46
Video Lessons
4
Courses
24 hrs
Total Content
Live
Mentorship Sessions
What Makes Qscapes Different
Mini Classes — Start for $9.99
Short, outcome-based lessons. One problem, one solution. Members get full access included.
Mini classes built live as projects progress.
Iwagumi Stone Layout
Master odd-number stone placement, the rule of thirds, and creating depth in a minimalist layout.
45 minCO₂ Setup & Tuning
Pressurized CO₂ from scratch — regulator, diffuser placement, drop checker calibration.
30 minGrowing a Carpet
Substrate depth, light intensity, CO₂ requirements, and the best carpet species for beginners.
35 minQscapes Memberships
Full access to libraries, build documentation, and all mini classes.
Curriculum
Four Comprehensive Courses
From complete beginner to advanced builder — each course is designed to take you to the next level.
Aquascaping Fundamentals
The Complete Beginner's Course
Master the foundations of planted aquarium design — substrate selection, hardscape composition, plant placement, water chemistry, and equipment setup.
- Substrate & soil layering
- Hardscape composition
- Plant selection & placement
- CO₂ & fertilization basics
- Cycling & water chemistry
- Equipment selection guide
Nature Aquarium Mastery
Takashi Amano's Philosophy & Technique
Deep dive into the Nature Aquarium style — Amano's design principles, Iwagumi stone layouts, wabi-kusa, and creating world-class depth and perspective.
- Amano's design philosophy
- Iwagumi stone composition
- Wabi-kusa arrangements
- Creating depth & perspective
- Moss & foreground plants
- Competition-level photography
Rare Plant Care Mastery
Aroids, Hoyas & Aquatic Specimens
Source, acclimate, propagate, and care for rare aroids, hoyas, and specialty aquatic plants — including tissue culture and emersed growing.
- Sourcing rare specimens
- Acclimation techniques
- Propagation methods
- Tissue culture plants
- Emersed vs. submersed growth
- Building a collection
Terrariums & Enclosures
Paludariums, Vivariums & Living Walls
Build stunning enclosed ecosystems — from simple terrariums to complex paludariums with water features, drainage layers, and long-term maintenance.
- Drainage layer systems
- Hardscape for enclosures
- Moisture-loving plant selection
- Lighting for terrariums
- Paludarium water features
- Long-term maintenance
Your Instructor
Quaron Meakens
Founder, Qscapes | IAPLC Competitor | Central Pennsylvania
Quaron has been building aquascapes and rare plant collections for over a decade, competing at the IAPLC level and designing custom installations across Central Pennsylvania.
Through Qscapes Academy, he shares the techniques, philosophy, and hard-won knowledge that took years to develop — in a structured, accessible format for enthusiasts at every level.
Student Feedback
What Students Are Saying
"Quaron's approach to aquascaping is unlike anything I've found online. He explains the 'why' behind every decision, not just the 'how.' My first Iwagumi came out better than I expected."
Marcus T.
State College, PA
"The rare plant module alone was worth it. I've been trying to keep my Bucephalandra alive for years — now I actually understand what it needs."
Sarah K.
Altoona, PA
"The live mentorship sessions are incredible. Getting real-time feedback on my builds from someone who competes at the IAPLC level is something you can't get anywhere else."
Derek M.
Harrisburg, PA
The Academy Experience
Everything You Get
HD Video Lessons
Professional quality video with clear close-ups of every technique.
Written Guides
Downloadable plant lists, equipment guides, and cheat sheets.
Community Forum
Connect with fellow aquascaping enthusiasts and share your builds.
Certificates
Earn a completion certificate for each course you finish.
Live Sessions
Monthly group Q&A and build critique sessions (Mentorship+).
1-on-1 Coaching
Personal sessions with Quaron tailored to your specific goals.