Before joining the Horizon Aquatics team, Rachael created an aquascape for the gallery that reflected her long-time love for the classic nature style.

The Aquascape

Nature aquariums have always been her favourite, and triangular layouts come especially naturally. The way they create flow, drama, and movement makes them both visually striking and deeply calming. The goal with this layout was to pay homage to classic aquascaping—something timeless, approachable, and easy for others to replicate in their own tanks.

To capture that traditional feel, the scape was built with Seriyu stone and root wood. These tried-and-true materials offered both structure and flow, with the stone providing texture and grounding while the wood introduced height and direction. The result was a strong triangular composition that guided the eye through the layout.

Classic plants were chosen to reinforce the theme. Ferns softened the hardscape, adding a natural, flowing texture, while vibrant Rotala stems provided colour and movement. This mix of greenery and structure created a scape that felt both dramatic and harmonious, true to the nature aquarium style.

Livestock

Even the fish were selected with tradition in mind. A shoal of Neon Tetras—the humble classic of the aquascaping world—added both life and colour. Their vivid hues contrasted beautifully with the plants, while their movement echoed the triangular flow of the layout.

This aquascape became more than just a gallery display; it marked a personal milestone. It represented a love for the roots of aquascaping and the styles that continue to inspire so many in the hobby. Today, as part of Horizon Aquatics, it also serves as a reminder of where that journey began and why the classics never lose their impact.

Equipment Breakdown

• Oase Scaperline 60 - £749.00
• Lighting – Twinstar E Series - £299.00
  
• Filter – Oase Biomaster Thermo 250 - £224.99

CO2 System

CO₂ Art Pro-SE Regulator Kit with added accessories

• Drop checker
• In tank diffuser
• Non return valve
• 1.5kg CO2 bottle 

Prices for Co2 systems start from £210 there are many different options to choose from 

Full cost of equipment is: £1,482.99 (including the CO₂ system at £210)
Prices mentioned on this blog are posted on 19/09/2025 and could increase over time, please only use prices as a rough guideline, see website for exact current prices.

Hardscape

• Seriyu Stone
• Honshu Wood
• ADA Aqua Gravel 
• ADA La Plata Sand
• ADA Amazonia Soil

Plants

• Rotala H'ra
• Rotala Green
• Crytocoryne Spiralis Tiger
• Cryptosocryne albida brown
• Trident Fern
• Bucephalandra Kedagang
• Bolbitis heudelotii