When creating a Nature Aquarium, driftwood and stones are indispensable as layout materials. As all ADA items are natural material, each twist of a branch is unique and no two stones have the same expression. Which is why, like coming across some moving natural scenery, the layouter’s creativity is aroused when they chance upon an unexpected layout material. Or perhaps something is found that is so hard to work with it seems useless. So thoroughly individual that to dare to use it is to train your spirit. Whether that is a good or not depends on the layouter’s creative power, that’s the idea with natural materials. Let us introduce some materials, from staples to new releases. This winter, why not let yourself try them out in a layout production?

 

RYU-BOKU (Driftwood)

Driftwood’s many variables, such as its thickness and whether it branches, if its lines are straight or curved, etc, become possibilities for layout expression. Epiphytic plants, like Microsurum, Anubias and Taxiphyllum barbieri, enhance the natural feeling of your layout and, by showing bark here or hiding bark there, organically give us the feeling of time’s gentle flow.

HORN WOOD
Less branching, with straight and curved parts that are unique to natural materials. Creates brownish to reddish hues in a layout.

 

BRANCH WOOD
Driftwood with a unique branching expression due to having many undulating, detailed branches. A key is to use midground plants or epiphytes to cover the root base if it forms a clump.

SLIM WOOD
Slender straight lines sticking out give this driftwood a somewhat sharp impression. Taking care of the angles, plant Taxiphyllum barbieri or epiphytic plants to soften the tension it creates.