My first Planted Tank - Iwagumi Attempt

[Sumer Koba]

Hello! This is my first attempt at a tank, I am just beginning and pejerrey has gotten me started. This is my first pass at a hardscape. I am aiming for it to ultimately be a thriving planted shrimp tank. Can't wait to watch it grow.

[Phusis_Eidos]

Welcome !

You have a great start IMO. I would only suggest you make the smaller rocks look as though they broke off the larger ones in a Glacier type way if that makes sense? You can obviously add a few "random" stones but I would give it more perspective / motion

In this picture you can see how the smaller rocks look scattered from the larger mass as if in one direction http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/li...-landscape.jpg

[junglefowl]

Any information on the tank size? Stones? Substrate? Lighting? HOB filter?...

[Sumer Koba]

Oh great suggestions! I'm planning on working the hardscape a little will post soon.

[Sumer Koba]

Tank info:

Lighting: Archaea Slim-Pro LED Fixture
Substrate: ADA Amazonia Aqua Soil
Filter: Aquatop PFE-3
Tank Size: 21.5”w X 11.5”d X 14”h
Stones: These were given to me by pejerrey! I’ll have to ask him....they were part of an old tank he had that had to be dismantled.

[Rbp917]

What a good beginning, have you thought about plants? Take your time.

[junglefowl]

Originally Posted by Sumer Koba

Tank info:

Lighting: Archaea Slim-Pro LED Fixture
Substrate: ADA Amazonia Aqua Soil
Filter: Aquatop PFE-3
Tank Size: 21.5”w X 11.5”d X 14”h
Stones: These were given to me by pejerrey! I’ll have to ask him....they were part of an old tank he had that had to be dismantled.

Thank you!!!
I really like the shape of the stones, but try to move it around to make the scape more focal, also spread the substrate to make it smoother...

[pejerrey]

Awesome! The stones I gave you are Yamaya (inert) from AquaForest Aquariums in SF.

One thing you didn't mention is that you are going to have a 5lb co2 system running. That allows you to play around a bit more with carpets.

We could get plants today at AFA, but you need to have at least the bottom pad ready and we need to secure and level that stand before filling up the tank.

[Sumer Koba]

Plants are going to be

Glossostigma (carpet)
Blyxa Japonica
Starogym (stargrass)
Myriomatogrosso (taller plants)

[OKnights112]

I love the scape. It looks amazing, the placemant of the large stone really sets off the tank. Those shrimp are going to love the layout.

[pejerrey]

Man, post a picture of the tank with your new background! It's awesome!

[Sumer Koba]

Update on tank:

Background added using a blue/white gradient in photoshop.
And rocks moved around for better placement, with smoothed substrate. Thanks for the advice everyone!
https://plus.google.com/photos/10845...474?banner=pwa
https://plus.google.com/photos/10845...994?banner=pwa

[Sumer Koba]

Also, here is the info on my Water test: From my tap water.

pH:7.6
High Range pH: 8.4
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Ammonia: 0 (the water remained clear and didn't turn any color during the test - is this a misread? Or does it just mean that there is no ammonia? The testing kit seemed to indicate it should be yellow if 0)

Plants and tank with water this week!

[Sumer Koba]

One more question: Im thinking of adding Vallisneria spiralis as the tall plant in my tank. Any thoughts?

Then I would have:
Glossostigma (carpet)
Blyxa Japonica
Starogym (stargrass)
Vallisneria (taller plants, background - around the big rock)

[pejerrey]

Sounds awesome!