Aquascaping in Small Spaces: Nano Tanks That Make a Big Impact You don’t need a massive tank to create a beautiful aquascape. In fact, some of the most striking aquatic layouts are designed in compact spaces. Nano tanks , typically under 60 litres, offer a perfect canvas for creativity, whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into planted tanks or an experienced aquascaper craving another aquascape, low maintenance project. Why Choose a Nano Tank? Nano aquariums are ideal for those with limited space, time, or budget. They’re perfect for desktops, shelves, kitchen worktops or apartment living, and can still deliver all the...

Emersed Aquatic Plants & Wabi-Kusa: A Complete Guide to Above Water Growth Techniques Live aquarium plants are typically associated with lush planted aquariums, swaying leaves, dense green carpets, and vibrant stems reaching toward the surface. But many aquatic plants are just as happy growing above the waterline. This is known as emersed growth, and it opens up a whole new world of aquascaping possibilities. Wabi-kusa is a Japanese aquascaping concept that blends aquatic plants with the principles of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection and natural simplicity. Typically made using a soil or substrate ball planted with aquatic species, wabi-kusa can be...

The Best Glue for Aquarium Plants At Horizon Aquatics, when it comes to attaching epiphyte aquarium plants like mosses, ferns, or anubias to rocks and wood, we always rely on plant glue. It’s a simple, quick and easy way to instantly secure plants without using string or fishing line, keeping your aquascape clean and professional-looking. Why Use Plant Glue in Your Aquarium? Plant glue allows you to instantly fix plants onto hardscape, even underwater. It speeds up aquascaping dramatically compared to traditional methods, and it keeps delicate plants like mosses neatly in place during tank setup and early growth stages....

Epiphyte Aquarium Plants: Attach, Grow, Thrive When designing a beautiful aquascape, adding a variety of textures and growth styles can take your aquarium from good to stunning. One essential group of plants that every aquascaper should know about is epiphyte plants. These versatile species don’t root in soil like typical plants — instead, they anchor themselves onto rocks, wood, or other surfaces, creating a more natural, wild look inside your tank.In this blog, Horizon Aquatics will dive into what epiphyte plants are, why they’re perfect for aquascaping, how to care for them, and some of the best types to add...

Essential Aquascaping Tools: What Every Aquascaper Needs Aquascaping is both an art and a science. Creating stunning underwater landscapes takes patience, creativity, and the right tools. Whether you're new to the hobby or refining your technique, having a reliable set of core aquascaping tools is crucial for planting, trimming, and maintaining your aquarium layout. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential aquascaping tools every aquascaper or planted aquarium lover should have in their tool kit. 1. Aquascaping Scissors Scissors are a must-have for shaping and maintaining aquatic plants. There are 3 common types: Straight Scissors – Great for general...

Aquarium Fertilisers: All-in-One vs. Separate Nutrient Dosing – Which Is Right for You? Fertilising your planted aquarium is key to achieving healthy, vibrant plant growth and keeping algae at bay. But with so many fertiliser options on the market, one common question aquascapers ask is: Should I use an all-in-one fertiliser, or dose nutrients separately? In this post, we’ll break down both methods, explore the pros and cons, and help you choose the best approach based on your tank’s needs and your aquascaping goals. Why Do Aquarium Plants Need Fertiliser? Just like garden plants, aquatic plants require a steady supply...

Everything You Need to Know About ADA Fertilisers and Additives: A Complete Guide Why Fertilisers Matter in Planted Aquariums Aquatic plants, like all living plants, rely on a steady supply of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. In natural environments, these nutrients are constantly replenished through fish waste, decaying organic matter, and sediment. But in a closed aquarium—especially a high-tech, aquascaped tank—nutrient levels can quickly drop, leading to deficiencies, poor plant growth, and increased risk of algae. When you're running high lighting and injecting CO₂, the plants’ demand for nutrients rises significantly. This is where the concept of the Aquascaping...

Aquarium Shrimp - All about them and how to care for them  Freshwater shrimp are delightful additions to a freshwater aquarium. These fascinating creatures not only bring a splash of colour and activity to your tank but also play a crucial role in maintaining it's health. As they scuttle around, they graze on algae and detritus, helping to keep the environment clean and balanced. Their unique behaviours and social interactions add an engaging dimension to aquascapes, making them a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts.  Types of Aquarium Shrimp Neocaridina vs Caridina Shrimp When exploring the world of shrimp, it's essential to...

How to Get Vibrant Red Aquarium Plants & How to Care For Them Adding red aquarium plants to your aquascape instantly transforms your aquarium into a vibrant underwater world. Their striking colours create contrast against green plants and give your tank a pop of colour. But why exactly, are some aquarium plants red, and what extra care do they need compared to green plants? In this blog, we'll dive into the science behind their colour, essential care tips, and introduce you to five stunning red aquarium plants for every skill level – from beginner to advanced aquascapers. Why Are Aquarium...

How to Create a Stunning Dutch Aquascape: Plant Choices, Layout Tips, and Rare Species The Dutch aquascape style is one of the oldest and most striking forms of planted aquariums, known for its lush, colourful, garden-like appearance. Unlike nature-style aquascapes that mimic landscapes, the Dutch style focuses on dense plant growth, vibrant colour contrasts, and structured "streets" or rows of plants.If you've ever dreamed of creating a vivid underwater garden, a Dutch aquascape is a fantastic choice — and it’s easier than you think with the right guidance! In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of setting up...

This Different Types of Algae in a Planted Aquarium and How to Get Rid of Each One A guide to Fighting Algae  At Horizon Aquatics, we know that creating a stunning, thriving planted aquarium is a rewarding yet challenging journey. One of the most common hurdles you’ll face as an aquarium enthusiast is managing algae growth. Whilst in nature algae is a natural part of any aquatic ecosystem, in your home aquarium it can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked or there is an imbalance, impacting the health of your plants and the overall beauty of your tank. In this...

How to Maintain a Clean Aquascape – Weekly Aquarium Maintenance Guide We've broken down our cleaning routine into simple, easy-to-follow steps for you. Our weekly maintenance routine is standard for a mature aquascape. For new aquascapes, however, the process is a bit different during the first few weeks. You can read more about that in our other blog post. *Everything you need to know to set up a Planted Aquarium* Visual Overall Aquarium Health Check Each week, we begin our routine for each aquarium with a visual inspection to assess what needs attention. This includes a general health check of the...

The Best Hardscape Glue for Aquariums At Horizon Aquatics, we always secure our aquascaping wood and rocks with glue — not only to prevent them from floating when added to the aquarium, but also to ensure they stay firmly in place during routine maintenance. Why Use Glue in Your Aquarium? We use glue so that wood can be used instantly, without the need for days, or even weeks of pre-soaking. By attaching wood to rocks, it becomes weighed down, allowing you to start aquascaping right away. Which Aquarium Safe Glue to Use? We use our own specially tested hardscape glue,...

The 'Moss' We Can't Get Enough Of: Riccardia Chamedryfolia  Riccardia chamedryfolia moss also known as 'Coral Moss' or 'Mini Pelia' is a liverwort native to Asia, particularly South East Asia.  The Structure of the moss has a branched layered look resembling branch coral which is where the name 'Coral Moss' comes from.    What is a Liverwort? Although we often refer to Riccardia as a moss, it’s actually a liverwort—a plant closely related to mosses and sharing many of the same characteristics. In the aquascaping world, it’s commonly grouped with mosses and treated as such. Liverworts are terrestrial plants that...

Mastering the Art of Iwagumi An Iwagumi is an exquisite and meticulously crafted arrangement of stones that originates from Japan, reflecting the principles of Zen aesthetics in Aquascaping. This style is defined by its minimalist approach, where the focus is solely on stones as hardscape Materials, creating a serene and captivating underwater landscape. In an Iwagumi aquascape, a single type and colour of stone is chosen, which adds to the visual harmony and emphasises the natural beauty of the materials. Arranged according to key principles of balance, simplicity, and proportion, the layout typically incorporates an asymmetrical design that evokes the...

ADA Aquarium Plants  If you’re serious about creating a stunning, healthy aquascape, ADA tissue culture aquarium plants are a must-have. These plants offer unbeatable quality, vibrant growth, and a completely pest-free start for your aquarium. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about ADA tissue culture plants — including their benefits, popular varieties, and expert tips for planting and care. ADA tissue culture aquarium plants are of high quality and include both common, well-known species as well as rare and unusual aquatic varieties. BIO Mizukusa no Mori BIO Mizukusa no Mori — meaning "Bio Aquatic Plant Forest"...

Clean up Crew for Aquascapes In the world of aquariums, certain fish and invertebrates play a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment; these creatures are commonly known as the 'clean-up crew.' This diverse group includes species that scavenge for uneaten food, algae, and debris, effectively preventing the buildup of waste in your aquatic ecosystem. Their diligent efforts not only contribute to the overall cleanliness of the tank but also promote a balanced habitat for your plants and other inhabitants. Adding a clean-up crew is one of the most valuable steps you can take for the success of...

ADA Solar RGB 2 Lets take a look at the highly anticipated release from ADA, the new Solar RGB II. The History of the Solar RGB Nearly nine years ago, ADA launched the revolutionary Solar RGB, a sleek and modern pendant light designed specifically for aquarium plants. Its primary focus on colour reproduction enhances the brightness and vividness of aquarium plants.  This sophisticated lighting unit quickly became iconic within the aquascaping hobby, as its design seamlessly incorporates functionality with aesthetics. Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after lights in the aquascaping community. ADA has...

How to Inject CO2 into your Aquarium to take your Aquascape to the Next Level  This comprehensive guide to CO2 for your aquarium includes step-by-step instructions for installing both in-tank and inline CO2 systems, along with crucial tips, equipment suggestions, and troubleshooting strategies suitable for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. Why use CO2 in an Aquarium? CO2 can instil fear in many aquarists; it sounds intimidating, technical, and expensive! We often receive inquiries from customers who are nervous about using CO2 and whether they should make the investment. Ultimately, it depends on what you want from your aquarium. If you're...

Caring for your Betta Fish  In this blog, we'll delve into essential tips and advice to help you create the ideal environment for your Betta fish, maintain their health, and provide the right care they need to flourish. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a beginner embarking on your first fish-keeping adventure, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary insights to keep your Betta happy and thriving. From tank setup and water quality to feeding practices and common health concerns, we’ve got you covered! The scientific name for Betta fish is Betta splendens. This species is also commonly known...

The New Biomaster 2 External Canister Filter The long-awaited upgrade to the highly popular Biomaster filter is finally here: introducing the new Biomaster 2! This enhancement has been in development for some time, with Oase carefully considering customer feedback to improve upon the already renowned first version of the Biomaster series which was released over 6 years ago! What is the Difference between the Oase Biomaster and the Biomaster 2? So what's new? It looks almost identical from the outside, but the internals are where the biggest difference has been made, so let's take a look! Increased Flow Rate The...

Budget Friendly Aquascaping - How to Make Things more Cost Effective  If you're looking to dive into aquascaping for the first time but are concerned about costs, we've got you covered! Here are some practical tips to help you create a beautiful aquarium without breaking the bank. Choosing Your Aquarium Size Matters! Opt for a smaller aquarium to reduce costs on equipment and materials. Larger tanks require more expensive equipment such as larger heaters and filtration and materials like wood, rocks, soil, and plants.   All-in-One Aquariums Some options are good quality, but many come with subpar equipment. We recommend...

How do I Choose the Right Substrate for my Aquascape? Choosing the right substrate for your aquarium largely depends on your planting goals.  If you plan to incorporate stem plants, carpeting plants, or heavy root feeders, using aquasoil is advisable. This substrate provides essential nutrients that support healthy plant growth, regardless of whether you opt for a 'low-tech' or 'high-tech' setup. On the other hand, if you intend to focus primarily on epiphytic plants, you might consider using gravel or sand as your substrate. In this case, it’s important to add some fertiliser to your aquarium to ensure the plants receive...

Aquarium Plant Specialists - All about our UK Store  Welcome to Horizon Aquatics – Our store for all things aquascaping! Our passion lies in creating stunning planted aquariums, and every aspect of our store reflects that commitment. From carefully curated fish selections to top-of-the-line equipment, we offer everything you need to bring your aquatic vision to life. We're incredibly proud to have been recognised as the UK's best aquascape shop for three consecutive years, and we've also earned a spot in the top 40 general aquatic stores.  Let us Give you an Insight into what our Store is all About...

Horizon Aquarium Cabinets Did you know that we offer our own range of aquarium cabinets? As aquascaping enthusiasts, we understand that the beauty of your aquarium is not just in the tank itself, but also in how it is presented. That’s why we are excited to introduce our new range of aquarium cabinets, meticulously designed by aquascapers for aquascapers. These cabinets not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquatic masterpiece but also provide practical benefits that make maintaining your aquarium a breeze.One of the most significant advantages of using a dedicated aquarium cabinet is the way it elevates the...

Live Aquarium Plants: Tissue Culture vs Potted Plants  A question we are asked all the time is 'what is the difference between tissue culture aquarium plants or potted aquarium plants?'  Tissue Culture Plants:Tissue culture aquarium plants, such as Tropica's 1-2 grow range, are grown in a laboratory setting. This ensures they are sterile, free from algae and pests. These tiny plants are packed tightly into small pots, making them ideal for starting a new aquarium. We recommend purchasing one tissue culture pot per palm-sized aquarium to get started. Tissue culture plants have gained immense popularity in the aquatic industry, with...

Easy Beginner Aquarium Plants  As a dedicated aquascaping store, we frequently welcome new visitors who are exploring our planted aquariums in our gallery for the first time. The most common question we receive is, "What plants are easy to take care of?" Answering this can be tricky as it often depends on whether the aquarium contains a soil or sand/gravel substrate, as well as the presence of CO2 and the intensity of lighting used. For aquariums using soil but no CO2 injection and a basic starter light, we recommend the following aquatic plants: Limnophila sessiflora  Hygrophila siamensis 53B Staurogyne repens...

Setting up an Aquascape - Start to Finish This comprehensive blog is designed to equip you with all the information necessary to confidently establish your first successful aquarium. We will cover all the essential considerations, provide expert tips, tricks, and discuss the pros and cons, ensuring that you feel confident to create and maintain your aquascape. Before you start, there are a few things to consider when setting up your aquarium, if you have already selected your 'aquarium hardware' you might want to skip this first part. Selecting your Aquarium Choosing an aquarium can be overwhelming due to the wide range...

Top 5 Aquarium Fish for Nano Aquariums  What is a nano aquarium? At Horizon Aquatics, we define a nano aquarium as having 60 liters of water or less. These smaller aquariums are specifically designed to sit on a worktop or counter top and are ideal for those who are looking for a budget-friendly and low-maintenance way to enjoy a piece of nature in their home. They are perfect for individuals with busy lifestyles, as they require less time and effort to maintain while still providing the joy of having an aquarium in the home. Chilli rasbora Boraras brigittae Meet the delightful...