Ready-to-Install Kits
Choose Your Kit Size
Professional layouts, pre-selected for your tank. Reserve online, pick up in Altoona. Deposit applied toward your total.
Up to 10 Gallons
The Nano Scape
$85 – $125
Best For: Desktop tanks, UNS 5N, Betta tanks.
Includes: ~10–15 lbs of hand-selected stone/wood, single focal point design.
20 Gallons / 60cm
The Nature 60
$175 – $240
Best For: Standard 20 Gallon or ADA 60P. Our most popular tier.
Includes: ~25–35 lbs of material, full Iwagumi or Ryuboku layout.
How Kit Reservations Work
Select Your Tier
Choose the size that fits your tank and budget.
Reserve Your Build
Submit the request form and pay the styling deposit.
View & Pickup
We build it, send a photo for approval, then you pick up in-store.
Our Work
Hardscape Gallery
Every piece is hand-selected and arranged by our team. Swipe through our recent builds, materials, and kit designs.
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Build Styles
Three Approaches to Hardscaping
Whether you want a minimalist Iwagumi, a lush driftwood forest, or a fully planted showcase tank — we design and build it.
Iwagumi Stone Compositions
Inspired by the Japanese nature aquarium tradition, Iwagumi layouts use carefully selected stones arranged according to the golden ratio. Minimalist, meditative, and visually powerful.
- Seiryu, Dragon Stone, or Ohko Rock
- Golden ratio stone placement
- Substrate contouring included
- Carpeting plant recommendations
Driftwood & Root Structures
Organic, flowing compositions built from Manzanita, Malaysian, or Spider Wood driftwood. These structures create depth, shadow, and natural movement that stone alone cannot achieve.
- Pre-soaked & pH-tested wood
- Moss & fern attachment available
- Branching or root-style layouts
- Combined stone + wood compositions
Full Custom Aquascape Builds
We design and install the complete hardscape directly in your aquarium — substrate, stone, wood, and initial plant placement. You receive a finished aquascape ready to fill and cycle.
- On-site installation
- Substrate depth contouring
- Initial plant placement
- Full care & maintenance guide
Premium Materials
What We Work With
Every piece is pre-soaked, cleaned, and pH-tested before use. Sourced from specialty suppliers and local quarries.
Seiryu Stone
Sharp angular grey stone with white veining. Dramatic and bold — ideal for Iwagumi.
Dragon Stone
Porous, cave-like texture. Excellent for moss attachment and Iwagumi-style layouts.
Ohko Rock
Lightweight with intricate holes. Ideal for moss and fern attachment.
Manzanita Driftwood
Branching, airy structure ideal for Nature Aquarium style compositions.
Malaysian Driftwood
Dense, dark wood with a natural root-like form. Excellent for biotope builds.
Spider Wood
Thin, intricate branching structure. Creates dramatic negative space and movement.
Lava Rock
Porous and lightweight. Great for anchoring plants and creating textured backgrounds.
Locally Sourced Stone
We source Pennsylvania fieldstone and slate for unique, region-specific compositions.
Why Choose Qscapes Hardscaping
Substrate Contouring
We slope and layer your substrate to create depth and perspective — a detail that separates professional builds from DIY attempts.
Golden Ratio Placement
Stone and wood placement follows compositional principles — focal points, negative space, and visual flow are all considered in every build.
Pre-Treated Materials
All driftwood is pre-soaked to remove tannins. All stone is pH-tested to ensure it won't affect your water chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardscape FAQ
How do I reserve a Ready-to-Install Kit?
Visit our kit reservation page at qscapes.fish/hardscape-kits, select your tier, and submit the deposit. We'll build your custom layout in our studio and send you a photo for approval before pickup.
What are the deposit amounts?
Deposits are $50 for the Nano Scape, $75 for the Nature 60, and $100 for the Pro 90. The deposit is applied toward your total kit price.
Can you work with my existing tank?
Yes. We work with all tank sizes and shapes. We'll assess your existing substrate and equipment during the consultation to plan the best approach.
Do you sell individual hardscape materials?
Yes. We carry a rotating selection of stones and driftwood in-store. Check our shop for current inventory or contact us about specific materials.
How long does a hardscape installation take?
Most builds take 2–4 hours on-site. Larger tanks or complex compositions may take a full day. We'll give you a time estimate during the consultation.
Do you offer planted tank maintenance after the build?
Yes. We offer monthly maintenance visits for planted tanks starting at $125/visit. Maintenance plans are available for all builds we complete.