Feedback please

[scoupland]

This is my first attempt at aquascaping for a planted tank. I would like to get some feedback on my aquascaping. The problem is my photography skills are limited to turning on the camera and pushing the other button thingy to take the picture. I don't think the pic does the tank justice. For example, in between the rocks the soil dips as if it is a stream. Also, due to the angle of the photo, things don't look to be in the same perspective and as balanced as when looking at the tank head on. When I try to take the photo straight on I get more reflection than anything else. Maybe I need feedback on my camera skills first--please!

Anyways, the tank is 4'x2'x19". The soil is AS and is slanted from front to back. The rocks are multi-colored Tennessee river rocks--the only aquarium safe rock I could find in the area (Orlando, FL). I am not sure where to get the textured rocks I see in so many photos. The wood is Manzanita that I got from Tom. I soaked the wood for 1 1/2- 2 months. I plan to use the DSM. For filtration I have a W/D filter and will run CO2. Although I own an 8 bulb ATI powermodule light fixture (once used on a SW tank), I am going to give LED lights a shots. I know, maybe a dumb idea by this is a relatively small office room where I often keep the door shut. I am worried about the heat from the bulbs.

I'm open to all feedback (e.g., loose the rocks, move/add wood, learn how to use a camera...).

If you have any suggestions on plants, I'm open as I don't know plants that well.

Scott


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[Tom Barr]

I've never been a fan of the river stones personally.

Here's an idea for those: Wrap them in moss or mini Pellia etc. This would make a nice mound set that would look quite good.

Or use a few pieces of the wood like the stones.

I'd likely push the wood farther back and pile the stones more around the bases of the where the wood comes together for support.

Textured rock can be bought on line for $$$, cheaper stuff at local landscaper rock and gravel suppliers.
Lava rock would work good for moss and other epiphytic plants. Easy to chisel and break and also cut if you have a diamond saw blade for masondry/stone cutting.

 

[scoupland]

Tom,

I'm trying to understand your suggestions. Which, if any, of these are you suggesting?

1. Remove the rocks because the pathway lined with rocks doesn't look good/natural/balanced, etc.
2. Keep the rocks along the pathway but cover them with moss, etc
3. Move the rocks around the base of the wood sets for support and cover them with moss, etc.
4. Move the rocks around the base of the wood sets for support and plant around them to hide them. Is that right?

In short, don't use river rocks, but if you must, hide them--right?

Do you have any links to the $$$ rocks?

 

[jerrybforl]

I like the layout accept the rocks. They look TOO organized and placed...not natural. I agree with Tom. You should use lava rock in its place and wrap in moss. This will give you a very nice pathway!

You can get lava rock at HomeDepot for cheap.

I would also would flip the DW on the left side. Have the branches facing out instead of backwards. You can bury the stump end and surround it with rocks/ moss.

 

[Vancat]

As we all can attest to, it's really hard to make rocks (or anything) look random, like in nature!

 

[scoupland]

Iteration number 2.

1. I moved the driftwood back on both sides.
2, I pointed the wood forward but it may be hard to see this clearly.
3. I got rid of the river rock and put some lava rock in its place. I know the lava rock doesn't look natural but it will be covered a moss of some sort so it won't be visible.

I hope the pic is big enough to view. I had to make it pretty small to upload it to this site.

I am thinking of putting HC in the path and having the path bordered with moss covered lava rock.

Please offer you input!


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[scoupland]

I'd appreciate any additional input on my aquascaping (see last post). The DW is waterlogged (soaked for a couple of months) and buried in the AS. Do I need to put rocks at the base of the DW to keep if from being dislodged when I add water or will it be okay as is? Thanks.

 

[jerrybforl]

The lava rock is TOO centered! You need to pull it to one side or the other. Cover the rocks with moss then. Too have a good scape, you can't have anything that draws your eye right to the center.

You want to be able to sweep/flow your eyes across the scape.