How To Design With Black Gravel?

[ruffryder]

Hey guys, new to the forums and not really sure where to post this but anyways.... I just got a new tank 20 gallons and I got some fine black gravel with it. Now I was just wondering some do's and dont's with black gravel. What looks better with black gravel a dark background or a light background. Also same question for the rocks would lighter or darker colors look better. I'm guessing with a light rock and dark background the rocks might take too much attention away from the fish. But with dark background and dark rocks i'm guessing the color of the fishes really pop out at you. Anyways, just let me know some of your personal experiences or pictures you've seen that were or were not appealing with the black gravel.

 

[stang1]

to the site.
I decided to use black gravel in my planted tank but didn't want it completely blac so I mixed it with normal gravel and it has a lovely effect. I've used a plain black background but that's because I have it as a planted tank. The plants stand out really well against the background. I have bogwood and some light coloured cobblestones in mine and I am pleased with it. The fish also stand out really well against the dark background.
Unfortunately, I can't post a pic as my camera's broken at the minute.

 

[ruffryder]

Thnx for the reply stang. Ya I thought black gravel with black back would make everythign stand out. Whenever, your camera is up and running send some pics this way I would love to see your setup.

 

[stang1]

Thnx for the reply stang. Ya I thought black gravel with black back would make everythign stand out. Whenever, your camera is up and running send some pics this way I would love to see your setup.

No problem!

 

[ruffryder]

Also, little off topic but does anyone know any names or links to plants that are not green. I really don't like the look of green plants.....well green in general. Are there any live plants that come in blue, red, pink..etc. Also i'm not too familiar with ponds. What would be the difference between plants in a pond and plants in a FW aquarium. Would these pond flowers be able to survive in freshwater? http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=1179

 

[stang1]

If you post a new topic in the "plants and planted tanks" section you may get more help.

 

[ruffryder]

Ya I tried but for some reason i'm not allowed to post on that section for some reason.

 

[stang1]

I think you need to validate your membership. If you check your e-mail there should be one from TFF that will allow you to validate.

 

[Zeoth]

Black gravel and green plants go hand in hand

 

[fishbone]

here's a pic of the tank I've started with black gravel and black background. It's come on a bit since these photos, but thought it would give you an idea.
http/s121.photobucket.com/albums/o222/NI...?t=PICT2446.jpg

Oops, don't think that link worked. Will try again later.

 

[Zeoth]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=10
Enjoy-

 

[doresy]

Hi, I have black quartz with heavy real planting and artificial root and rocks. (see photo)

Will one day replace with sand and bogwood