Not Happy With My Tank .....

[Gelt]

Guys and Gals,

I not been happy with the way my tank looks for a few weeks now, problem is i cannot figure out why??

any suggestions are welcomed - fell free to flame , troll and critique!

please help me with it.

all the fish are heathy water parameters are spot on and the rams spawn like clockwork every two weeks- up to batch 6 so far...

stocking : 10 Cardinals,3 Bolivian Rams , 2 Otto's , 7 Panda Cory >>>>do i need more??

 

[Brandi.]

I think it looks good. My suggestion, as far as appearance goes, is to add a background. That's made a huge difference in all my tanks.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Why not try having the centre piece to the golden ratio, Ie about 2/3 length of the tank.

You should always offset the centre point. Don't ask why it's just easier on the eye lol. Once you have set a centre point, move the swords I think that's what they are, behind it. And also move the plants ( not sure what the name is) that are infront of the wood on the left and right together, and get more of the, and put them at the back of the tank.

Hope that makes sence lol

 

[dayzofspeed]

imho its just too clean and clinical, but thats because i prefer a more natural look, your tank is impressive but sort of looks like a showhome. agree that a background can make all the difference

 

[blesser13]

You could watch this for ideas My link

hope it help

 

[This Old Spouse]

Remember ... you asked for suggestions!

Simplest thing I can see is to take the sword that's right in the middle and move it all the way to the back left corner behind the rocks and behind the ludwigia. Then group all the elodea together and move it all the way to the right. Move the heater to behind the wood so you can't see it. Right now it's in the foreground where you don't want it. Then add a nice black background.

 

[micko]

Personally I don't see anything wrong with it. I would add a black background though as it makes everything stand out better. I would also add more plant but that's because I like the jungle look.
Everyone has different ideas about tanks so go with what suits you, after all, its your tank and you have to look at it.

By the way, your bolivians are stunning. The ones I see in my LFS's are pale and really washed out looking so I've never owned any.

 

[Gelt]

Thanks for the tips guys, good ideas for the plants and black background.
Will the heater be ok so close to plants on the back , maybe even touching them ? Could easily hide it behind whatever the big broad leaved plants are at the back....

What about the purple slate all together or at one end?

As for the bolivians they are great , 2 females and 1 male had them about 4 months now and have great character, they were terrible in the LFS all washed out grey and ghost like, don't travel well at all . I had to rescue them . Now they are well conditioned and have amazing colours.

 

[moochy13]

black background, a few more cardinals, and a plec. thats what i would do. then hope some of the plants get a bit out of control.

 

[Athena]

...maybe replace the orange flowerpots with some coconut caves?

Athena

 

[Harlequins]

I like it ,but i see what you mean,try experimenting moving the wood and slate around,maybe move the slate to one side/corner,get some java fern/anubias etc which needs be tied on to slate/bogwood etc... this would fill gaps above,maybe bring the branch into the open,would look wicked with java fern on it

Is that java moss in front on your wood? - stick it to the flower pot to tone it down a bit...

Add a background...black would be good,would show the colour of the fish more

I could have fun re-arranging your tank

 

[minnnt]

A black background will alter it dramatically imo. I would add this, then move the plants to either side and leave the middle back open so it gives the appearance of more depth to the tank. Add a few different varieties of plants, get some different textures in there. Some Java Fern and Anubias will work well. If you are wanting to keep the bigger flower pot then bury it a bit in the sand. (I would remove it) You could do with a few smaller rocks, get some rounder ones, (not just smooth boulders) make a few hidey holes for your Bolivians. Up the number of Cardinals and add some more Panda Cory. Also add some more moss to the wood and rocks.

 

[Black_Ghost_Knife_Fish]

I think you need to add your fish

but I like your aquarium

 

[Tizer]

first thought was, needs a background, second was...actually i didnt get past the background idea.