The Aquascaping Design Checklist

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by pejerrey

That is a good reason to get another tank set up just for IAPLC.

But then I'd see all that space... for more plants... and more plants... and MORE PLANTS!

I do have plans on redoing my 29g tanks to get rid of the MTS snails. I'm not so manic about stuffing them with plants since they're low tech which slows everything down. Maybe I'll consider doing a real scape in one of those tanks. Not a contest quality scape, mind you, but maybe something that passes for more than just a tank filled with plants.

Hmm... maybe I can add some rocks to those tanks?

Okay, now you have me thinking. While I won't use this guide to enter any contests, maybe I can use some of the ideas when trying to figure out how to scape my tanks for my own enjoyment.

[youjettisonme]

No matter what your loved ones say, there is always room for more tanks. Silly loved ones.... more tanks!!!

[goodeye--sniper]

What a great read Thanks!

[CryptKeeper54]

Awesome...why have I only seen this now? Not enough time in the day to read everything I want....

[plantbrain]

they end up hindering creativity rather than ushering it along. Whenever I see someone pulling out the ruler just to measure their success at implementing "the rule of thirds", I feel like the point of aquascaping is missed somewhat.

I've had issues telling folks more about scaping for this reason. Several people have made comments about the tanks/scapes I've done and mentioned the triangles usage.

I suppose that's thirds to me.
Never really thought much about it.

Mostly I just start and move things around till it feels right.
I do not like to copy.

Still, simply getting in there and trying and spending more and more time at a scape will teach people, even those deeming themselves a non scaper.........into relatively good scapers and designers.

Speaking of rock/stone of high grade.........I've spent a fair amount of time and offered up some serious coin for some recently. But we do lack good sized stone.

So I'm going to the sources for some of the stone and have been offered enough to do the searching. There are at least 6-7 type of high grade stone available in CA. I already have all the wood I could work with.........so stone is the next step.

[pejerrey]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

I've had issues telling folks more about scaping for this reason. Several people have made comments about the tanks/scapes I've done and mentioned the triangles usage.

I suppose that's thirds to me.
Never really thought much about it.

Mostly I just start and move things around till it feels right.
I do not like to copy.

Still, simply getting in there and trying and spending more and more time at a scape will teach people, even those deeming themselves a non scaper.........into relatively good scapers and designers.

Speaking of rock/stone of high grade.........I've spent a fair amount of time and offered up some serious coin for some recently. But we do lack good sized stone.

So I'm going to the sources for some of the stone and have been offered enough to do the searching. There are at least 6-7 type of high grade stone available in CA. I already have all the wood I could work with.........so stone is the next step.

I'm curious, what rocks are those available in ca?

[Colorful]

Originally Posted by pejerrey

As you know I'm shrimpoholic now, so my set up is all about them. Still I'm also plantoholic so I have to have heavily planted tanks.

I think the blyxa in the middle is too tall now. It's probably well rooted now also.

How do I trim it?



I have to keep taller plants in the edges to hide all the piping. Therefore I though about using the middle as a "valley", the floaters for the shrimpies.

I keep a lot of plants, I'm attached to them! I have to keep a few stems of each at least!

However, I'm one of those 43. I submitted this year to learn more about the process and prepare for next year. I don't expect my rank to be even 1000.

One curious thing I learned, is that the dimensions are centimeters. There is no indication of this assumption, so beware! Translate your inches into cm before punching in numbers! After you enter there is no way to correct that info.

What are those black rocks you're using?

[ua hua]

I don't know how I missed this thread but very informative write-up with great examples of not only pics of tanks but nature itelf. Thanks for taking the time to post this thread youjettisonme.

[pejerrey]

Originally Posted by Colorful

What are those black rocks you're using?

Yamaya, I just added a few more!

[Complexity]

Really pretty! The red plants really brighten up the whole scape. What is the red plant on the left?

[NWA-Planted]

II need to stay out of the journals, so many gorgeous tanks! gives me to many ideas!

People who don't like bacon can't be trusted.

[pejerrey]

Originally Posted by Complexity

Really pretty! The red plants really brighten up the whole scape. What is the red plant on the left?

It's indian almond leaves! Lol!

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by pejerrey

It's indian almond leaves! Lol!

ROFL!! They make a great scape addition!

[jakevwapp84]

great thread very well written!

[hedge_fund]

what a great thread. thanks for posting