Vertical Rhythm

[dealt]

Greetings! Just want to share the latest layout of my modified 50g tank. The tank has been running for more than a year but it's almost only 2 months since my last rescape. I'm still waiting for the stem plants at the back to be fully visible in front. Here's the latest pics of the tank:

Tank title: Vertical Rhythm

Front:


Left side:


Right side:


Left profile (please ignore the accessories, will remove it on the next photo session):


Right profile:


Details:










Tank specs:
Size: 36x17x16in
Filtration: DIY UGF powered by small powerhead
Lights: 4x36w PL
Substrate: common river sand
C02: Pressurized (3-4bps)
Fertz: EI dosing.


Comments and suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

[WiNd08]

looks great to me!

the right side looks slight unorganised as compared to the left (i can see the stems of the java ferns on the right, maybe you can use some nana or nana petite to cover up that area).

the dragon lotus have an extra leaf that is reaching for the surface, should cut that off. heard from some other forumers that once the leaf hit the surface, other leaves will follow suit, and that will not look nice (someone please verify this, thanks!)

why not use an external filter? definitely will maintain your water condition better

[Corleone]

Looks great! but i think you should consider removing the centre wood piece, somehow breaks the whole flow of the scape.

[juggler]

Nice healthy plants.

The centre piece of wood is a bit too "outstanding", in my opinion.
Not sure if you like, but you can plant something like Ludwigia brevipes or Ludwigia arcuata in the middle background so it "overflows" to the front and "link up" the two groups of Java Fern on left and right. This could also soften the effect of the sticking wood.

BTW - probably you already know, you can trim the Lotus in the front frequently to keep it short.

Keep us updated.

Cheers!

[Loopy]

I like it heaps - I see what the guys are saying about the wood in the center, I actually like that it is somewhat disruptive. I think this tank is great for the little magic corners and crevices it offers.

[dealt]

looks great to me!

the right side looks slight unorganised as compared to the left (i can see the stems of the java ferns on the right, maybe you can use some nana or nana petite to cover up that area).

the dragon lotus have an extra leaf that is reaching for the surface, should cut that off. heard from some other forumers that once the leaf hit the surface, other leaves will follow suit, and that will not look nice (someone please verify this, thanks!)

why not use an external filter? definitely will maintain your water condition better

hi. thanks, glad you liked it. yep, i do agree that the right group is a bit disorganized. somehow i deliberately did it, to avoid symmetry, although it's not as pleasing as the left group yet. i'm hoping when the right group of ferns and the lotus grew, they'll look better. well see i'll cut the biggest lotus leaf on the next wc, it's just my first time to have this plant that's why i gave it some time to adjust first.

re: filter, well, during the initial setup of this tank, i still have no budget for a more expensive canister filter fit for a 50g tank. still saving (and thinking if necessary) for a better filter. thanks again

Looks great! but i think you should consider removing the centre wood piece, somehow breaks the whole flow of the scape.

Thanks! If I'll remove the center wood, wouldn't it lessen the texture of the scape? I'm trying to use it as sort of a 'breaker' for the whole layout. What if I'll just re-position it a little lower or on a different angle? I'll see what i can do.

Nice healthy plants.

The centre piece of wood is a bit too "outstanding", in my opinion.
Not sure if you like, but you can plant something like Ludwigia brevipes or Ludwigia arcuata in the middle background so it "overflows" to the front and "link up" the two groups of Java Fern on left and right. This could also soften the effect of the sticking wood.

BTW - probably you already know, you can trim the Lotus in the front frequently to keep it short.

Keep us updated.

Cheers!

There are bunch or rotala green in the middle background. I'm just waiting for it to grow to achieve your suggestion of linking the two groups. The plants in the background are (in the following order, left to right): Limnophila aromatica, didiplis (but will reposition this soon, it's starting to be covered by other bigger plants), ludwigia ovalis (red), rotalia green, macandra, Ludwigia glandulosa, r. nanjenshan.

I hope when these plants become visible, it'll somehow soften the middle driftwood. thanks for the suggestions!

I like it heaps - I see what the guys are saying about the wood in the center, I actually like that it is somewhat disruptive. I think this tank is great for the little magic corners and crevices it offers.

Hi, thanks, I'm glad you appreciate the small details I made with this tank. As I've said, hopefully when all plants matured, it'll lessen the disruptive effect of the middle wood.

I'll keep you guys posted.