History of Planted Aquariums

History of Planted Aquariums

Human have been keeping fish for the last 4500 years in glass aquariums, albeit rather basic one's. It was the Victorians that had a real passion for trying to bring nature into their homes but it really began with ornate glass frames in which plants were placed inside. Two decades after that, basic aquariums became popular fish and plants were kept together. In the late 1800s plants such as salvinia and riccia were used. But these aquariums were not filtered, illuminated or heated as electricity was yet to be invented. During the 1900s when electricity was introduced to houses, aquariums also benefitted from this. During the 1930s the hobby really came into its own, aquariums were improved, filters, lighting and general understanding of water chemistry.

Around the late 1980s a relatively unknown man called Takashi Amano was beginning to make an impact in the publishing world with his planted aquariums. In his early years he began experimenting with carbonated water and plants and seeing how they reacted. His knowledge grew rapidly and he began creating nature aquariums.  In 1992 he published his first book called Nature Aquarium World. Even today, this book remains a very important book for many hobbyists as it left a huge impact on most and the potential this art could have.

As we moved into the 21st Century, European hobbyists were streaking ahead of UK aquascapers. However the internet was becoming available and it flourished as a sharing resource - people were sharing their ideas, and aquascaping was more than just about putting plants in a tank and watching them grow - it had become an art. People were understanding CO2, fertilisers, substrates, lighting, water changes, rock placement, filtration and which plants work well with others; the hobby was progressing quicker than ever before.

Today, planted aquariums are a global scene and hobbyists all over the world now compete for prizes to see who is the best aquascaper. Big money is involved and now reputable brands are catching on and the hobby moves forward into exciting times.

"Who can ever grow tired of the sight of brightly coloured fishes swimming among flourishing underwater plants? Memories of playing in rivers and ponds as a child well up inside, or you get lost in the amazing world that unfolds before you. Though people aspire to make a copy or imitation of nature when they build an aquarium, it's really an impossible task. The aquarium is a unique kind of creativity: human and natural. It can be thought of as a glass crucible where these two creative energies mix and mingle. The results? Facination and relaxation."  Takashi Amano, 1992