Aquascaping A Tank That Will Be Viewed From Both Sides

[flix_cw]

When i finally get my hands on a 2ft tank, i'll be placing it on our kitchen worksurface that comes out like a peninsula. As a result, the tank will be placed lengthways, also coming out, so both 'long' sides will be viewable from either side of the work top.

Aquascaping often involves use of the Golden Ratio, tall plants at the back, short plants in the foreground etc, but how do you go about scaping if there is no back/foreground?

My other concern will be keeping wires neat so they don't hang down the back and spoil the view!

All suggestions welcome!


Edit: verrrrry simplified layout of what i mean:

 

[VaegaVic]

The same ratio applies, just divide the tank in 1/2 down the centre, making it symmetrical.


E.g.

(Sink)

-------------------------------------------- (Glass panel)
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' (small plants
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (tall plants)
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' (small plants)
--------------------------------------------- (Glass panel)

(other side)

Sorry for the even more simplified version.

 

[Tropicoll]

Could you not 'scape end to end rather than side to side?

If that makes no sense - make the end when the filter (internal or external?) in/out would be the "tall" end and work towards the other end getting lower.

Or, divide along the length of the tank and make that the tall getting shorter as you head toward the two sides?

If you did it that way you could (with some thought) scape differently on the two sides of the tank. One rock side, one wood side perhaps?

 

[Katty]

I made a picture of my idea (cuz I'm bored), I'm not an expert or anything though

Green is plants, brown is wood, grey is rocks, you don't have to use wood or rocks, just whatever solid pieces you like to use.
Like a V shape but with a tiny bit of stuff at the end so it isn't just a big open space. Or you could leave it as a big open space, whatever works.

Oh yeah the box and circle are supposed to be like filters/heaters/stuff and their cords.

(Ack sorry for using whatever so much, too tired to think of more descriptive words)

 

[Biulu]

Yes, I was actually going to propose you a triangle scape, but you have already drawn it...

 

[ian]

I think Katty has it spot on there. The triangle will suite the 'both side' view. In fact most scapes can be viewed from either side, but the triangle wins IMO

have a look at these, these are veiwed both sides.

obviously these are Amano tanks, and he's obviously the best aquascaper in the world ever, but it proves it can be done.

Keep us updated Flix! I always find these projects interesting.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I was thinking an 'island' scape could work nicely, but the issue would be the filter/heater being difficult or impossible to hide.

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

Dont forget about the light. Natural and artificial. If its the kitchen sink then there will be a window nearby.

Fill up the tank initially and put an object in there and view it with differring light conditions.

Kattys suggested position for the wires is good. There are various ways to keep the cables neat such as a cable tidy etc. Depends on exact layout and position of power points and whether young children are around that could pull them.

 

[flix_cw]

Cheers for all your suggestions guys! I'm very excited about this. It will have to wait til the new year/when i get my hands on a new tank. Anyone with a 2ft tank for sale please let me know! I've got an ad in the classifieds section.

There is indeed a wall behind the sink Katty, and plug sockets right next to where you've drawn the cabinet which is useful. The windows are on the other side of the room. No kids!

 

[flix_cw]

Okay i'm really struggling to come up with ideas for suitable plant species for the "triangle" layout.

I was thinking Vallis on the back wall, with various bits of rock and bogwood with moss, anubias and java fern attached. However, i also already have a good 10" tall crypt wendtii that needs to fit in somewhere! I also have some hygrophila polysperma that i might have to ditch.

I want this tank planted quite heavily though.