Top 10 Aquascaping Layouts to Try This Year

Aquascaping isn’t just decorating your tank—it’s crafting a living work of art. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just getting your feet wet, trying out new layout styles is a great way to express creativity while creating a healthy environment for your aquatic friends. This year, aquascaping trends are leaning into both the minimalist and the wild. Here are 10 of the top layouts you should definitely consider trying.

1. Iwagumi Style – Clean, serene, and based in Japanese tradition, Iwagumi uses an odd number of carefully placed stones to create a balanced, Zen-like scape. It’s minimal but powerful, with open space and subtle slopes that mimic peaceful hillsides.
2. Dutch Style – A riot of color and precision, Dutch layouts are all about plants. Rows of lush, contrasting species create a structured, garden-like effect that’s both formal and vibrant.
3. Jungle Style – For those who crave a wilder, more natural look, Jungle style is loosely arranged and heavily planted. It mimics the overgrown beauty of untouched nature, encouraging your tank to feel alive and organic.
4. Nature Aquarium – A blend of structure and freedom, this style aims to recreate actual landscapes—think underwater forests, valleys, or meadows.
5. Island Style – A central “island” of hardscape and plants surrounded by open substrate creates a striking, minimalist focal point.
6. Blackwater Biotope – Inspired by dark, tannin-rich rivers in the Amazon, this setup uses driftwood, leaves, and subdued lighting to create a mysterious, natural habitat.
7. Mountain Range Style – Using stacked rocks to mimic rugged peaks and valleys, this style adds drama and a sense of scale to your tank.
8. Riverbed Layout – Smooth stones, sand channels, and minimal plant use define this layout, mimicking the subtle beauty of a flowing stream.
9. Zen Garden Layout – Inspired by Japanese rock gardens, this style incorporates sand raking, minimalist stones, and subtle plants to evoke peace and simplicity.
10. Hybrid Layouts – Don’t feel boxed in—many aquascapers are now blending styles. A Jungle-Iwagumi fusion or Dutch-Nature hybrid can be both fun and visually stunning.

No matter which style you choose, aquascaping allows you to bring a slice of the natural world into your home—while promoting mindfulness, creativity, and care. And if you’re passionate about preserving aquatic beauty beyond your glass tank, consider supporting reef restoration efforts happening right now.

At Immoral Coral, we’re not just about bold designs—we’re about bold action. Every T-shirt we sell directly funds hands-on reef restoration along both U.S. coasts, with a strong focus on rebuilding coral ecosystems in Florida. Show your love for the water in and outside the tank. Grab a tee, share the mission, and help bring life back to our oceans—one coral at a time. 🌊🐠

Shop now at Immoral Coral – Wear the Change. Restore the Reef.