Opinions needed for my new planted tank

[Spartan]

Hi everyone, I'm about to start my first planted tank but I am unsure about which hardscape layout to use. I would really appreciate your views and tips on these 2 choices.



Thankyou

[pleco4me]

The second looks great!

I think the first one, the rock are a bit small.

What plants are you going to use?

[jacian]

The size of the second set does look better than the first set.

[fireblade]

the second scape looks good but I like the first type of stones..

[AquaObsession]

Hi there,

The second one does look better to me. However, I think you should play around with the two rocks on the far right!.

And remember to factor in plant growth, e.g if you are going for an APP, Glosso scape, they usually grow about 3-4cm thick. e.g. Always try to figure your scape with the plants at maturity stage.

Cheers, Christophe

[Cough]

Both looks good, I prefer the second one though 'terrarium' comes to mind

[Spartan]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys I really appreciate it
The second layout is my favourite too, I'm thinking of 2 types of plants for this layout and they are H.C.cuba and Echinodorus tennelus.

Thanks again guys

[StanChung]

Hi Spartan,

2nd one too. Echinodorus tennelus is quite invasive and really fast compared to HC so you might want to factor that in. Plant more HC and less E. tennelus.

Do level the front of the soil before you plant. I would raise the left front rock a little to balance the heavy and larger left one. It would be covered by your plants.

[Spartan]

Hi again guys, I've got 2 more layouts for you to see and comment on.
The second of these is my favourite and probably the 1 I'll use but what do you think
1:

2:


Thanks for lookingRegards Wayne,

[Aquaria One]

The second looks better , all draped with mosses and fissidens.Maybe you can add some bogwood, with moss too. have you considered making a moss wall ? It will go nicely with your set up. Just my 2 cents worth.

http://www.aquamoss.net/How%20to%20c...oss%20wall.htm
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/...Moss_Wall.html

[Spartan]

Hi guys, It's been a long time in the making but I've finally started the tank up. Today I planted it with 2 pots of Glossostigma elatinoides and 2 pots of Echinodorus tenellus, I also plan on adding some Pogostemon helferi in the very near future. Here's a few pics,





Feel free to comment guys

Regards Wayne,

[Verminator]

Nice, seems a little lightly planted from the start, wouldnt surprise me if algae was to creep in slowly over next few weeks.

Perhaps add some floating plants such as Cabomba or something to absorb excess nutrients fast, before algae takes a hold.

[Joseph*]

Can't wait to see the plants mature and complete the setup.

yes, I do see quite a lot of people putting in Cabombas to prevent algae appearing. think it would certainly be wise to do that and it is easier than scrubbing away algae should it happen.

[khtee]

do you need to on the heater? plant grow well with temperature below 26 degree.

[Spartan]

Thanks for your comments guys, I've got some more plants on order and when I collect them i'll be sure to get some cabomba stems like you suggested.
I might remove the heater provided the temp stays stable without it.

Regards Wayne,

[Spartan]

Quick update for you guys. I added some more plants today and some cabomba as suggested.





All comments welcome,
Regards Wayne,

[Binks]

Ummm Wayne, you may need a larger bunch of Cabomba to do the scrubbing bit effectively.

Why don't you cover the whole corner where your filter intake is situated? If you dont like Cabomba too much or the Cabomba doesn't like your tank (they do well in very strong light); you could try Egaria Densa, or Water Wisteria, Indian Fern (Ceratopteris).

You can junk them later.

[bliss01]

do you need to on the heater? plant grow well with temperature below 26 degree.

Dude, he is staying in the UK.

[Verminator]

The cabomba was recommended by me just to absorb nutrients before algae takes a foot hold in his tank If he wants to use it as part of the scape by all means do - i wouldnt personally, i think its a hideous plant. But it absorbs nutrients plenty quick enough before algae grows

One benefit of being in the UK, atleast for my tanks anyway, without a heater my water temp stands at 22oC .

Spartan, do you mind me asking where abouts in West Midlands you live? Quite broad area i know - i'm situated in Coventry

P.S Saying Spartan makes me feel like im in the film 300

[cicjay]

"Sparrrtannnnss"!!!
This a lovely tank, really enjoy dragon stone with moss.
Also good with crypts, but it seems you're looking to try out maybe some more demanding species judging by your specs... so glosso etc should be fine.
going to look great when that fills out.
Dragon stone with vibrant green is perfect.