Forest Style Aquarium — 190×80×55 cm, 836 L (2023 Masterpiece)

This forest style aquarium is a 190×80×55 cm, 836-litre masterpiece we completed in 2023. A forest aquascape is a composition in which upright roots read as tree trunks, so you feel as if you are looking through an underwater forest.

Composition

Dozens of thin, upright root pieces form the skeleton. They get denser and finer from front to back, so the 80 cm depth reads as a much deeper forest. Red lava rock mounds gather the bases of the roots, while a pale sand path running from the centre towards the back draws the eye into the layout.

Root surfaces and rock gaps are softened with moss and small-leaved plants, creating a natural transition between hard material and living texture.

Technical setup

The tank was planned as a low-tech system aiming for a slow-growing plant balance with modest light and nutrient demand. The lighting and CO2 plan was set at the design stage so it supports that balance. You can estimate light and CO2 needs for your own tank with our lighting calculator and CO2 / pH / KH calculator.

Project facts

• Style: forest aquascape
• Dimensions: 190 × 80 × 55 cm, roughly 836 litres gross volume
• Materials: upright roots, red lava rock, sand path
• Approach: low-tech
• Designer: Mert Yılmaz — 21st in the Seachem SEASCAPE TOP100, 9th in the ITAC 2022 TOP10

FAQ — frequently asked questions

What is a forest style aquarium?

An aquascape style in which roots are placed upright like tree trunks and thin towards the back to create an illusion of depth. The aim is to see a slice of forest inside the tank.

What is the volume of this aquarium?

External dimensions of 190 × 80 × 55 cm give roughly 836 litres of gross volume. You can calculate your own with our aquarium volume calculator.

Can I have a similar forest style aquarium made?

Yes. The composition is redesigned for the size and light of your space, the tank is made to measure and installed on site. See our planted aquarium design page or get in touch.