Types Of Tools For Aquascaping A Planted Aquarium

There are so many aquascaping tools in the market that are intended for building and maintaining planted aquariums. With the help of these tools, it is possible for even a beginner to make a beautiful aquarium layout as his/her own style. In this article, I will introduce you some popular tools for planted tanks as well as help you to understand how to properly use them.

Types Of Planted Aquarium Tools

Straight Scissors

This tool is ideal when you want to trim a group of aquarium plants in shapes. It is an indispensable tool for trimming in a confined space. The straight shape makes it very convenient to use in the upper regions of your planted aquarium.

This tool is also ideal for the finishing touches after setup or maintenance, when it is down to individual leaves. With its slender form and narrow opening, you can accurately trim even small-leaved plants while keeping the minimum disturbance of adjoining stems or moss cushions.

Curved Scissors

This scissors have similar uses with the previous; however, the curved type is for better trimming near the bottom of a high planted tank. It is ideal for pruning creeping and low-growing plants in the foreground and stem plants in the background. It is also a valuable help when working in a confined space in any planted aquarium.

Wave Scissors

The characteristic shape of the wave scissors has developed in recent years due to the special requirement of carpet plant maintenance. They are usually used for trimming carpet plants to achieve a level carpet in the foreground.

Wave scissors are very useful in a layout involving complicated driftwood arrangements. In this case, the foreground plant should be evenly trimmed, leaving just a thin layer of its bottom part.

Straight Tweezers

The straight tip of this tweezers makes it ideal for dense planting, especially foreground carpet and background stem plants. The tool firmly places stem plants in the substrate, and because it is pulled out of the substrate straight, it doesn’t uproot nearby shoots. The corrugated inner surface of the tip holds the plants firmly and safely but not damage it.

Spring Scissors

The straight tip of this tweezers makes it ideal for dense planting, especially foreground carpet and background stem plants. The tool firmly places stem plants in the substrate, and because it is pulled out of the substrate straight, it doesn’t uproot nearby shoots. The corrugated inner surface of the tip holds the plants firmly and safely but not damage it.

Spatula (Substrate Flattener)

The spatula is an indispensable tool for aquascaping and maintenance. It helps shape the substrate in new setups and levels planting areas where plants have been uprooted for replanting or removal.

Algae Scraper (Razor)

This tool is for removing algae from aquarium glass. Razor is a great help when cleaning algae on the edges near the substrate, where sand is present and you can’t clean with an algae magnet cleaner. The compact design of this tool also allows cleaning in inaccessible spots, where decoration or plants are in the way.

What Sizes Do I Need?

If you want to aquascape your planted tank without getting your hands wet, you should choose aquascaping tools that are longer than the height of water column of your aquarium. Remember to exclude the height of your aquarium substrate, which is usually around 2-3 inches based on your setup.

Following is a table that includes dimensions (Length x Width x Height) of different aquarium sizes from 2.5 to 180 gallons for you to quickly consult.

Important note! You can trim your plants after withdrawing the water when water changes. This makes a lower water column for easy handling with most aquascaping tools that are common around 10-12 inches in length.

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