What was your “Aha!” moment that made you start a planted aquarium?
“I’ve been passionate about fishkeeping since childhood, with over a decade of experience caring for aquariums.
However, life took me on a different path—college, job placements, and being away from home for nearly 15 years meant stepping away from the hobby.
Then came Aquascaping contests! Seeing those breathtaking underwater landscapes rekindled my love for aquariums, but this time, I wanted to take it a step further—with a beautifully designed planted tank. That’s how my journey back into the hobby truly began.“
How long have you been playing with plants underwater?
“It’s been between 1 to 3 years, and every day feels like a new discovery! Watching plants thrive, experimenting with layouts, and fine-tuning the balance of nature in my tank has been an incredibly rewarding journey.“
Kolkata , INDIA
Arpan Saha
What’s the most hilarious or chaotic thing that happened when you first started?
“I spent months sketching the perfect aquascape, obsessing over every detail. But the real adventure? My vendor’s tireless quest to find the exact Dragonstones I envisioned. For weeks, he scoured the city, carrying massive rocks over his head from warehouse to warehouse—all in pursuit of my dream layout. Safe to say, my scape was built on sheer dedication (and probably his sore shoulders)!“
What’s the one lesson you wish someone had told you earlier?
“I wish I had known the importance of adding probiotic bacteria or a water conditioner after every large water change. It makes a huge difference in maintaining water stability, preventing sudden parameter swings, and keeping both fish and plants happy.“
What’s one thing brands like Aquatrition can do to make your hobby even better?
“As someone who works with large tanks, I’d love to see Aquatrition offer larger bottles—perhaps 2L variants—at more affordable prices. It would make dosing easier and more cost-effective for hobbyists managing bigger, high-tech setups.”
Who or what inspires your aquascaping adventures?
“I’m drawn to the raw, untamed beauty of chaotic aquascapes, where nature takes center stage in its most organic form. My biggest inspiration? Josh Sim—his ability to craft mesmerizing, untamed underwater worlds aligns perfectly with my vision for aquascaping.“
