Crafting a Cliffside Aquascape from a Single Stone: A Unique DIY Technique at Pond Life Aquatics

Here at Pond Life Aquatics, we're always looking for new and innovative ways to create stunning underwater landscapes. In our latest video, I took on a particularly exciting challenge: to craft a dramatic cliffside aquascape using just a single piece of Black Mountain Stone. This project was all about experimenting with a unique DIY technique to achieve a cohesive and natural look, as if the entire formation emerged from one solid rock.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the process, sharing the inspiration behind the design and the step-by-step method I used to bring this "cliffside jungle" to life. Whether you're a seasoned aquascaper or just starting your journey, this project offers a fresh perspective on hardscaping with stone.

The Vision: A Cliffside Jungle

The initial idea for this aquascape was to recreate the rugged beauty of a cliffside, (inspired by El Capitan in Yosemite) but with a dense, jungle-like feel surrounding the rock formation. My personal challenge when working with stone has always been the subtle variations in color and shape that can make an aquascape feel less unified. To overcome this, I decided to experiment by working with a single piece of Black Mountain Stone. My aim was to break it down and reassemble it in a way that looked as if it had naturally fractured from a larger mass.

The Unique DIY Technique: Breaking and Building

To achieve the seamless look I envisioned, I opted for a somewhat unconventional approach: I  broke the Black Mountain Stone into multiple pieces using a mini pickaxe. This allowed me to manipulate the large piece of stone to create the desired cliff face and then accentuate it with the smaller pieces that broke off, making it look like it was from a larger mass. This method provided greater control over the overall shape and allowed for a more dramatic and cohesive structure than simply arranging separate stones.

Step-by-Step Aquascaping Process

Laying the Foundation

I began by establishing a base using Colombo Nutribase, a nutrient-rich substrate that will support healthy plant growth. I created a significant bank towards the back of the aquarium to provide the dramatic elevation needed for the cliffside effect.

Creating the Dramatic Slope

Next, I added Hugo Kashmi sand, a fine and easy-to-work-with substrate, to create a steep, sloping foreground, mimicking a beach area at the base of the cliff. The contrast between the dark substrate and the lighter sand will add visual interest.

Placing the Centerpiece and Building the Cliff Face

With the substrate in place, I positioned the largest piece of the Black Mountain Stone as the central element of the cliff. Then, using the smaller, broken fragments, I carefully built upwards and outwards, creating the illusion of a rugged, shattered rock face.

Securing the Hardscape

To ensure the stability of the dramatically angled stone structure, I employed a fantastic product called Dymax Composteal Compound. This clay-like substance hardens underwater, allowing you to effectively "cement" the stones together and prevent any unwanted shifting. This was crucial for creating the steep and potentially precarious cliffside.

Planting for a Jungle Effect

With the hardscape complete, it was time for the planting. I chose a selection of plants to create the dense, jungle-like feel I envisioned. This included:

• Ludwigia glandulosa: Planted heavily to create a lush background with the potential for deep red coloration under the right conditions.
• Ludwigia palustris 'Mini Super Red': Added for its vibrant red hues and contrasting leaf structure.
• Flame Moss: Attached to the hardscape to add texture, age, and a natural, overgrown look.

Flooding and Final Touches

After carefully planting, I slowly flooded the aquarium and made some final adjustments to the hardscape to ensure everything looked just right. The contrast between the dark stone, the light sand, and the vibrant greenery creates a visually striking and dramatic scene.

This aquascape was a rewarding experiment in working with stone in a new way, and I'm incredibly pleased with how the "cliffside jungle" concept came to life. The use of a single piece of Black Mountain Stone truly created a sense of unity and natural flow within the design.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next aquascape or want to try this unique DIY hardscaping technique, be sure to check out the full video on our YouTube channel for a more detailed visual guide!

We're also running a Aquascaping Workshop on April Sunday 27th in London if you want to come into store and create your very own creation! There's only a few tickets left so act quickly!

Ready to embark on your own aquascaping adventure?

• Explore Aquarium Plants: https://pondlifeaquatics.co.uk/collections/aquarium-plants
• Watch the Full Aquascaping Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7sOwccym18U
• Visit Pond Life Aquatics in London: https://g.co/kgs/851soXY

Let us know in the comments below what you think of this unique aquascape and if you've ever tried a similar technique!

Happy Aquascaping!

• Harris Bard, Pond Life Aquatics & Tropical Fish London