Gallery

Layouts worth studying, sorted by style.

Not a highlight reel — each entry links back to the style or technique page that explains what it's doing, so you can go from "I like this" to "here's how."

Iwagumi

Iwagumi stone arrangement with layered rock placement, Hakkai Aquascape Workshop
Iwagumi stone arrangement from Hakkai's Iwagumi Aquascape Workshop
Nano Iwagumi aquascape build in progress, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Nano Iwagumi build in progress, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Finished nano Iwagumi aquascape layout with low carpet plant, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Finished nano Iwagumi layout, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery

Read the Iwagumi breakdown

Jungle / Nature

Pascal's Pond, a shallow jungle-style aquascape with dense planting, Hakkai
Pascal's Pond, shallow-style jungle aquascape, Hakkai
Ledgers Fall, a UNS 90P jungle-style aquascape with driftwood and dense plant growth, Hakkai
Ledgers Fall, signature UNS 90P jungle-style aquascape display, Hakkai
Blue Mountains, a UNS 90L jungle-style aquascape with layered stone and plant growth, Hakkai
Blue Mountains, signature UNS 90L jungle-style aquascape display, Hakkai

Read the Jungle/Nature breakdown

Dutch

Dense Dutch-style planting arranged in color streets, Hakkai Dutch Aquascape Workshop
Dutch-style planted color streets, Hakkai Dutch Aquascape Workshop
Close-up of contrasting red and green stem plants in a Dutch-style aquascape, Hakkai
Close-up of a Dutch-style planting with contrasting red and green stems, Hakkai aquascape build
Front-glass view of a fully grown-in Dutch-style aquascape, Hakkai
Full front-glass shot of a grown-in Dutch-style tank, Hakkai aquascape build

Read the Dutch breakdown

Biotope

Biotope-style aquascape build with natural substrate and driftwood, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Biotope aquascape build, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Biotope-style aquascape with leaf litter and natural wood, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Biotope-style aquascape build, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Close-up of substrate and species detail in a biotope aquascape, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
Biotope aquascape build showing substrate and species detail, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery

Read the Biotope breakdown

Paludarium

UNS 45E paludarium with land and water sections planted out, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
UNS 45E paludarium display, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
DOOA Paluda 30 paludarium setup being unboxed, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
DOOA Paluda 30 paludarium setup at Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
DOOA Paluda 30 tank showing planted land and water sections, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery
DOOA Paluda 30 tank, land and water sections, Hakkai Aquascape Gallery

Read the Paludarium breakdown

Want something built for you?

Hakkai designs and installs custom aquascapes in San Diego, and runs hands-on workshops.

Visit Hakkai

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the aquascapes in this gallery?

Every aquascape pictured here was designed and built by Hakkai, the aquascape design studio co-founded by the Pet Zone SD team, either in their studio or during one of their hands-on workshops in San Diego.

Can I see these aquascapes in person?

Yes. Hakkai's Aquascape Gallery in San Diego is open to the public for walk-in visits, not just workshop attendees. Check Hakkai's site for current hours before you go.

Are the aquascapes in this gallery for sale, or can I get one built like this?

The exact tanks pictured aren't for sale, but Hakkai designs and installs custom aquascapes to order, and runs hands-on workshops if you'd rather build one yourself with guidance.

Which style should I look at first if I'm picking one for my own tank?

Start with Jungle/Nature if this is your first layout — it's the most forgiving of uneven growth. The styles guide breaks down what each style in this gallery is actually optimizing for.