Mini Classes

One Problem. One Solution.

Short, focused lessons built around a single outcome. Buy individually for $9.99, or get all classes free with any membership.

Members get all mini classes included — no extra charge

Iwagumi Stone Layout

45 min·Beginner

Master odd-number stone placement, the rule of thirds, and creating depth in a minimalist layout. Learn the exact technique used in IAPLC competition entries.

  • Odd-number rule explained
  • Rule of thirds in aquascaping
  • Stone selection & sizing
  • Creating foreground depth
  • Common mistakes to avoid
$9.99

CO₂ Setup & Tuning

30 min·Beginner

Pressurized CO₂ from scratch — regulator selection, diffuser placement, drop checker calibration, and dialing in the perfect bubble rate for your tank size.

  • Regulator types & selection
  • Diffuser placement strategies
  • Drop checker calibration
  • Bubble rate by tank size
  • Troubleshooting leaks
$9.99

Growing a Carpet

35 min·Beginner
Most Popular

Substrate depth, light intensity, CO₂ requirements, and the best carpet species for beginners. Covers Hemianthus callitrichoides, Monte Carlo, and Glossostigma.

  • Best carpet species compared
  • Substrate depth requirements
  • Light intensity guide
  • Planting technique (tissue culture)
  • Melting & recovery phases
$9.99

Water Chemistry Basics

40 min·Beginner

GH, KH, TDS, pH — what they mean, how they interact, and how to adjust them for optimal plant growth without over-complicating your maintenance routine.

  • GH & KH explained simply
  • pH and CO₂ relationship
  • TDS and what it tells you
  • Remineralizing RO water
  • Testing schedule & tools
$9.99

Terrarium Drainage Layers

25 min·Beginner

Build a false bottom drainage system that keeps your terrarium healthy for years. Covers LECA, mesh separation, substrate depth, and drainage indicators.

  • False bottom vs. drainage layer
  • LECA depth & coverage
  • Mesh separator installation
  • Substrate depth ratios
  • Drainage health indicators
$9.99

Equipment on a Budget

50 min·Beginner
New

Build a high-quality planted tank setup without overspending. Covers filters, lighting, heaters, and CO₂ — with specific product recommendations at each price point.

  • Filtration for planted tanks
  • Lighting PAR & spectrum
  • Budget CO₂ alternatives
  • Heater placement & sizing
  • Best value product picks
$9.99

Aquascape Photography

30 min·All Levels

Capture your builds like a pro using just a smartphone. Covers lighting setup, background removal, white balance, and editing in Lightroom Mobile.

  • Lighting setup for tanks
  • Background options & removal
  • Smartphone camera settings
  • Lightroom Mobile workflow
  • Submitting to IAPLC
$9.99

Temperature & Humidity Control

20 min·Beginner

For terrariums and paludariums — how to maintain stable temperature and humidity ranges for tropical plants, mosses, and live animals.

  • Ideal ranges by plant type
  • Heating mat vs. ambient heat
  • Hygrometer placement
  • Ventilation balance
  • Seasonal adjustments
$9.99

Get All Mini Classes Free with a Membership

Any Qscapes Academy membership includes every mini class at no extra cost — plus full course libraries, live Q&A, and private community access.

More Classes Coming Soon

Mini classes are built live as projects progress. Members get early access to new classes as soon as they're published.