em n' flow

I love the look of that light colored gravel with your plants! Did you put any nutrient rich substrate below it? If so, was it the same light color? I'm only finding black and I don't want mixing down the road.

Freshwater_Matt

I don't have any substrate. This is my first tank and I didn't know that substrate existed when I set the tank up. I might break the tank down some day and rethink the gravel only situation, but for the moment the plants seem to be doing fine.

em n' flow

They look like they're doing just fine without it.

Aquamom

This lovely tank would be even more striking if you could opaque the background so the eye is drawn into the tank without the busy household distractions behind it. Solid blue or black on the exterior of the rear panel would work visual wonders, or, if you wanted to get creative, make an aquatic mural or collage of some sort and attach it to the outside. That way, you can shut out the rest of the world when viewing your tank. Just a thought ...

Freshwater_Matt

Thanks for the comment Aquamom. I understand what you are saying. This tank is on a counter between my kitchen and family room. I like to see the tank from both sides. It may not be an ideal showcase, but getting to watch the fish while I do the dishes makes me happy. Also, I need as much sunlight as I can get.