Tank Layout

[kixx]

I've got a small tank (20L) currently set up, it is currently empty because the fish died due to a faulty heater. I'm looking at changing the layout but just thought I'd ask about ideas.. anything such as gravel/sand, planting or rocks would be useful. I know a lot of people say "do what you think looks best" but I just wondered how I could get such a small tank to look at least half decent. Cheers.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

One prominent issue you may have here is if and when you choose to do your cycle, IE; if you choose real plants then they tend to give off false readings during a fishless cycle. It maybe more useful for the hobbyists on here to know what you plan to do with your tank and filter in the near future, that way we can advise and share our opinions alot easier.
I had a 30L tank up until a few months ago and found anything bigger that Chilli Rasbora and/or Endler Guppy a struggle to keep. There was a 25L tank at my LFS last weekend, they had pea sized light brown gravel, quite heavily planted, small internal AquaOne filter and a gloss black backround and a vast number of Cherry and Crystal shrimp in it, it looked truly awesome!

Terry.

 

[Samuran]

IMO when it comes to rocks, wood etc in a small tank less is more. One nice interesting bit of bogwood and or a few stones. Also to me you can never have too many plants, taller ones around the back / sides.
Not sure if that helps tho
Ben

-EDIT-
Going on from what Terry has said, do you know what you plan to use the tank for / stock it with? If you were just going to have a few small fish from one area of the world then you could theme your planting / decor. I've got a 25l (ish) tank setup for breeding Rams in and while there isnt a huge amount of plants etc in it I can post a picture later once I'm in if you like.
Ben

 

[The Taffy Apple]

http/img651.imageshack.us/img651/120/052so.jpg

This seems to be the only picture i have left of my 30L tank, just to give you some idea.

Terry.

PS- Please ignore the fish i have in there, i was a relative newby back when this pic was taken, all fish have been re-homed into my 120L tank (which can be seen below in my signature!)

 

[kixx]

cheers for the replies, when it's finished I'll more than likely keep a few small fish in it like tetras for example. However haven't quite decided yet, quite picky when it comes to things like that haha. a picture would be great Ben if you wouldn't mind, but thanks both it's given me a few ideas.

- Will

 

[Samuran]

Here you go!

Ben