Thinking about completely starting from scratch with the main tank and doing a full blown aquascape.
This is how it is at present (not much change since the last pictures)
The only element of the tank I like is the way the crypts and java fern have completely suffocated the smallest of the fake ornaments and created this mound of foilage. It looks like it is set to gain a new dimension with the Pennywort finally bulking up at the base (though that can't be seen on the image(s)).
I think the problem has always been the ornament to the left, whilst I do like it it takes up a lot of space and creates a lot of dead space where plants could be. Also, I just think the whole setup looks ill-thought - which probably explains why my success with the plants has been so hit and miss.
So, I've been musing over ideas for a couple of days now as to what to do (well, when I can afford to!)..
- First thing, take everything out (bar the two right ornaments and surrounding plants, and the main central plant which name always escapes me!).
- Left ornament to become central feature of the 65 litre tank, a bit bulky but I think the barbs/corys and CAE will appreciate the security it'll provide.
- Fish temporarily housed whilst I add a lot more sand/substrate, there was never enough in the first place but inpatience got the better of me.
- Going to buy duplicate of the two remaining ornaments to mirror across on the left-hand side. Furthermore, bulk up on the java fern or any other suitable plants to cling/fill the larger ornaments to extend the foilage coverage - along with more crypts etc around the base.
- More large rocks, perhaps built up a bit of a mound with them too.
- Some substantially sized pieces of bogwood, to create some height.
Hopefully by then it'll have some height and depth, cover the heaters and background image and encourage the fish to swim around more (because they spend all their time on the right of the tank amongst the plants). Then, to the second issue... all that water, and hardly any fish!!
Current residents are:
- 3 Angelfish, 8 Serpae Tetra, 6 Red Eye Tetra and 5 Black Widows.
I'm hoping to eventually end up with:
- OPTION 1: 3 Angelfish, 1 pair of Bolivian Rams, 12 Red Eye Tetra, 8 Serpae Tetra, 8 Rosey Tetra, 8 Black Phantom Tetra, 8 Black Widow Tetra.
- OPTION 2: 3 Angelfish, 1 Pair of Bolivian Rams, 12 Red Eye Tetra, 8 Serpae Tetra, 8 Black Widow Tetra, 12 Rummy Nose Tetra.
- OPTION 3: 3 Angelfish, 10 Red Eye Tetra, 8 Serpae Tetra, 8 Black Widow Tetra, 20 Cardinal Tetra.