Exclusive Interview: Dennis Wong on the 2Hr Aquarist Method
- Amar Salvi
- Dec 27, 2025
- 3 min read
An in-depth conversation with aquascaper Dennis Wong, exploring the origins of the 2Hr Aquarist Method, his journey into competitive aquascaping, and how time-efficient systems can still produce world-class planted aquariums.
By Amar Salvi, Editor — The Weekend Aquarist
Estimated read time: 7–9 minutes
For this exclusive podcast interview, I caught up with Dennis Wong, co-founder of the 2Hr Aquarist brand, to explore his approach to time-efficient aquascaping. Dennis is known for cultivating newly discovered, difficult, and exotic aquatic plant species, and for popularizing the use of time-efficient aquascaping methods.
With a background in aquascaping competitions and international judging, Dennis has won multiple awards and continues to influence aquascapers across the world through his writing, mentorship, and philosophy.
The Beginning of the 2Hr Aquarist Journey
TWA: Dennis, welcome to The Weekend Aquarist Podcast. For many of our readers and listeners, you need no introduction. But could you share how your journey in aquascaping really began?
Dennis recalls that his interest started simply—as a hobbyist who was quite good at growing difficult plants. People began approaching him with questions, and what started as casual advice slowly grew into something larger. The idea behind the 2Hr Aquarist Method emerged from the need to balance high-level aquascaping with limited time.
Why Time Efficiency Matters
Dennis explains that many hobbyists believe planted tanks require excessive daily attention. His method challenges that assumption. By focusing on smarter systems, balanced inputs, and thoughtful design, he demonstrates that beautiful aquascapes can be maintained with minimal weekly effort.
The philosophy resonated strongly with “weekend aquarists”—those who love the hobby but juggle work, family, and other commitments.
“Your aquarium should fit your life, not fight it.”
Competitions, Judging, and Learning from Others
Dennis has competed in and judged multiple aquascaping contests, including AGA and IAPLC events. Judging, he explains, helped him grow as an aquascaper by allowing him to closely observe techniques, trends, and problem-solving approaches used by aquascapers from around the world.
He also emphasizes the importance of observation—learning not just from experts, but from mistakes, experiments, and unconventional approaches within the community.
Mentorship and the Future of the Hobby
Beyond competitions, Dennis highlights mentorship as a key pillar of growth in aquascaping. He actively supports creators and hobbyists by sharing knowledge freely, helping them refine techniques, and encouraging experimentation.
His work continues to shape how modern aquascapers think about sustainability, efficiency, and creativity within planted aquariums.
This interview continues with deeper insights into the evolution of the 2Hr Aquarist brand, Dennis Wong’s judging philosophy, and practical lessons for aquarists looking to improve their planted tanks with limited time. To read the complete interview, including Dennis Wong’s detailed explanations, personal experiences, and advanced aquascaping insights, purchase the August Issue of The Weekend Aquarist and access the full conversation.
Watch & read the full story
Read the full tribute in the magazine: Readers who want to explore Dennis Wong’s thinking in greater depth—including how these ideas translate into real aquascapes—will find the full conversation in the this issue of The Weekend Aquarist.
👉 Buy this issue or subscribe to The Weekend Aquarist to experience the complete tribute.
Got your own Indian-native lineup? Drop it in the YouTube comments or write to us at editor@weekendaquarist.com.
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