Thanks for the input. I tried to make some natural looking layouts as well as some otherworldly ones. The tank is really not that large - only 32 gallons. Actually, one of the things I want to make sure I don't do with the hardscape is displace too much tank volume.
Not a big fan of stacked rocks. Also, try finding rocks that match in color somewhat. Not all the rocks have to match, but it can look better if at least some do.
All of these rocks came from the same area in a stream bed, so I thought it might look good to mimic the naturally occurring variety. But I do see what you're saying. It will probably look better if I just choose one type. I think I'll go back and collect some more. Thanks.
the last #15 is by far the best. it has balance and has an easy flow to it.
I agree with the others about the mixed of stone and the stacked rocks not working. When mixing stone they have to work with each other as does it have to if they are stacked, it is difficult to do that.
with # 15 you have managed to make the mix of stone work with the way they flow.
I am not really a fan of that huge rock in any of the scapes
Three different colors does throw me off a bit. Was not a joiner when first I heard someone say "they all need to be the same kind" on here but I'm slowly coming around to agree up to a point. It certianly depends on the scape though.
The displacement thought comes into play a bit also, mostly thinking the large one is just a bit too large.
I also thought at least a few on here were off a bit about insisting that "river rocks" were always round in shape. The variety around me is intense in that aria.
I even know a 150 ft long stretch of a stream which is exclusively those black semi-
flat but round river rocks you typically see in shops which are about the sizer of your hand. Howso many came to be in that one spot...go figure.
Butit usually is mixed quite a bit around here and you also find arias like the one shown. Sorry it's blurred a bit. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=14289&pictureid=61978
Perhaps you might try to limit it to two types of rock ? I do like the brown ones.
Suggestion if your going back to look some more: Take a camera, find a spot you like
and think it would look good in the tank and take a picture of it so you can duplicate it when you get the rocks back home.
I really appreciate all the feedback I'm getting. #15 was the one I preferred, but after looking at the pictures today with fresh eyes, I agree with the general sentiment that none of them look very good. So I went down to the stream and gathered new rocks, this time all the same color. I also snapped a few photos for inspiration.
I think I might like to try to create something like the last photo. There are three distinct tiers in the pic: relatively bare lower tier; moss and plants in the middle; and mossy rocks in the upper tier. I'm just not sure how to get the rock to slope up into the background like it does in the photo. I know that placing it on a substrate slope won't be a stable long-term solution in the aquarium. I'll have to figure out a way to jack-up the rear end of the rock before adding the substrate.
Anyway, I'll post my new ideas (I promise fewer next time) once I've had a chance to consider some new scapes. Thanks again!
Bump:
I was thinking about using ADA Amazonia and then maybe scattering the top with some silica sand or stream sand (I gathered a ziplock bag of stream sand and pebbles today).
I've worked out new general idea, but it's still got a long way to go I think. I'm concerned that the hardscape isn't occupying any of the upper region of the tank, but I'm not sure if it'd be good to go any bigger in terms of the rocks. I think the current hardscape would fill out a 20G long much better than it fills out this 32G.
Yes, I agree. Thank you. The height of this tank is really making it difficult for me to put together a scape with rocks as I had originally planned. I may have to order some driftwood.
Thank you to everyone for all of your suggestions. I got some driftwood to help build some height in the hardscape. I think I'm getting closer. Any feedback is hugely appreciated.
It is not permanent. Good looking out though
I actually built the stand for a 20 long, but no reputable vendors sell a rimless 20 long. So, I'm in the process of adjusting the dimensions of the stand.
Version #1 of the wood scapes looks pretty good! I like the impression of roots coming out of the riverbank.
The larger log in #2 is more trunk like, but doesn't look like one tree with the roots as much, there's less unity? Idk, describing things in words is a PITA.
good idea, using the tape to mark out positions; might have to do that myself.
Thanks! I definitely understand what you mean about #2. The large piece is too thick to be congruent with the smaller pieces.
So I zeroed-in on woodscape #1, and changed it up a little bit more. I think this version of the hardscape is what I'll move forward with unless anyone has any final suggestions. The visible substrate in front of the rocks will be pool filter sand. Behind the rocks will be aqua soil, sloping up into the corner behind the large driftwood.
Version #1 of the wood scapes looks pretty good! I like the impression of roots coming out of the riverbank.
The larger log in #2 is more trunk like, but doesn't look like one tree with the roots as much, there's less unity? Idk, describing things in words is a PITA.
good idea, using the tape to mark out positions; might have to do that myself.
I like that last one, but, if I may critique...I think the placement of the tree is a little cramped against the glass side. If you were to move it just a little to the right...think if you were to divide the front/back glass pane into 3 vertical pieces...place the main upright of the tree on the line between the far left and the middle piece. This will give your composition a little more breathing space on all sides, yet, still retain the look you are after.
Thanks everyone for your helpfulness. After all that, I still wasn't satisfied with the hardscape, so I found an even larger piece of wood. I think this new piece does a much better job of filling out the tank. I also removed the rocks, because I just don't think they were working in this size tank. I'll save them and the manzanita root for the future, in case I end up getting a second tank at some point.
So two questions at this point:
1. Any recommendations on whether this piece should be shifted or rotated at all for better appearance?
2. There's pretty much no way for me to place the wood that doesn't involve that high branch sitting right underneath the light. Is this going to block a large amount of light to the plants, or is this nothing to worry about?
That's a nice piece of wood and I think the placement works well. I don't think the branch under the light will be a problem light wise, from what I can see of the shadow patterns on the bottom, but, it might get in your way or become an annoyance to work around. Personally, I would just clip off the tip of the branch where it makes that last bend toward the light.
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