Layout And Design

[Deleted member 55926]

Are there any basic design concepts to bear in mind when scaping a tank? I have a good sense of design (normally applied to web design and graphics, art, etc.) but am sure there are extra dynamics involved when aquascaping that I have no experience of. I am particularly interested in how poor planting design can affect water flow and light filtering through to low plants - if this is the case. Also, does the heater need to be clear of plants?

I was planning on curving the two back corners off with tall plants, and I have a tangle of sticks converging around the center portion of the tank. I will attach moss to the majority of the main branches of these piece of wood. This should hopefully provide a central interest involving shrimp, a moss ball, some low plants, etc. I also have some pieces of slate but I'm not quite sure what to do with them yet. I was thinking of maybe making some sort of comfort zone for the Bristlenose Pleco I plan on getting, or maybe I should attach some Microsorum to them.

 

[snowflake311]

I would add a slate cave. Hide it in the plants.

The lay out looks good I think. Can't wait to see the real thing.

 

[aaronnorth]

About the best webpage:

http/www.aquatic-eden.com/search/label/aquascaping%20basics

And read this

http/www.aquatic-eden.com/2006/11/golden-rule-of-aquascaping.html

some things to take into account/ shaes of aquascapes

X, V, Y, U shapes created with plants/ hardscape. Sometimes hard to spot intially, but as you look more you will start to notice how many great aquascapers use this.