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I'm setting up a tank but don't really know where to put things to make it look nicest. If anyone can give me some tips I'd appreciate it greatly. I have some pictures to help out. The wood and rocks are just sort of placed in, not in any specific manner, just to give you an idea of what there is to work with so far.

http://www.geocities.com/the_master_cheese_thief_q/DSCN1180.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/the_master_cheese_thief_q/DSCN1179.JPG

what size tank is that? the first picture looks good, but i would remove the small stick in the front. Are you planning on planting the tank? I think it would look good planted with plants on bothe halves of the large stick.

The tank is a 29 gallon metaframe. The dimensions are 30" long x 12" wide by 18" high I believe. I'm unsure of planting due to sand substrate, but would like to try some things. Thanks.

Last edited by castlequest at 04-Jun-2005 01:07

you would probably have to change the substrate if you plant, but if you like the look or sand, i am not sure what type of sand they use, but i have seen tanks that use a base layer of plant substrate and cover it with sand.

I was thinking of just using plants that attach to driftwood and such instead of actually planting things.

Think of the tank as having a focal pont when viewed from the front of the tank. The focal point is the spot that you would like the eye drawn to when the tank is complete. The focal point is generally offest from the center of the tank. That is, it should be 12-15 inches from the end of the tank,5 inches from the back of the tank and 7 inches from the bottom of the tank. You have the rocks and wood to create that spatial reference point.

I would do a "dry" run of your hardscape by arranging the pieces and then walking away for an hour. When you come back you will have a good feel for the composition. Don't bother with water until you like the placement of your hardscape.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright