New 2 Feet Scape Attempt

**reeshee** · 8th Oct 2015, 00:53

So, I just tore down my 1.5 year old tank and started a new one over the weekend! Yay!

Once again.. ended up spending a bomb on:
ADA soil, new crystal tank, additives, chemicals, rocks, new Co2 reactor, Co2 top up (after 1.5 years), extra light, hose, lily pipes and so on..

Current equipment: HC 100A Chiller, Ehiem Ecco Pro Canister Filtration, UV Sterilizer, Eheim external pump to pull water to the chiller, UP Aqua Pro z led.

When I got home on Sunday, I couldn't wait to get my hands dirty and wet! Managed to save some of the ADA soil from the previous tank and put it out to dry for awhile. Used a sieve to get the fine sandy portion out and kept the rest. Got my entire patio messed up much to the dismay of the rest of the household!

Yes, my new set up is in a shaded outdoors area. (Going to meet my best friend MR.ALGAE very soon)

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I then added in the soil and additives that the shop uncle upsold to me. Decided to do a higher slope this time around. I put the old soil at the bottom and topped up with the new batch.

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Proceeded to add the random rocks I bought and some from the old tank. I had no idea what I am doing right here.. Just added the rocks in and shifted them about till I thought they looked alright. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I add more? Does the right side look too bare?

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I flooded the tank and let it be for a day with all the equipment turned on. Next day, added one more rock and some plants. Once again, no idea what to choose. Just grabbed some plants from Y618. Decided to try Glosso as well. Uncle told me it's difficult to grow this plant. Good luck to me! So yea. Let's wait and see how they grow. Added one more light to ensure adequate lighting. During the day, I cover the tank with a big towel. And only open it when im home after work to enjoy it. This blocks sunlight during the day

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Any suggestions for plants? Rock placement?

**DeadEnd** · 8th Oct 2015, 11:14

The soil infront is too high, prefer the soil at the back to be higher to create a slope and get a deeper depth of field. You need a bigger stone to form the focal point in your tank otherwise the tank will look too dull. Refer to some write up on the golden ratio of aquascaping arrangement.

Do paste a oyama paper on the background or it will look messy and distracting.

**fish21** · 8th Oct 2015, 11:58

Simple and Neat...shirmps tank?

**fireblade** · 8th Oct 2015, 14:05

think the last rock you add in catch all the attention,...love the look of the left most rock. maybe if you can elevate it more, it will looks better...
definitely need more rocks or plants...

**reeshee** · 8th Oct 2015, 16:22

Thanks guys for the feedback and advice!

@DeadEnd: Yes I noticed my soil at the front is rather high too haha. Cant change that now I guess

I am looking out for nicer and bigger rocks to make as a focal point too! Will read up more on the golden rule.

@fish21: Not sure yet. I'm thinking more of the usual suspects like tetras. Was wondering if I can keep tiny crabs inside too haha!

@fireblade: Good idea on elevation! I'll find a larger piece or else I'll find a way to elevate that rock

Yea agreed that the last rock is too fancy and distracting haha!

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**azman_haron** · 8th Oct 2015, 18:29

I liked it better before the last rock was put in. The last rock seemed a bit to jarring to my visual senses after the smooth, serene picture earlier. Without the last rock, there is a gradual descent from a very beautiful tall rock on the left to the soil. And the lines on the last rock are also out of place in the setting.

**reeshee** · 8th Oct 2015, 22:13

Originally Posted by azman_haron

I liked it better before the last rock was put in. The last rock seemed a bit to jarring to my visual senses after the smooth, serene picture earlier. Without the last rock, there is a gradual descent from a very beautiful tall rock on the left to the soil. And the lines on the last rock are also out of place in the setting.

Okay noted, I will remove or flip/bury the last rock till its less distracting! Will also go get more plants for the background. Thanks for your input!

**Phillipians** · 8th Oct 2015, 23:09

You need many more rocks. At this moment, you do not have a focal point for your tank and your plant mass is too little. You can get many smaller ones to stack to create a mountain look or get a much larger one to create a focal point. The pointy rock at the left corner has a very unique shape but a pity is that it is too small.

**reeshee** · 8th Oct 2015, 23:23

Originally Posted by Phillipians

You need many more rocks. At this moment, you do not have a focal point for your tank and your plant mass is too little. You can get many smaller ones to stack to create a mountain look or get a much larger one to create a focal point. The pointy rock at the left corner has a very unique shape but a pity is that it is too small.

Hi bro, How do I stack the rocks? I picture them just toppling down if I were to do any maintenance or trimmings. Do I use some sort of glue? Okay, will go hunt for a nice big piece this weekend! Yes, that piece was from my previous tank. Now its too small for this one