No Regrets

[Marto666]

Right, I’m about to set-up my Fluvial 125L for the first time.

With regards to layout and general newbie errors, are there any do’s or don’ts I should consider to avoid making a hash of it or regret something later on?

Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[fluttermoth]

Have the subtrate higher at the back of the tank and slope it down to the front. Visually this makes the tank look larger, and practically it means that mulm will tend to collect nearer the front where it's easier to syphon out.

And don't put your main piece of decor in the middle; put it off to one side (roughly 2/3 along the tank) as that makes the tank look more natural and interesting

 

[Confish]

one thing i did when first setting up was had it up against the wall then when i bought an external i had to move it forward

 

[fluttermoth]

one thing i did when first setting up was had it up against the wall then when i bought an external i had to move it forward

Oh, that's a very good point! Yes; being able to get behind the tank is a very great advantage.

 

[STEWARDSONS]

yeah, make sure its in the right place as when i set mine up last week i positioned it further away from the wall than the last one so i oculd get round the back. however now its full its too far forard and i could have put it back a bit.

if i drain 80 of the water do you think i could lift it an move it? its a 4ft 300l

 

[Marto666]

Thanks guys. I like the idea of sloping the sand, I would not think of doing that for visual/practical reasons.

I’m placing the tank on top of a chest of draws in the bedroom so will ensure it’s nearer to the front and I should be able to get to the back.

I think it would still be way too heavy Stewardson unless there are a few of you(one on each corner)? Best get the local Rugby team in to help!

 

[minnnt]

I can move my 125 when full so I reckon you will be able to move that size tank with 80% of the water drained off.

 

[StandbySetting]

Don't make your scape symmetrical, use the golden ratio.

 

[Marto666]

Whats the golden ratio?

 

[StandbySetting]

The Golden Ratio and Creating a Focal Point​

What is the Golden Ratio? - I could dwell heavily on mathematics here, but this thread is designed to gently introduce you to aquascaping, not intimidate you. Simply put...

In the diagram below, point C divides the line in such a way that the ratio of AC to CB is equal to the ratio of AB to AC. Some elementary algebra (yeah, I know, sorry) shows that in this case the ratio of AC to CB is equal to the irrational number 1.618 (precisely half the sum of 1 and the square root of 5), also known by the symbol

.

Here is the formula for

This ratio is featured in great artwork and many natural phenomena. Why do we want to impliment it in Planted tanks? This has to do with the creation of a focal point. A place where the eye settles on a scape. Others aspects of the aquascape should lead the eye to the focal. point. If a focal point is not present, the eye wanders, and the tank can be stressful to look at. Below is another way too look at the formula that will allow for some simple computation. Computation, that, in my opinion, is easier to follow...

a + b = the length of your tank. We know the approximate number for

is 1.618. So, let's say you have a 24" long tank.

24"/a = 1.618 (approximately remember this is an irrational number) a = about 14.8"

One could further refine this position by calculating the where the golden ratio would be in accordance to the tank width.

Say your tank is 12" wide. Plug in your numbers...

Taken from: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=reply_post&f=10&t=328059&qpid=2722787 by Lljdma06

 

[fluttermoth]

It's a mathematical way of dividing up a line or rectangle into sections that is most pleasing to the eye. It was invented (or discovered) by the ancient Greeks.

It's, nore or less, thirds (as I said in my first post ). If you look at really good pictures, you'll find that the focal point is not directly in the middle; that makes it quite boring to look at, but is off to one side instead. That makes for a more pleasing, interesting and harmonious composition.

 

[Marto666]

Thanks very much for explaining that, i have never come across this before and find it is very fasinateing. incredible what you can learn from this hobby! The ancient greeks were way advanced for their time. I am going to rearrange my show tank too with this in mind. thanks again.