Aquascaping is more than just designing aquariums: it is an art form that combines nature and creativity. Someone who has been perfecting this art for many years is Frederic Fuß, who is by now also internationally known. Besides his work as an aquarium designer, he also serves as a judge for various competitions and has now written a book.

Our host: Aram Schneider (AS) had the opportunity to ask Frederic Fuß (FF) questions about his Aquarienfibel.

AS: "Hello Frederic, great that you're here! Today we're talking about your new book Aquarienfibel – Moderne Einrichtung Schritt für Schritt (Aquarium Primer – Modern Setup Step by Step). Some time ago we already interviewed you once at Aquasabi. For everyone who doesn't know you yet: please introduce yourself briefly."

FF: "Hello Aram, thanks for the invitation! I'm Frederic Fuß from Hamburg and have been active in the aquarium hobby for around 15 years - with a particular focus on aquascaping. Back then, like so many, I was inspired by Takashi Amano. Even as a child I had a close connection to animals and nature, and the underwater world fascinated me in particular. I studied biology for a few semesters before I eventually became a nurse. What excites me about aquascaping is the symbiosis of art and nature. Today I work mainly as a service provider and offer a professional aquarium setup service."

How the book came about

AS: "How did you actually come up with the idea of writing a book?"

FF: "The Dähne publishing house asked me whether I could imagine a guide to modern aquarium design. I probably wouldn't have come up with the idea on my own. But since I was often out and about as an 'explainer' anyway and had noticed how great the need is for understandable instructions, I said yes. That is how exactly the book came about that I would have wished for myself as a beginner back then."

Content & concept

AS: "What is the Aquarienfibel specifically about?"

FF: "The focus is on the modern design of aquariums - that is, the design. The topic runs through the whole book and is looked at from different angles. The format is deliberately compact: around 100 pages with about 200 photos - almost a picture book. In addition there is a lot of theoretical background, for example on the golden ratio, on hardscape, depth effect and other design techniques. I show different setup styles and explain the basics in such a way that you can go deeper step by step."

Target group & learning structure

AS: "Who would you recommend your book to?"

FF: "First and foremost to beginners in modern aquarium design. But advanced aquarists will surely find one or two new inspirations as well. It was important to me that by the end the readers are able to set up their very own personal dream aquariums independently. For this I designed eight step-by-step examples - with a slowly increasing level of difficulty. The journey begins with a Wabi-Kusa, goes on to a small paludarium and then to the first aquarium with fish. After that come an easy-care Nature Aquarium, a classic Iwagumi, a more demanding diorama scape and, to finish, a large, biotope-like tank. At the appropriate points I teach the basics of water parameters, biochemistry, plant care and filter technology. That way nobody is overwhelmed, and even beginners can start successfully right away."

Success factors in aquascaping

AS: "What would you say: what is the most important key to success?"

FF: "The overall concept has to be coherent. In a planted aquarium, plant mass, nutrient supply and light should be in a balanced relationship. In a Malawi tank without plants, on the other hand, it would be smarter to keep the lighting subdued and to equip the filter so that it reliably binds unwanted substances. Anyone who understands this basic principle saves themselves a lot of trouble."

AS: "Has there been any feedback on the book yet?"

FF: "Yes, and I'm very happy about it! A few readers have written to me that the book really helped them. A nice lady wrote to me that for years she hadn't dared to start her own aquascape - with my book she then took the plunge. I have also received positive feedback from fellow scapers and specialist retailers."

AS: "And what can we expect from you in the future?"

 FF: "My new aquarium design calendar for 2026 will be coming out soon - after the great success of last year. In addition, a few articles will soon appear in the aquarium hobby magazine. I recently set up another larger customer tank, and of course I'm hoping for a good Christmas season. Everything else is still counting chickens before they hatch."

AS: "Frederic, thank you very much for the conversation! I wish you continued success with your projects."

FF: "Thank you, Aram! I wish you all the best as well. And to all readers here, much enjoyment and success with your hobby - and above all lively exchange with like-minded people!"