I saw this as a category on UKAPS and thought it would be a nice add here to show how an aquascape progresses from start to finish. This is my nano AGA entry this year.
Tank volume is <27liters
18"x11"x7.5"
June 27, 2015
Initial hardscape from concept. I wanted a dramatic mountainscape with sharp peaks. I arranged the rocks in a crisscross pattern to develop the peaks and valleys.
June 29, 2015
I cut in the paths and planted the tank with very low growing carpet plants. Predominantly UG and HC. The UG can be trimmed to give a nice downward cascading effect. The small HC leaves will break up the UG and provide better scale and perspective.
July 28, 2015
Plants have grown in quickly and are ready for first big cut back. Rework the paths to improve the perspective and flow of the mountainscape. Reduced the soil level in front left dramtically to open up the front for future detail work. This was done by using a tube small enough to insert to the bottom and siphon the aquasoil from beneath allowing removal without disturbing the roots or aquascape. Started to add detail to the background rock work.
Notice the rocks are discolored from algae.
August 11, 2015
Added the far left path to balance the mountainscape. Plants are recovered from aggressive trimming and new growth is thick and spreading more horizontally.
Rocks were spot cleaned with a toothbrush and excel one time. The light was raised 6" to reduce the strength which has reduced algae growth on rocks. Additional details added especially in foreground.
September 4, 2015
Tank has matured fully at this point. Final touches are made with the hardscape. I broke up a reddish ohko stone and added the smalller fragments in the background increasing the perspective and feel of light versus darker areas.
Final manicuring of the plants and sand path was made. The addition of very small details was completed like adding ohko stone dust to improve the natural feeling of the rocks into the paths.
Took the final photo using a dslr camera, wide angle lens and off camera flash which enhances the color, details and adds a dynamic feel with the light coming through the top of the rippled water mimicking rays of sunlight.
Tank volume is <27liters
18"x11"x7.5"
June 27, 2015
Initial hardscape from concept. I wanted a dramatic mountainscape with sharp peaks. I arranged the rocks in a crisscross pattern to develop the peaks and valleys.
June 29, 2015
I cut in the paths and planted the tank with very low growing carpet plants. Predominantly UG and HC. The UG can be trimmed to give a nice downward cascading effect. The small HC leaves will break up the UG and provide better scale and perspective.
July 28, 2015
Plants have grown in quickly and are ready for first big cut back. Rework the paths to improve the perspective and flow of the mountainscape. Reduced the soil level in front left dramtically to open up the front for future detail work. This was done by using a tube small enough to insert to the bottom and siphon the aquasoil from beneath allowing removal without disturbing the roots or aquascape. Started to add detail to the background rock work.
Notice the rocks are discolored from algae.
August 11, 2015
Added the far left path to balance the mountainscape. Plants are recovered from aggressive trimming and new growth is thick and spreading more horizontally.
Rocks were spot cleaned with a toothbrush and excel one time. The light was raised 6" to reduce the strength which has reduced algae growth on rocks. Additional details added especially in foreground.
September 4, 2015
Tank has matured fully at this point. Final touches are made with the hardscape. I broke up a reddish ohko stone and added the smalller fragments in the background increasing the perspective and feel of light versus darker areas.
Final manicuring of the plants and sand path was made. The addition of very small details was completed like adding ohko stone dust to improve the natural feeling of the rocks into the paths.
Took the final photo using a dslr camera, wide angle lens and off camera flash which enhances the color, details and adds a dynamic feel with the light coming through the top of the rippled water mimicking rays of sunlight.