I need help....

[superballs5337]

plants, ships, pots, etc. what do you guys think?

 

[tear-scar]

What type of fish do you have/are planning on? I think that's the first step in considering what to change with a tank.

If you have adequate lighting and want a planted tank, check out nature aquarium's Beginner's Guide and Aquascaping Guide-- they're really great.

 

[superballs5337]

the fish i have are listed in my profile. and ill check those out, but i dont think i want live plants. seem too much of a hassle.

 

[tear-scar]

Not the most plant friendly list. Anyway, if you're not going with plants, I'd say:

Subtract:
All the plants-- just distracting if the tank isn't well planted
The flower pot-- just not that attractive

Add:
Lots of rocks and tank safe wood. Petrified wood is a great material if you can find some.

 

[NickT]

oh yeah! i love the look of petrified wood in tanks with natural looking gravel. its so hard to find the stuff around here tho and IMO rocks are way overpriced but if you can find them in your area then get. dont give up on plants! just look at geting ez ones. fish love plants! if you get rid of plants do get rid of the pots but if you get fake ones i wold still use them. for some reson i like teracota pots in any aquascape that isnt 100% natural looking IE. tanks where you can see the filration or airlines, or if you have a background that isnt "natural looking". its all just opinion... and besides its not what WE like its what your FISH like

tear-scar's tank is what i wold call 100% natural looking from what i can see

 

[superballs5337]

thanks for the replys, keep ideas comming.

 

[snowyangel]

I would say keep your setup but add lots more plants(like 6-8 more). Put the taller plants in the background and shorter ones in the front for a good look. A well planted tank always look best imo and most fish enjoy plants in their environment to swim through, hide in, munch on(if they're real), and sometimes to even spawn on .
If you want i can show you my planted tanks to help ya out.

 

[superballs5337]

yes post pics or send them too me please. any ideas will help, im getting some drift wood and i think im gonna break the pots to be like caves, and good idea about more plants.

 

[NickT]

good idea! drift wood is good for your tank i cant remember if it helps harden or soften your water.. but im shure someone will remind me. it also helps provide more places for benifical bactiria to live. and i gotta say it looks great! also somthing els you might want to try is stelthing (hideing) all the heater/filter equipment when i have a bigger tank thats gonna b my main goal.