Ok, Plants In, Arrangement Help Please!

[cchris]

I have 2 amazon swords, 5 dwarf sag, some java moss that im just holding down with rocks.. 2 java ferns, A hornwort tied to the top as a floater,and what was labeled as a wisteria, but im not so sure.

here are a few pics of the placement now, but im trying to think ahead. I have a large and a small malaysian driftwoods from dr smith and foster coming in today that i will start soaking.

should I pull the java moss out and save it for the driftwood? or just some of it..

Im planning to put the large driftwood to the right, and the smaller one to the left. I have an amazon sword on either side of the tank back.
the dwarf sags along the front.

I will be taking out the larger rock ornamant when the wood goes in.

how would you setup this tank.. im new to it, so just kinda threw it in hoping for the best.

Edit: Im trying to add a picture but the picture link is greyed out for me.. maybe I havent posted enough yet?

https/www.dropbox.com/s/it5xgs00zsjrrjp/2013-01-30%2020.06.52.jpg (full tank)

https/www.dropbox.com/s/a3d2p16a28ornig/2013-01-30%2020.07.01.jpg (left side tank)

https/www.dropbox.com/s/4m5p8bi5vah9473/2013-01-30%2020.07.09.jpg (right side tank)

 

[cchris]

just realized I should have posted in the aquascape area.. apologies.

 

[DrRob]

Not a problem, it's there now.


To try to answer your question, try to keep the plants in groups to a degree, it tends to end up looking more natural if you have a clump of various types, as though a patch spread that way.
 
The temptation to put hardscape at the back of the tank is huge whilst the plants are getting established, but once the larger background plants start to grow in they get hidden, plus it's far easier to get things out from behind something in the middle of a tank than something in the small gap between a rock and the glass. I tend to pull the decor forwards and plant background plants behind.
 
Personally, and this is personal opinion, I can't stand reef backgrounds on freshwater tanks, but I'm aware that some people like them.
 
Otherwise it's difficult to say much until you have the wood to play around with.
 
Oh, and I tend to use an image hosting site for my pictures, that way you can simply drop in the image link and the pictures appear.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I'd get the wood in and get a few more plants of the same type as they all look a bit lost at the moment.

 

[cchris]

yes, i agree was trying to think ahead, hoping the sag spreads, and trying to envision the swords grown.
i do need a new background.. kinda hoping that the plants hide it altogether