Ideas And Questions

[shrimply]

I was thinking about how to aquascape my new tanks. And I came up with this idea.

At the front I will have about 1/2 and inch of substrate planted with a small rooted carpeting plant or maybe riccia this will go 6' to 8' into my tank. I will then use a slate wall to up the substrate about an inch to an inch and a half . The wall would probably not be straight but more un even. At the back I will have some larger stem plants and some pieces of tree branchs. The tree branchs may or may not over lap my wall.

I wanted your opinions on this idea and also wondered if you knew a plant which could be planted at the top of the wall ant trail down it. It would have to be quite small. Any ideas, Thanks

 

[zig]

Bacopa australis would trail downwards and the leaves are small, but it needs strong light 3+WPG otherwise the growth will grow upwards and resemble a stem plant.

 

[shrimply]

Okay thanks that sound perfect I am hoping to add between 3-4 watts per gallon so it should grow well.

Any opinions on what I plan to do?

 

[karlp]

Hi Shrimply

How big is the tank ?

and have you drawn a plan ? (It's easier to visualise)

I'm learning the planted stuff as I go too, but would personally go for a deeper nutrient based substrate at the front for a rooted carpet, which will use up a lot of nutrients as it gets established. Not true of Riccia of course though, which will take most of it's nutrients from the water column.

Cheers

 

[shrimply]

OK a rather terrible picture of how I hope the tank will look. If you think there is anything wrong please say and suggestions of which plants I should use would be great. The tank is 60 gallon(4ft by 18 by 18)

 

[shrimply]

Any opinions?

 

[shrimply]

Please respond I would really like some experts opinions.

 

[shrimply]

Please, please, please respond I just want a little bit of imput to make sure it is possible and iron out any flaws with my plans.

And if it is complete and uter rubbbish, which I am begining to think it is, please tell me so I can start the plan again.

 

[paulioo]

I my own opinion, you just need to go with your plan and then see what needs changing once everything has grown in.

Your initial plans sound good though. You'll find your planted tank will constantly change, as you see things differently with time, and how certain plants grow in ways you didnt expect or want.

Very rarely will someone create a 'perfect' aquascape from their initial plans. Your tank evolves with time and so do your ideas. Just enjoy the ride B) and goodluck.

Paul

edit: I would try to aim for at least 1inch of substrate at the front, rather than 1/2 inch.

 

[shrimply]

Thanks that was all I am looking for little bits of advice which will make my journey easier. At the minute it all seems very scary

Do you think 2 inchs at the back is too thick or about right. It seems a bit pointless doing it if I can't get at least an inch set-up. What is the deepest I could go without meeting any problems?


Thanks for the reply I was beggining to think I wasn't going to get an answer. It has been off the page 3 times. Anyone else have some helpful pointers for me?

 

[paulioo]

Two inches at the back should be ok. The one thing you dont want is to cut corners in the substrate choice and depth. If you want to add more depth, or change to a better substrate later on, then it almost certainly involves ripping the tank apart and starting from scratch again.

Paul.

p.s im not sure why no-ones replying, usually the planted tank section is quite good when it comes to receiving replies