Please critique my Mini M layout

[Francis Xavier]

I'm getting the feeling it's getting worse. Given the size of the rocks in the tank, it seems like this is a 'restart' option. Though I'd like to see the other angles of the main rock. I'll post something more if anything else strikes me.

I almost want to say go back to the scape we were working on before.

[Axelrodi202]

Originally Posted by Bubba_Shrimp

Agree. Kind of unnatural...
What about this? I removed old main stone as it is too wide and covers lots of ground area if setup as X suggested.

I had another rock (right). Maybe I should stick with 2 main rocks layout?

The big rocks are too close together.

[Bubba_Shrimp]

Ok, my last attempt with new stone (other side). I can always get back to the original layout but I think I like this one... After all, it's not a competition item... It's to please my eyes, right?

Maybe some minor adjustments with small stones and slopes?






Here is from where I will be enjoying it most of the time:

[blair]

Bubba,

Try this idea out. However, it would only work well pending that the large stone can rotate with the side you have shown in your newest scape visible to the front. It has a similar texture to the others and blends better. The view I have shown was the easiest way to draw it due to the angle of the images I had to grab from, but it isn't the correct face. The stones point to the main one (well the small one is kind of neutral). This is proper in iwagumi as X demonstrated in his recent mock-up... but the "V" has become a trend from Amano. This image is more honest, but as you said, you are not entering competition and sometimes innovation wins anyways.



X and I agree that you might be best suited with E. Tenellus and Glosso for plants with this scape. Try to keep that space between the larger rocks cleared for depth... its important.

Remember, this is your tank; if you are happy with a certain layout, go for it. Only you have to look at it on a daily basis. These comments of ours are suggestions only, so don't feel wed to them.

[kangshiang]

those rocks looks awesome....no matter what angle, they all looks prettty...
Hope I have some in my shrimp only tank...

[Bubba_Shrimp]

Blair,

I tried the way you designed it but rocks take too much space this way
I'll post some pics later. Still mocking around

Originally Posted by kangshiang

those rocks looks awesome....no matter what angle, they all looks prettty...
Hope I have some in my shrimp only tank...

I might have some leftovers

[SPECIAL||PLANS]

you guys are stuck on the stones and your missing the key to solving the composition - the space between the stones. blair's post on 06-27-2009, 10:37 PM post #26 looked pretty good but the composition falls apart in the upper middle and lower left. then in these last posts in #38 your compensating for this by mirroring the composition across center creating this symmetrical 'V' shape. you were on the right track at the beginning, blair's tip to move your arrangement off center is a good one, then you have to work with the plants to control the space in the top middle and lower left side of the tank.

[Bubba_Shrimp]

Going back to original design with a slight different left stone. What ya'll think?

[Francis Xavier]

One helpful trick to use is to try to keep the front slope levels even, this adds to the aesthetic appeal, but you're on the right track with the sloping. I like the new left stone.

[Ugly Genius]

What are your plant ideas? Page one showed HC and grasses. Still going that route?

Remember to set the hardscape to accommodate not only the overall flow and plants, but maintenance, too. All the best-laid plans can go to waste if you can't trim the HC in the corner because the rock's shoved in too tight to get a good angle.

That said, I like that you're taking other's advice, but coming up with your own ideas.

[Bubba_Shrimp]

Originally Posted by Francis Xavier

One helpful trick to use is to try to keep the front slope levels even, this adds to the aesthetic appeal, but you're on the right track with the sloping. I like the new left stone.

Thanks Francis!

Is this what you mean by leveling front slope?
Also, the right back slope is quite high, about 4.5". Is that ok?

Originally Posted by Ugly Genius

What are your plant ideas? Page one showed HC and grasses. Still going that route?

Remember to set the hardscape to accommodate not only the overall flow and plants, but maintenance, too. All the best-laid plans can go to waste if you can't trim the HC in the corner because the rock's shoved in too tight to get a good angle.


That said, I like that you're taking other's advice, but coming up with your own ideas.

Plants will be:

UG (front), Blyxa(between and around stones) and Eleocharis Vivipara for background. I think I will be able to access all places with different size scissors...

[Francis Xavier]

Yes, like that bubba. I would probably lessen the slope overall though on the right side, I think that would increase the visual appeal, kind of closer to what Blair's mock-up was like in substrate levels on page 2.

There's nothing wrong about substrate that high function wise, aesthetically it just seems off to me.

[t0p_sh0tta]

I like this layout the best, and also agree with decreasing the slope on the right side. Nothing drastic, but it's just a bit too much for me.

[blair]

Lookin' good Bubba! Sorry I was off on a long weekend trip to Northern Michigan for a few bottles of wine and some amazing food

I really like what I see. The new left stone is great. The slight tilt is really a nice contrast to that of the right piece. The increased size is also helping the balance. I would agree that the slope is a bit extreme on the right side. That rock appears to be near the surface (within half an inch perhaps?). I'd suggest 3"-3.5". Slopes have a tendency to settle over time anyways...

[Craigthor]

I think blyxa will really kill the layout if you use it inbetween and around the stones. Blyxa can get quiet tall and bushy. I would use UG around and inbetween the rock personally. Just a suggestion.

Craig