The Dutch aquascape guide calculates plant group dimensions, the "street" width, and height graduation rules from your tank width and height. Dutch aquascaping uses strict mathematical proportions — groups occupy 15–20% of tank width, heights graduate front-to-back, and a clear diagonal "street" creates depth perspective.
Tank Dimensions
Height Graduation (front → back)
Dutch Rules Summary
How to Create a Dutch Aquascape
Dutch aquascaping is one of the most structured and demanding aquarium art forms. Unlike Nature Aquarium (which mimics natural landscapes), Dutch style is a formal garden — every plant placement follows rules developed over decades by Dutch aquarium clubs. The result is a visually rich tapestry of color and texture that looks nothing like nature but is genuinely beautiful.
Step 1: Plan Your Groups
Each plant species occupies one rectangular group. Groups are 15–20% of tank width, running front-to-back. Never place two groups of the same species adjacent — always separate with a contrasting species. Alternating tall and short species creates the visual rhythm Dutch style is known for.
Step 2: Plan the Street
The street is the most important planning element. It's a diagonal open path (typically 10–15% of tank width) running from front-left to back-right or front-right to back-left. No plants are placed in the street. It creates depth and gives the eye a path to travel through the scape.
Step 3: Stagger Heights Front to Back
Foreground plants max out at about 25% of tank height. Midground plants reach 50–65%. Background plants should reach the surface or just below it (75–95% of tank height). This front-to-back graduation creates the illusion of depth even in shallow tanks.
Step 4: Maintain Weekly
Dutch aquascapes require weekly trimming to maintain group boundaries and height graduation. Stem plants grow fast — without weekly pruning, groups merge and the structured look collapses within 3–4 weeks. Plan for 30–60 minutes of maintenance per week on a mature Dutch scape.
FAQ
What is a Dutch aquascape?
Dutch aquascape is a formal, highly structured aquarium style originating in the Netherlands in the 1930s. It uses dense rows of aquatic plants with strict rules about group width, height graduation, contrasting leaf textures, and color placement. There are no rocks or driftwood — plants are the sole decoration.
What is 'the street' in Dutch aquascaping?
The street is a clear, open diagonal path from the front-left to the back-right of the aquarium (or front-right to back-left). It's left bare of plants to create depth perspective. The street is a signature element of authentic Dutch style and typically 10–15% of the tank width.
How wide should plant groups be in a Dutch aquascape?
Dutch rules specify each species group occupies 15–20% of the tank width. For a 24-inch (60 cm) tank, each group is 3.6–4.8 inches (9–12 cm) wide. Groups of the same species should not be adjacent — always separate with a contrasting species.
How many plant species are in a Dutch aquascape?
A standard Dutch aquascape uses 10–15 species in a 24-inch tank, 15–20 species in a 36-inch tank, and 20+ species in larger tanks. Each species occupies one or two group positions. More species creates more visual interest but requires more maintenance.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
Does the calculator support metric and imperial?
Yes. Toggle between inches and centimeters for all measurements.