A little advice sought - 5g

[ArchimedesTheDog]

I have felt, and I got a comment this morning in the nano tanks forum, that the tank feels a little barren. I really like the big Anubias in the middle front -- I know that defies common practice, but I wanted the feeling of peering through the reeds, so to speak. But the empty expanse behind it feels strange, or there is something else amiss. I am trying to figure out how to give a little more interest there. A small piece of mossy driftwood may be the ticket, but it's hard to find a piece so small that is interesting looking. Any other ideas?

[acitydweller]

finding a piece of driftwood that fits a nano is a challenge in itself. The pieces dont look all that big until you bring it home.

The fun in working with a small tank is to give the perception of a larger tank than it really is.

Have you considered rotating the driftwood to stand upwards? also moving the stone on the right towards the center?

Consider layering so the short plants are in the front and the tall plants stand towards the rear of the tank. The wistera floating up top would make for an awesome background plant.

[JasonG75]

Originally Posted by ArchimedesTheDog

I wanted the feeling of peering through the reeds

The only thing peering through is the equipment in the back. I would fix that.

[Eldachleich]

Originally Posted by acitydweller

finding a piece of driftwood that fits a nano is a challenge in itself. The pieces dont look all that big until you bring it home.

I had to do some serious chopping to my driftwood to get it to fit into my 6.6 gallon.
Looked so small in the store too..



I think it needs more plants. Alot more plants...
I think vals would look nice...

[vincenz]

I'd stick with smaller plants to get a better sense of scale. There's a reason why you won't see swords or large anubias in a small tank like that. They grow big and you lose the sense of scale quickly.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by JasonG75

The only thing peering through is the equipment in the back. I would fix that.

I agree, also maybe some foreground plants?

[~~~]

I would add yes, some small plants.
For the equipment, get a background. Cheap n easy. Also, a background makes a WORLD of difference. I don't know how to communicate it in words.