I'm setting up a Fluval Spec V and need a little help choosing the right layout. Here's some of the configurations I was playing around with:







The white is a sandy area.


I like the second and third layouts but they seem to be sloping in the wrong direction - toward the black filter wall instead of towards the glass. Any recommendations?

i think #2 is getting close. maybe try not to spread out every stone. Some very good rock layouts from the basic "3 stone layout" if you group a couple of the smaller ones you can easily get the same look you have a really good centerpiece stone so find the way you want that to look and fit the other rocks around the master stone. I like it angled how you have it in 1 and 3.Pic 2 the stone is a little too vertical imo. and 4 is a no go lol good looking stones!

I have to agree with maxarko19. Use #2 but angle the centerpiece stone like it is in #1. I also feel like you need to do something about the position of the stone all the way to the right. Try to re-position it or just take it out completely.

I think I like #2 the best as well. Here I've angled the main stone and took the awkward flat stone from the right, stood it up a little and moved it to the back. I moved the smaller stone to the front.
Attachment 837753

Here's one more I was looking at where I moved the main stone more towards the middle.

Attachment 837761

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From an aquascaping judge's perspective, #1 is the best as it maximizes the right side focal point. The last picture has a lot of potential too as the rock becomes the focus and the smaller rocks visually support it well. That being said, and repeating myself, it's your tank, set it up how you like best as you're the one who'll be looking at it every day.

Cheers,
Phil

I see what you mean by focal point. I'm going to set up #1 again and let it sit with me for a while, imagining it with plants. I've got some time to think since I'm still gathering my supplies.

Totally agree with Phil, you will be looking at it every day.
Too many get stuck in the idea that it has to be inch perfect to the style iwagumi. Nature isnt like that its random. I find it boring when everyone copies each other. Be random, be different and break the mold. Its "Your tank, your style". I have told many named aquascapers to shove their opinions where the sun dont shine when they say "oh no you cant do that". Yes i can as its my tank.

Good luck

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The one thing I noticed with all the configurations is your not incorporating the substrate with the hardscape. Developing more of a slope for example with #3 (which is alot like #2) but the main stone is in a much better position would work well and create a more natural composition.

I'm taking this to heart so I'm still fiddling around. I'm doing a lot of thinking about the plants I want and how to fit them in with the size of the stones and lack of depth (I've only got 6" to play with). I'm taking my time with the hardscape so hopefully I won't want to rip the tank apart days after I set it up.

Rosy, you definitely do what you feel. I just wanted to say that I am wanting to get another Spec V to do exactly what you are looking at doing here. Absolutely love the tank and where you are headed. I would also look at what Houseofcards is saying and try some manipulation of the substrate height too. It might take another bag of substrate but I think you could get some really interesting scaping options by doing that.

I did try to go with more of a slope but the substrate kept falling down. How do I keep it in place?

I look at what it will grow into when it matures.

Comments i got......

1) You cant have wood with dragon stone!
2) The stones in scape 2 look wrong, dont use them!
3) Stem plants in a iwagumi??? Noooo!!!

Bothered????? Of course not.
My boss soon learnt, if i do it may way and it still works then its still a good result.



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You could use several things. Plastic egg crate works, you just cut it to size where you want height. You could stack them to get different levels to create the slope.

I've used flat stones alot, like shale or river stones. That' what I used in this scape and it's held fine. This is a pretty simple setup, but I think it's more dynamic with the subtrate playing a bigger role.

#1 best use of space, move large stone forward to midground to add depth also slope sand up towards rear. stay away from flat. Nature is not flat

house of cards thats an awesome scape!
Rosy, can i make a suggestion? Instead of having that larger round rock stand so the face is towards the tank, perhaps turn it so the face of it is turned towards the sides of the tank. it might make more of a mountain peak look. just a suggestion