My Tank - From Bad to Worst

[FC]

My tank aquascaping skill is getting from bad to worst .
See below for my past setups.

My first planted tank:

(KL, remember the moss covered rock there?)

My 2nd planted tank's first setup:


Some of the following setups:











(I like this Rotala macrandra 'Green')








(My latest bet)

What do you think?

[RonWill]

urm... sorry, but I couldn't help it

My skills and attempts at aquascaping was never good in the first place, hence I'm back to "fish tank with plants" .

Peter did suggest you regroup some of the plants, so why not try that and if it still doesn't 'look nice', play around a bit more.

Personally, most of my 'scapes' has simple driftwood arrangements, which I feel, compliment plants very well but I notice you don't use them. Any particular reason?

Not much help I'm afraid but thanks for brightening up my night.

[FC]

Yeah, Peter's remarks remind me of my worsening ineptness , that was the trigger for this new topic. As for woods, they are natural companions to plants but then again, I have problem choosing and use them . Well, there always tomorrow and try again \/ , let's see how this latest bet goes [-o< .

[|squee|]

Most scapes centre around a hardscape, namely driftwood or rock arrangements. The former is easier to scape with, and less expensive too.

It's hard to define a scape with just plants without the help of a hardscape imho. It seems like you like "large open spaces of grasslands". Try searching Google for "sanzon iwagumi". The first few links are very useful. Invest in some good granite rocks with "character" and shape and start arranging till you find a magical arrangement.

P.S. For driftwood, try choosing long branchy ones, not blocky peices. They provide "lines" for the eye to follow, some technique used it art drawings and paintings.

[PeterGwee]

Look around at aquascapes done by Amano and etc and see which one you really like and try to follow it. As you do more over the years, you would definitely get better. Don't be afraid to move things around till you get the look you really want.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[timebomb]

(KL, remember the moss covered rock there?)

Can't say I do, Freddy. Did I give the rock to you? It's been such a long time since you first visited me. You were a beginner then but just like Esther who became a far better Killifish breeder, you have also become a much better aquatic gardener than me.

You're good with aquatic plants, Freddy but what you lack is the artist's touch.
I'm just as lacking in artistic abilities too but like what the guys said, using driftwoods and rocks help. I can't aquascape a tank without them. Just put them into the tank before planting anything. Ask your wife for her opinion. The women usually have plenty My wife will always say, "Shift the rock slightly to the left, yes, just slightly, about a hair's breadth or so. Now turn it slightly to the right so that it faces the viewer. Hmm, let's see. Now move the other rock a little bit to the right. Just a little bit. No, not that much. Move it back a bit. Now, move the first rock slightly to the right also."

I usually give up after a while and ignore her But that's how you aquascape a tank.

Loh K L

[FC]

Thank you for all opions and advices!

(KL, yes, the moss covered rock was from you.)

[RonWill]

Freddy,
I recalled laughing my heads off seeing the last image but when I took a really close look at your first setup (directly from the gallery album... the huge, high res pic), you've actually done well and improved alot.

Ok... so your latest wasn't so hot. Got distracted perhaps? I'm sure you can come up with something better.

[There, I said it. Now I don't feel so bad ]

[FC]

Ron, need not redeem yourself, my friend. You can laugh off whatever way you want but you always have good attitudes.

I had re-arranged a bit. I guess I would need to replace the Echinodorus argentinensis (they are now at the left) with a Blyxa aubertii. I may cover the right foreground with Anubias nana 'Petite' and left with present Echindorus tenellus.

"May be it would turn out marvellous?"

I always thought this way when I re-scape, I guess that keeps me going. Till now, I am yet to fully happy with one. I will update you guys if it turns out well (if it ever), in a months' time.