A 60 cm aquarium is a very common size, but it's also a size where the root choice is immediately noticeable. A root that is a little too big can take over the whole tank. A root that is too small can get lost among plants, rocks and technology.
The best way to choose is not to start with the wood species. Start with what role the root should have.
Should it be a central shape? Should you use two or three roots together? Or do you just want to see everything that can fit without spoiling the swimming area?
If your aquarium is less than 60 cm, or if you want to keep the layout more compact, the guide aquarium roots for small aquariums be a better starting point.
Start with the width of the aquarium
When we talk about a 60 cm aquarium, we usually mean the length/width of the aquarium from the front: i.e. the front glass is about 60 cm wide.
This does not mean that the root must be 60 cm. In most cases, it will be too much. You need to leave room for plants, rocks, filters, glass cleaning and above all the movement of fish.
A good rule of thumb is to think in three modes:
- a clear central root
- two or three roots together
- everything that fits, but with a swimming area left
If you want a central root
If the root is to be the main shape in a 60cm aquarium, a length of around 40-55cm is usually a good starting point.
It may sound big, but it depends on the shape. A low, open root of 50 cm can feel airy. A tall, compact root of 40 cm can feel much bigger.
Here the shape is more important than the number. Look at how the root spreads out. Is it pointing in one direction? Does it have a clear front? Does it create height? Does it leave an open space for fish to move around?
A central root does not have to be exactly in the centre. It is often better if it is allowed to lie or lean a little to one side, so that the aquarium has movement and a natural open area.
If you want to use two or three roots
If you want to build with several roots together, each root can often be smaller, perhaps about 25-45cm depending on the shape.
The advantage is that you can create more complexity. One root can give direction, another can fill out the background, and a third can create a natural transition towards stone or plants.
This is often a good choice if you want a forest feel or a more natural layout where no single root needs to be the "star".
Just remember that several small roots together can take up more space than you think. It's easy to buy too much if you only look at the length.
If you want to keep a lot of swimming surface
If you have fish that need open space, or if you want a quieter aquarium, the root should not fill the entire front.
In this case, a simpler root of 30-45 cm may be better than a larger statement root. It can lie low, frame the plants and give a natural feel without stopping the flow in the aquarium.
This is a good example of why Tuskwood doesn't always have to be the centre of the aquarium. A root can be important without being the most visible.
Look at height and depth too
Length is only one measure. In a 60 cm aquarium, height and depth are often at least as important.
A tall root can add a lot of flair, but it can also shade plants or get too close to the surface. A deep root can look perfect from the front but take up too much space from front to back.
Therefore, dimensions and images together are important. A WYSIWYG root should be assessed as a three-dimensional object, not just as a number in centimetres.
Examples of practical choices
Choose a larger, clearer root if you want to build a scape around the root.
Choose a lower or more open root if the fish and plants are to be the focus.
Choose two or three smaller roots if you want to create depth, a forest feel or natural transitions.
Don't automatically choose the biggest root that will fit. An aquarium is often better when the root leaves something for the water, fish and plants to do.
In short
For a 60 cm aquarium, about 40-55 cm is often enough for a clear main root, while 25-45 cm can work well if you are building with several roots together.
But the number is only the beginning. The shape, height, depth and role of the root are more important.
Look at the actual pictures, think about where the swimming area should be, and choose a root that makes the aquarium better as a whole.
You can see the current WYSIWYG roots in Tuskwoods shop.