This aquascaping project is a step-by-step, how-to guide to creating a Dutch aquascape in a bowl. However, strictly speaking, a Dutch aquascape should be in a rectangular formation, so we’re going to call this a Dutch-inspired nanoscape.
With wild mud underneath a substrate of fine play sand, I’ve created a filterless, lowtech, dirted aquascape. It contains five species of plants for aesthetic effect – with leaves of different shapes, sizes and colours – in the Dutch tradition, organised into rows mimicking a Dutch tulip farm.
The cleanup crew consists of some ramshorn snails and neocaridina shrimp. The shrimp in this scape are orange, blue and white in colouration – a hat-tip to the old Dutch flag.
Here are some of the products used. Where possible, I’m providing an Amazon Associates link. If you purchase through that method, then thank you very much, you’ll be helping support the channel.
30cm / 12-inch glass bowl
UK https://amzn.to/44Tni0X
US https://amzn.to/4kG0qYB
15W, 80 LED programmable grow light
UK https://amzn.to/4kOGRh4
US https://amzn.to/3TPLUTh
Play sand
UK https://amzn.to/4lVp9co
US https://amzn.to/4m1GPTM
Plants
Apologies, UK links only. In the US try http://www.buceplant.com
Cryptocoryne parva UK https://amzn.to/40WWKuy
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis UK https://amzn.to/4lBnKIi
Cryptocoryne wendtii red UK https://amzn.to/3ID7Qyu
Echinodorus ocelot green UK https://amzn.to/40tKwJP
Limnophilia sessiliflora UK https://amzn.to/4o2nbZS
I purchased the snails and all plants from World of Water in Gloucester, UK. I purchased the neocaridina shrimp from Best Aquarium Shrimp UK in Worcester.