Choosing Your First Proper Aquascaping Setup: Why an Aquarium & Cabinet Set Makes Sense

Starting your first proper aquascaping setup is an exciting step. Whether you’re inspired by classic Nature Aquariums, Iwagumi layouts, or lush planted tanks, choosing the right aquarium from the outset can make the entire experience more enjoyable — and far less overwhelming.

One of the most common challenges for beginners is selecting equipment that works well together. Tank dimensions, cabinet strength, aesthetics, and long-term practicality all matter. This is where a matched aquarium and cabinet set becomes the ideal starting point.

Why our Tank & Cabinet Sets Are Ideal for both First-Time Aquascapers & Experiences Hobbyists 

A dedicated aquarium and cabinet set removes much of the guesswork involved in a first setup. Rather than sourcing a tank and stand separately, these systems are designed to work together from the ground up.

The cabinet is built to properly support the aquarium’s weight, while providing practical storage space for filters, CO₂ equipment, and maintenance tools. This ensures both structural stability and a clean, uncluttered display — something many beginners underestimate until later.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Aquarium Size

Aquarium size plays a huge role in how easy an aquascape is to maintain. Contrary to popular belief, slightly larger tanks are often more forgiving for beginners.

• 45cm aquariums are perfect for compact spaces and nano layouts

• 60cm aquariums offer a balance between creative freedom and manageability

• 90cm aquariums open the door to classic Iwagumi and Nature Aquarium styles

Having the right footprint allows for better hardscape balance, improved plant growth, and more stable water parameters — all key factors when learning aquascaping fundamentals.

Low-Iron Glass: A Clear Advantage from Day One

One of the most noticeable differences in a quality aquascaping setup is low-iron aquarium glass. Unlike standard float glass, low-iron glass offers:

• Truer colours

• Less green tint

• Distortion-free viewing

For planted aquariums, this clarity makes a significant visual difference and allows you to properly appreciate plant textures, stone detail, and overall layout depth. Our OptiGlass tanks feature low iron glass offering a great viewing experience.

Affordable Without Compromise

A common misconception is that a high-quality aquascaping setup has to be expensive or overcomplicated. In reality, a well-designed aquarium and cabinet set offers excellent value by combining premium materials, correct proportions, and long-term reliability in one package.

For beginners, this means investing once in a setup that won’t need upgrading as skills improve — making it a smart and accessible entry point into serious aquascaping.

A Foundation That Grows With You

Perhaps the biggest advantage of starting with a quality aquarium and cabinet set is longevity. As your confidence grows, the same setup can support:

• More advanced planting techniques

• CO₂ injection systems

• Complex hardscape layouts

• Higher-end filtration and lighting upgrades

Rather than outgrowing your aquarium, you grow into it.

Explore Our Aquarium & Cabinet Sets

At Horizon Aquatics, our OptiGlass Aquarium & Cabinet Sets are designed to offer a refined, dependable foundation for aquascapers at every stage. Available in 45cm, 60cm, and 90cm sizes, each set pairs a low-iron rimless aquarium with a purpose-built cabinet, available in multiple heights and finishes.

👉 Explore our full range of Aquarium & Cabinet Sets here.

FAQ: Aquarium & Cabinet Sets for Aquascaping

Is an aquarium and cabinet set good for beginners?

Yes. A matched aquarium and cabinet set is ideal for beginners because the tank and stand are designed to work together. This removes guesswork around weight support, sizing, and stability, making your first aquascaping setup more straightforward and reliable.

What size aquarium is best for a first aquascape?

This depends on available space and ambition. A 60cm aquarium offers an excellent balance for most beginners, while a 90cm aquarium provides more creative freedom for larger layouts such as Iwagumi or Nature Aquariums. Smaller 45cm setups are ideal for compact spaces and nano aquascapes.

Why choose a low-iron glass aquarium?

Low-iron glass offers significantly clearer viewing than standard glass, with less green tint and more accurate colour representation. This makes a noticeable difference in planted aquariums, highlighting plant health, hardscape detail, and layout depth.

Are aquarium cabinet sets suitable for planted tanks and CO₂ systems?

Yes. Purpose-built aquarium cabinets provide the stability required for planted aquariums and include space for filters, CO₂ systems, and other equipment, keeping everything neatly hidden while maintaining a clean display.

Will I outgrow an aquarium and cabinet set as my skills improve?

No. A quality aquarium and cabinet set is designed to grow with you. As your experience increases, the same setup can support advanced planting techniques, upgraded lighting, CO₂ injection, and more complex aquascaping styles.

Explore Our Aquarium & Cabinet Sets

Use the links below to explore the full range and choose the size that suits your space and aquascaping goals:

• 👉 45cm Aquarium & Cabinet Sets – Ideal for nano aquascapes and compact spaces

• 👉 60cm Aquarium & Cabinet Sets – A balanced starting point for planted aquariums

• 👉 90cm Aquarium & Cabinet Sets – Perfect for Iwagumi and large Nature Aquariums