Claire has been keeping planted aquariums for over ten years, and her interest goes beyond the plants themselves. For her, a well-planted tank is about the fish, giving them a natural environment that brings out their best colours and most natural behaviour. Watching a shoal of fish move through a planted aquascape the way they would in the wild never gets old.

Her one piece of advice for anyone just starting out? Don't be tempted by stem plants just because they are often cheaper. They need regular trimming and the right conditions to stay looking good. Red plants are even more demanding. Start with epiphytes like Anubias and Java Fern instead. They're slow-growing, undemanding, and will thrive in almost any tank while you find your feet.