When you aquascape, you make your fish and invertebrates comfortable which is one of the factor that will keep them healthy.
In their natural habitat, coral reef ecosystem provides hiding places, caves and nooks for their protection.
They even set up small territories that they defend. So rocks, sand and plants are important structures that your inhabitants need to survive.
When you buy a new saltwater fish and introduce them in your aquarium, they will be looking for the same nooks and caves I have mentioned.
This is when you “aquascape.” Understand that whatever you put in your aquarium, from gravel to cleaning equipment can and will influence your water chemistry.
It may either be positive or negative effects. So try to avoid heavy metals that will negatively impact the water chemistry and can lead to harming your fish.
How you do this is up to you. But here are some basic rules that you can follow:
- Make sure that structures are stable when you use rocks and other ornaments. A good rule is to make the base of the structure as wide as it is high.
- Take time to design the décor of your aquarium before you buy the ornaments. You can even try to draw it. Be creative, you can also get some ideas from books and other public aquarium displays.
- Do not put anything in your aquarium unless you are sure that it won’t harm your fish.
- Give your saltwater fish some comfort like caves and crannies.
- Do not overstuff your aquarium with decorations. Water is the most important element. So when you put rock or coral or other decoration, it will displace water and space.
- Try to stick with calcareous ornaments. It means decorations that are calcium-based. This will help stabilize water chemistry.