Aquascaping Disaster: Sugggestions?

[dskidmore]

I let the tank speak for itself:



Although I should say that in any proposed solution, I do want to leave some foreground clear for my filtration project. (Shrimp like to hang out on filters, so I was thinking of submerging some sponges in the sand there.)

[jsciacca]

A little trim work, maybe a little re-organizing of the plants. A good, nice sized(not too big though) piece of driftwood and/or some good sized rocks.

[CatatonicBug]

Definitely needs some vertical hardscaping to it. Driftwood and/or rocks sounds good to me too. Either centered or in one corner, creating a sloping effect.

[neilanh]

The vals ( I think that's what they are, the tall plants in the midground) should be either moved to the back of the tank or rid of. With them in the middle, they're blocking the back of the tank, and not giving you any perception of depth.

Consider a few new plants for your midground. Some smaller crypts, blyxa japonica, anubias nana, something along those lines.

[dskidmore]

Ok, setting some of my driftwood collection to soak. I'll get back to you when it sinks.

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by neilanh

The vals ( I think that's what they are, the tall plants in the midground) should be either moved to the back of the tank or rid of. With them in the middle, they're blocking the back of the tank, and not giving you any perception of depth.

Consider a few new plants for your midground. Some smaller crypts, blyxa japonica, anubias nana, something along those lines.

Correct, Jungle and Crystal Vals. They started out being planted across the back, but I kind of let them take over an empty space. I do have crypts, but they only seem to grow well in shady spots. Any mid-light midground plants to recomend?

[neilanh]

Hmm, never had issues with crypts growing in high light. Interesting.

Anubias nana is a great plant in my opinion. Blyxa japonica is another I really like as well for a midground. I also like to grow Macranda and keep it trimmed short for a midground, if you have enough lighting to get it to color up that deep in the tank. Dwarf sag is another I like, but just like the vals if you don't control it it can take over a tank.

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by neilanh

Hmm, never had issues with crypts growing in high light. Interesting.

They grew like crazy before I upgraded my lights. Could be a color issue? It is past time to replace the bulbs for up-to-spec light.

[neilanh]

Possibly I guess. I've never found crypts to be very picky though. They do tend to melt and regrow when conditions change, i.e. move from one tank to another or something.

[Purrbox]

I agree that more driftwood will help quite a bit. Getting some height and shape will give you something to plant around and will help hold some structure to the aquascaping as the plants fill in.

Next I'd pull all the plant and replant them grouped so that each plant is in a few patches instead of staggered throughout. Next adding (or revealing if they're hiding in the other plants) some plants that don't grow as tall and will help fill in some middle levels. The broad leaves of Anubias would help with this while also providing some great contrast to the existing plants.

And of course, don't let the vals roam where ever they want this time!