I Can't See Where It Looks Odd!

[Haych]

right, for the life of me, I cannot see what looks out of place, at first I thought it was too crowded at the back on the left, but if I take anything out it just looks plain weird. (I know the fry net is going to be removed soon too)

So I changed it to both slate caves and IMO it looks better, but not 100% sure if something still looks odd??

Opinions welcome!

picture 1;

picture 2;

picture 3;

picture 4;

 

[Truck]

For me it is the lack of back ground plants such as vallis.

 

[Haych]

in english lol

(i don't know real plant names)

 

[VaegaVic]

Plant infront of the java moss on the bottom right looks a bit out of place. (4 long leaves, pale cream colour).

Perhaps move the most center piece of rock (smallest piece) to the left underneath the ruins. Things are never exactly center when in fishkeeping. I've always found it easier to create small areas for things. E.g. the left side of the tank could be a whole "underwater ruins" part and the rest can be a raging jungle. Better to have something in moderation than overkill.

Apart from that, looks bloody good! But Perhaps have 1 or 2 tall stem plants at the back to increase the depth.

 

[Haych]

hmm... mixed up poll names..changed these...

 

[Truck]

Valliseneria is a rosette type plant that grows long grass like leaves, If I were you I would use 100% real plants on this.

 

[Gill]

Glad you like the plants

I Agree that the pale silk plant infront of the Java moss is out of place, but the placement in Pic 4 just needs tweeking a little.
I would also move the smaller cave nearer to the ruins.

Have you used them all up, as i liked to make them up into smaller denser bunches.

 

[Haych]

Plant infront of the java moss on the bottom right looks a bit out of place. (4 long leaves, pale cream colour).

Perhaps move the most center piece of rock (smallest piece) to the left underneath the ruins. Things are never exactly center when in fishkeeping. I've always found it easier to create small areas for things. E.g. the left side of the tank could be a whole "underwater ruins" part and the rest can be a raging jungle. Better to have something in moderation than overkill.

Apart from that, looks bloody good! But Perhaps have 1 or 2 tall stem plants at the back to increase the depth.

yep agree, but the blighter won't spread! lolwas trying to use it to cover some gaps.

the smallest rock won't fit in the ruins, the ruins is all or nothing lol. It only has small holes. Either a plec and a betta can fit in there, not much head room.

I am keeping an eye out for some longer ones, found some 20" on ebay am keeping a beady on!

I can't seem to find smaller ones to hide the stalks of the taller ones either lol

Valliseneria is a rosette type plant that grows long grass like leaves, If I were you I would use 100% real plants on this.

can't go live, for the life of me I cannot keep them alive, and I have already ruined one tank with trying live plants. I do know I need something grassy in there though.

Glad you like the plants

I Agree that the pale silk plant infront of the Java moss is out of place, but the placement in Pic 4 just needs tweeking a little.
I would also move the smaller cave nearer to the ruins.

Have you used them all up, as i liked to make them up into smaller denser bunches.

I have used all your 15, and another 12 as I have had to seperate them between this tank and the boys divided too.

 

[Truck]

Vallis is as tough as old boots, is this tank running the T8 lighting? if so vallis will do fine.

 

[Haych]

Ah I see what you all mean, I can't move the slate cave over as the ruins is actually bigger than it seems on Pic 1, if you look on this picture, its quite large!

Vallis is as tough as old boots, is this tank running the T8 lighting? if so vallis will do fine.

Yeah I do have T8, and Vallis may be tough but others aren't

 

[Forestpisces]

I prefer it without any ruins at all. I'm very much a natural girl myself and i really think that some wood (mopani, vine, bogwood) some natural rocks (i get mine from my garden) and even terracotta pots in moderation can look simple and stunning.
I'm down to having only 2 out of 6 tanks with fake plants now. The only reason the two arn't planted is because they don't have lights just clear trays. I'm awfull with plants but i can tell you that all you need is to get yourself some root tabs (i use these) and/or flourish excel.

Easy care plants:

Elodia a staple in my tanks grows nice and tall and never fails proberbly one of the hardiest and most reliable plants around.

Java fern Great stuff and again so easy to grow it's un believable, a plus is that if it does die it wont make a mess of your tank.

Java moss Tie it to some wood or a rock and your set, the most low maintinance easy to grow plant out there.


If i remember correctly when you did try planted you used cabomba? Some bushy plant anyway that died and made a big mess. I had the same issue. Some easy tips are:

Take the plants OUT of their pots before you plant them.

If the plant wasn't bought as a floating plant then root it down or it will simply die and rot.

I am in no way shape or form a plant junkie, but i do feel that they look amazing and are really better for the fish. All the plants i listed are dirt cheap too

Get some real plants in there girl, you'll never look back.

 

[Haych]

thanks for the reply, but I have tried and failed MANY a time, so I just cannot even do it.

The plants I had (can't remember name) were supposed to be either floating or planted, and I let them float and they just died.

I do have other bogwood, but the girls love to hide in the ornaments which is why I went this route rather than bogwood.

Thanks for opinions, keep them coming!

 

[Squid]

I prefer the natural look too, but I quite like the look of this. I think it's because you have filled the tank with them in a nice and structured way.

My only comment would be to see what the tank looks like with a plain background. I think it helps the tank look less busy, and focusses the eyes on the tanks contents more. I have a black background on mine HERE (another juwel rio ). There may even be a blank backing on the other side of the one you have.

Cheers,
Squid

 

[Haych]

thanks squid

I had just said the background doesn't suit, but it's not going to be easy to change

I need to change both my tanks backing. They do have different backings on both sides, but they're both patterened

 

[rebrn]

Hi I think it looks good, but I think it might be eithor taller plants in the back or smaller plants in the front just to give it more depth.