An 80 cm aquarium offers much more freedom than a 60 cm aquarium, but that doesn’t mean the largest root is always the best. The root should still be suited to the fish’s movements, the plants, the rocks and the open water area.
So start by deciding what role the root should play.
If the root is to be the main form
If you want to build the layout around a distinct main root, a root measuring around 55–75 cm is often a good starting point in an 80 cm aquarium. But it depends entirely on the shape.
A low, open root measuring 75 cm can feel airy and natural. A tall, compact root measuring 55 cm can feel considerably larger. Height and depth are at least as important as length.
A main root does not need to be positioned exactly in the centre. In rectangular aquariums, it often looks better if the root shifts the layout to one side, leaving a clearly defined open space.
If you want to build with multiple roots
Two or three roots together can be a very good choice for an 80 cm aquarium. In that case, each root can often be around 35–60 cm long, depending on how airy it is.
The advantage is that you can create more depth, a woodland feel and natural transitions. A root can lie in the foreground, a thinner or more branched root can extend backwards, and stones or plants can tie the whole scene together.
If you want plenty of swimming space
If you have fish that need open space – such as schooling fish or larger fish that need to be able to move about freely – a more understated root might be better than a dramatic, statement-making root.
In that case, a root measuring 40–60 cm will work well, especially if it lies low or blends into the background. The point is not for the root to fill the aquarium, but for it to make the overall look more natural.
Choose by width, depth and height
In an 80 cm aquarium, it’s easy to focus solely on the length. But the root is three-dimensional. A root that is too deep may end up too close to the front glass. A root that is too tall may cast a shadow over plants or come too close to the surface. A root with lots of branches may take up more visual space than the dimensions suggest.
That’s why WYSIWYG is important. You need to see the exact shape, not just read a number.
Where Tuskwood fits in
Tuskwood works particularly well in an 80 cm aquarium because it comes in so many different forms: thick roots, slender roots, branching roots and simpler shapes. This means you can choose a root that suits your specific layout, rather than just a standard root that happens to fit.
The deep colour also makes a big difference in an 80 cm aquarium. Dark wood can provide a contrast to green plants and bring out the colours of the fish more clearly without making the layout look too heavy.
In short
For an 80 cm aquarium, a length of around 55–75 cm often works well for a prominent main root, whilst 35–60 cm can work well if you’re using several roots.
But the shape is more important than the number. Choose according to the role of the root: as the main shape, part of a group, or a subtle structure that leaves plenty of space on the water’s surface.
See current roots in Tuskwoods shop.