscape | Complement the plants |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which aquascaping style is best for beginners?
Nature Aquarium layouts are generally easier for beginners because they use fewer plant species, rely on strong hardscape design, and can be created successfully with many hardy plants.
Does Dutch Style require CO₂?
Most Dutch aquariums benefit significantly from injected CO₂ due to the high density of fast-growing plants and stronger lighting.
Can I mix both styles?
Yes. Many modern planted aquariums combine natural hardscape with structured planting to create unique hybrid layouts.
Which style requires more maintenance?
Dutch Style aquascaping usually requires more frequent trimming, fertiliser dosing, and plant management than Nature Aquarium layouts.
Which style is more natural?
Nature Aquarium is specifically designed to recreate the appearance and atmosphere of natural landscapes beneath the water.
Final Thoughts
Nature Aquarium and Dutch Style aquascaping are two of the most influential approaches to creating planted aquariums, each offering a unique interpretation of underwater beauty.
If you’re inspired by forests, rivers, mountains, and organic landscapes, the Nature Aquarium style provides a relaxing and artistic way to recreate nature in your home. Its emphasis on hardscape, balance, and subtle planting makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
If your passion lies in cultivating vibrant aquatic plants and showcasing their incredible colours, textures, and forms, Dutch Style aquascaping offers endless creative opportunities. While it demands more maintenance and horticultural knowledge, the results can be spectacular.
Whichever style you choose, success comes from careful planning, patience, consistent maintenance, and a willingness to learn. As your plants mature and your layout evolves, your aquarium will become a living work of art that reflects both the beauty of nature and your own creativity.
Why Choose Aquassi Ltd?
At Aquassi Ltd, we’re dedicated to helping aquascapers bring their creative visions to life. Whether you’re building a Nature Aquarium, a Dutch Style planted tank, or a unique hybrid layout, we offer premium rimless aquariums, nutrient-rich aquasoils, natural rocks, driftwood, aquatic plants, LED lighting, CO₂ systems, filtration equipment, fertilisers, aquascaping tools, and expert guidance.
From your first planted aquarium to advanced competition-inspired designs, Aquassi Ltd provides the quality products and trusted advice you need to create a healthy, thriving underwater landscape you’ll enjoy for years to come.
