From my readings and talks with someone used to this type of aquariums, I made a small rule list:
- Traditional focal points / rule of thirds. Red plants should be placed accordingly.
- No two plants of the same color (similar colors shouldn’t also be placed next to each other).
- No two plants with the same leaf shape should be placed next to each other.
- Plants should be placed in “streets”, wider at the front, narrow at the back, hiding away behind other plant preferably. This way a better depth is achieved.
- Plants can’t be repeated.
- Aim for good contrast but also simplicity.

Then we have the height of the plants that should also be different for plants next to each other.
And finally, we have fore/middle and background plants… and having these possible three rows knowing that plants should be placed forming “streets” of plants that will get smaller to the back of the tank... I think you see the difficulty in planning a Dutch tank.

After 3 months some larger leafs plants were clearly needed, so I chose Nymphaea Lotus and Hygophila simanesis 53B.

Designed by by Pedro Rosa

Download list of plants used in this layout: Download pdf