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This is my last unplanted tank. I've been slowly adding flourite to the existing gravel, and by the end of the month should have my 'low light plant assortment', which inludes the following:

2 Anubias Barteri Reg
2 Anubias Nana Reg
2 Java Fern
2 Bolbitis Heudelotii
2 Cryptocoryne Blassi
1 Anubias Show

The filter is on the left, heater on the right, the tank has a black background, and I'm keeping the wood.

I'd like suggestions on how to set up the tank...where to place the wood and these plants. I also have some medium-sized pebbles in the tank. Previously they were just scattered around. Since I started adding flourite I put them in a small pile on one side of the tank; it was just to get them out of the way but I kind of like the look. Any ideas for those as well?

Thanks for any input.



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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Hi Theresa,

Unusual piece of wood. I'd be tempted to put it on it's side starting a the front right hand corner area and going in at an angle to the center of the tank. Decorated with Java Fern of course then the Nana just in front of this wood as a highlight. Bolbitis behind the wood in the rear right corner.

I like the rocks as they are (to me rock placement is the most difficult part of an aquascape) I'd use the crypts there with rocks and crypts highlighting one another and forming there own little area. Between this area and the wood I would put the show Anubias in the middle as a centerpiece. Not exactly in the middle but off center slightly but still between the wood and rocks. Actually if you can get hold of them 2 or 3 bigger rocks would look good with that piece of wood.

Barteri on left side toward the front corner.

After that maybe some tall valls in the rear left corner.

Don't forget to update the pics when finished !

Last edited by bensaf at 15-Oct-2004 01:31

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Theresa_M

This is a personal view of your tank. The first thing I see every time I have looked at your tank is that large piece of wood, it seems to stick out like a sore thumb. It just looks out of place sorry. Is it real or fake?

As you want to keep it, you have several options, laying it on its flat, on its side, and inverting it thinner upwards.

Location to one end, the center of the wood to 1/3rd from the end of the tank. Distance from the from the front will depend on your plants. If you choose vertical, towards the rear of the tank. I would suggest tall thin plants so soften its appearance.

If on its side or flat small plants in the foreground and medium sized plants just behind the wood.

Keith

Last edited by keithgh at 31-Oct-2004 00:34

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Thanks for the wonderful replies

The wood is real, and I did want to keep it but I agree that upright it does stick out. It was attached to slate so I removed that; since it had been in the tank so long I had no problems with the floating.

I ended up with a different plant list:

Temple,
Anubias barteri,
Anubias nana,
Crypt lutea,
and a radican sword which was a free bonus.

I also have some anacharis floating, that may change.

I'm very happy with the tank. Not that many plants really but it makes a huge difference. My camera is out of town with the spouse until late Monday ]:| so I have to wait to post pictures.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I imagine you are aware that anubias' fleshy rhisomes should not be burried, but that their root tips can be in the substrate, or simply anchorted to driftwood. While bolbitis is a lovely looking plant, it is fussy and often does not do very well. I would seek out java fern though, as its really an easy keeper and does well in a huge variety of situations. I too think your driftwood would look more natural in a horizontal orientation. Can hardly wait to see your new pics. I'm sure the tank looks divine!