How else should I improve my Tanks Looks?

[Kevstar]

I find it helpful to arrange the rocks and driftwood, step back and take a photo of the whole tank, go back and re-arrange, take another photo, etc etc. I keep doing that until I run out of ideas, then have a gallery of photos to look through, and decide what arrangement I like.

What a good idea. Times I have had an aquascape that I'm working on that maybe could have done with a few tweaks, but instead of tweaking I've completely rearranged and wish I could have reverted back to previous but could never get it the same.

 

[mbsqw1d]

And just to bear in mind, like fish, plants are also particular about what Gh, Kh, Ph and temperature they are kept in (as well as lighting requirements). Worth doing the research before spending pennies on plants that you might end up struggling with. (Although your current selection look to be thriving so maybe you already know this!)

I quite like tropica's site for finding some inspiration, they also list the plants and growing 'difficulty' too

Inspiration for aquascapes and planted tanks - Tropica Aquarium Plants

inspirational layouts and aquascapes, ideas for planted tanks

tropica.com

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

What a good idea. Times I have had an aquascape that I'm working on that maybe could have done with a few tweaks, but instead of tweaking I've completely rearranged and wish I could have reverted back to previous but could never get it the same.

I did the same thing, that's why I started to take photos. Plus when you're right up against the tank and working it in, you can lose perspective and not really take the whole scene into account. Having a simple photo lets you step back again and see it more clearly I think. Hope this tips helps people

 

[TomRadford12354]

Looking really good, especially so for a first tank! I love the substrate and the plants you have.

If you think it needs more, go to your LFS and check out what hardscape is available. There might be a piece of driftwood or a big rock that you just have to have. If you have something too specific in mind, like trailing branches, you might get frustrated and not be able to find something that looks exactly how you want it. See what's available, see what grabs your attention, then (after preparing it) stick it in there, shift things around, and decide what you like!

I find it helpful to arrange the rocks and driftwood, step back and take a photo of the whole tank, go back and re-arrange, take another photo, etc etc. I keep doing that until I run out of ideas, then have a gallery of photos to look through, and decide what arrangement I like. I look at images of other planted tanks and videos on aquascaping, and draw ideas and inspiration from there. Take your time with it and have fun, and now is the best time to do it, before your plants fill out too much, and your options are wide open.

Have a look at what the rule of thirds is in aquascaping too, it can help a tank look more natural, but it's also a guideline rather a rule, and you can also ignore it completely and do what you like with your own tank.

Have fun and share photos please!

Great, thanks for all the ideas . I will get some added on to the forum when I finish

 

[ClownLurch]

If you’ve a shop called “ The Range” near you they sell a black card for picture mounting purposes cheaply. The largest easily covered my tank 765x580mm. It looks good.

 

[TomRadford12354]

If you’ve a shop called “ The Range” near you they sell a black card for picture mounting purposes cheaply. The largest easily covered my tank 765x580mm. It looks good.

Brilliant. a black background should really add to the Tank
Thank you

 

[mbsqw1d]

Hi,
So I attempted to decorate my first tank the other day and found it a buzz. But I feel like It has something missing . Wether it is I need a bigger rock Feature to fill the empty space. I don't no I was wondering if any one good give me some ideas .

Thanks in advanceView attachment 110822

I find fitting a spray bar to your filter can help stop your plants being 'blown' across too. Or try and adjust the direction towards the front

 

[TomRadford12354]

I find fitting a spray bar to your filter can help stop your plants being 'blown' across too. Or try and adjust the direction towards the front

Yes that is a problem . I think I can twist the head to angle it the other way .

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I would personally add a black background. You can use a multitude of materials. (Black cardstock, black trash bag, etc.) I use black trash bags on all of my tanks and they work perfectly. A black background not only makes your tank look good, it also makes your fish feel more secure.

Now as for the actual scape...

I would look for a big pice of driftwood. Rocks are typically used at the base of the driftwood, to provide contrast. You may need to do some searching to find the perfect piece.

Just as an example, here is my 29g tank: https://www.fishforums.net/attachme...110847/?hash=82c480e64638fa2f7c0c7828ae823661

As you can see, its a pretty big tank. It used to be super open, until I added the two pieces of driftwood you see.

 

[TomRadford12354]

I would personally add a black background. You can use a multitude of materials. (Black cardstock, black trash bag, etc.) I use black trash bags on all of my tanks and they work perfectly. A black background not only makes your tank look good, it also makes your fish feel more secure.

Now as for the actual scape...

I would look for a big pice of driftwood. Rocks are typically used at the base of the driftwood, to provide contrast. You may need to do some searching to find the perfect piece.

Just as an example, here is my 29g tank: https://www.fishforums.net/attachme...110847/?hash=82c480e64638fa2f7c0c7828ae823661

As you can see, its a pretty big tank. It used to be super open, until I added the two pieces of driftwood you see.

I might spray Paint some old Wallpaper black and cut it to the tank size.
I will have a look.
what Size would you recommend?

 

[TomRadford12354]

Anyone Know how fast Hemianthus Callitrichoides Cuba Will carpet a aquarium ?

 

[mbsqw1d]

Just enough to cover the back. A matte black finish is preferable I would say, which black bin bags don't provide. Careful not to introduce any VOCs to the aquarium when spraying

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Anyone Know how fast Hemianthus Callitrichoides Cuba Will carpet a aquarium ?

You really need a CO2 system and good lights to grow that one, and a lot of other carpeting plants. You can use other smaller plants and keep them pruned low to replicate a carpet, but have a google about what high tech system vs low tech system in aquariums, that'll explain it.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Anyone Know how fast Hemianthus Callitrichoides Cuba Will carpet a aquarium ?

Will be slower without co2 injection, and you'll need a bright light too

 

[TomRadford12354]

You really need a CO2 system and good lights to grow that one, and a lot of other carpeting plants. You can use other smaller plants and keep them pruned low to replicate a carpet, but have a google about what high tech system vs low tech system in aquariums, that'll explain it.

Ok great I will have a look at it.
Have you every grown your plants from seeds?