What Makes a True Dutch Style Aquarium
Dutch aquascapes are characterized by their abundant plant life, with as much quantity and diversity as needed to fulfill the hobbyist's visual image. Typically the entire foreground is fill with plant life. Larger-leafed species of plants are more typical in Dutch style aquascapes.
vivarium - generally tropical; high humidity, well planted, running water features
terrarium - generally arid; low humidity, dryer climate animals, little water (suited well for frogs)
paludarium - vivarium or terrarium with a large body of water. 50/50 water/land type tanks
In an Iwagumi layout, only one type of rock is used as a composition material, and generally only a few types of aquatic plants are planted in a simple arrangement. Due to this simple composition, the strength of the presence of the rocks and their overall impression are influenced greatly by the arrangement of aquatic plants and the denseness of their growth. Therefore, the selection of the aquatic plants and the timing of their trimming are very important.
This aquarium style tries to emulate some sort of jungle, like the Amazon for example. The key to this aquascaping style is the wild, lush, uncontrolled appearance. From all aquascaping styles this is the less intensive one in terms of maintenance. Everyday plant trimming is not needed, as you don’t want to give the impression this aquascape is hand made.
