Tank Layout Advice Needed

[Kombat]

Here's a pic of my tank. 29G tank. I just added some plants, removing the fake ones. I'm not sure I like the layout though I'm sure it will look different once they start to fill out.

From left to right, I have a Corkscrew Val in the middle front, behind that is a Java Fiern attached to the wood. Then I have Cabomba, Anubius attached to the wood, Annubius in the gravel, then slightly behind it is a Water Sprite still in the pot. Then moving to right some more is a Red Melon Sword and Dwarf Hair Grass still in pots. Behind the rock is Anacharis and some kind of Ruffled Sword I think. Then finally at the front far right is another Anubius.

So for those counting at home, I have 3 Anubius, and 1 each of Java Fern, Corkscrew Val, Cabomba, Water Sprite, Red Melon Sword, Dwarf Hair Grass, Anacharis, and Ruffled Sword.

So, knowing what these will look like when they start filling out, any suggestions on arrangement?

Thanks,
Karl

 

[Miss Wiggle]

personally I'd loose the car and cocnut cave, just look naff IMO, each to they're own though. It just seems a bit haphazard at the moment, plants are best put in groups, so all your anubius together, all the vallis together etc. Also there's no sort of rationality to it, just stuck in anywhere, maybe it'd be best if you went for a heavily planted bit at one end then thinning out down the tank, or at each end with a dip in the middle to create swimming room. Something like that. Yes it will look better when things fill out but I think it could look better now! Oh and I'd have sand not gravel but again that's your choice!

 

[Kombat]

Thanks for the reply. I'm up for losing the coconut. The car though is a different story. That ornament was picked out by my 5 year old when we first bought the tank back in January.

I did try to keep the tall planys in back and short ones in front, there is SOME rationale, but not much. I agree it looks haphazard.

The gravel is Florite. I personally don't like the look of it anymore, but was told it is good for plants. If I had to do it again I would do something different and just use root tabs.

Karl

 

[Miss Wiggle]

fair enough, keep the car then, I probably would in the same situation maybe if you wanted to make it a bit more natural and your daughter didn't mind you could try attaching some java moss to it, just look a bit more natural.

well you can change the substrate if your not happy with it, bit of a ball ache but not too bad!

man maybe just getting a few more of each plant and putting them with the existing one's would make a difference. Like take vallis for instance, it just looks a bit 'meh' by itself, it's not doing anythign for me. But when you've 5/6 all next to each other creating a nice wall/clump of reeds (well the look of it anyway) then it looks really good.

 

[themissingelf]

Agree with the suggestion to create a focal point at one end of the tank. The left always seems the most natural. Postition the element/s which you most want to draw the eye between one quarter and one third of the way in from the left.

Also... take the plants out of the pots and clear away every track of rock wool. In fact, take the pots out of your tank asap. The rock wool is an irritant to fish.

 

[Kombat]

Hmmm. The guy at the lfs I bought them from told me I should leave them in the pots for a week. I take it that is bad advice...

Thanks,
Karl

 

[Liam]

yeah take the plants out of the pots asap and plant them. It looks pretty okay, will look more natural with the plants planted. Even if there isnt much or any design growing natural plants always look good. I dont give much thought to the layout but I get a look that I'm happy with.

I think that car needs a garage, thats what I told a 6 year old who got me a similar gift for the fishys its under some wood. She always wants to see it when she comes over.