Hardscape feedback

1328 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Hephaestus, Mar 6, 2017

Hephaestus

Discussion Starter · Feb 26, 2017

Hello everyone. I'm looking for a little feedback on possible hardscape designs for my new 7.5gal cube. It's a Deep Blue Professional 12" x 12" x 12" rimless Cube with black silicone. This will be my first cube, as well as my first rimless aquarium. If the driftwood tree is used, I plan to wrap the upper branches with java moss or Christmas moss. Any feedback is welcome.

Substrate: Black Diamond Blasting Sand built up higher either around the stone/driftwood, and/or built up into one of the rear corners of the tank.
Filer: Eheim Classic 2211
Heater: Aqueon Pro 100W
Light: to be determined (either CFL/LED spotlight from big box store, or a Finnex Stingray or Finnex Planted +)
Fauna: planning on either CRS or RCS. May add a small fish if I can find something I like that will fit that won't mess with the shrimp.

First scape: single large pagoda stone upright in the center rear of the tank. Leaning slightly either towards the back wall or towards the front wall.

Second scape: single large pagoda stone upright in the left rear corner of the tank. Leaning either slightly into the corner, or slightly into the center of the tank.

Third scape: single large pagoda stone laying horizontally from corner to corner, just slightly closer to the rear of the tank.

Fourth scape: Driftwood "tree" in the center rear of the tank.

Fifth scape: Driftwood "tree" in center rear of tank with large pagoda stone laying down across in front of it.

Sixth scape: Same as above with a piece of petrified wood butting against the corner formed by the pagoda stone and the driftwood "tree".

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MikeP_123

· #2 · Feb 27, 2017

You are very close with that last one. The rocks are perfect, but I think the wood could be changed a little to compliment the lines and flow of the rocks. Maybe tilted? Maybe just turned?

not quite sure until you see it.

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burr740

· #3 · Feb 27, 2017

I think it would help to show pics from the point of view the tank will actually be looked at the most. Straight on or whatever.

Hard to get a clear perspective from so many top shots. :twocents:

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Hephaestus

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 28, 2017

Here you go. First shot is from where I will see it the most, sitting in my chair at my computer desk. Also added a straight on shot, and slightly above shot. This may or may not be the light I end up using (Sylvania Ultra LED 13W Spot Light).

I rotated the "tree" about 90 degrees clockwise. I think it fits the tank a little better this way. Let me know what you think (or if I should remove the "tree").

I am thinking either HC Baby Tears or dwarf hairgrass in front of the rocks (and possibly around the sides), downoi in the back half along the sides, and then something red like AR Mini in the back (or maybe something a little taller). Plus the moss attached to the tips of the "tree" to give it a more alive feel.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

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Kubla

· #5 · Mar 2, 2017

I like both the rocks, and even though they both look like they may be petrified wood, I don't think they look like they go together. JMHO

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Dman911

· #6 · Mar 2, 2017

Scape is important but keep in mind functionality also. Depending what you are putting on the substrate DBT or DHG or something else. I would place the branch somewhere it won't impede light to those area's. Also consider when the moss grows out and how short you intend to keep it. If you are dead set on a scape and it impedes the light you may want to look at lower light plants just for that area.

Dan

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Hephaestus

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 2, 2017

Kubla said:
I like both the rocks, and even though they both look like they may be petrified wood, I don't think they look like they go together. JMHO

The larger rock is red pagoda stone. The smaller rock is petrified wood. They have very similar coloring, but if you look at them closely they do have different striations and patterns. I kind of liked how they weren't exactly the same, but now I may stop and try to get a couple smaller pieces of the pagoda stone to keep the rocks uniform. I really love the large piece, but I'm wondering if maybe it's too large for this tank now. Maybe OK by itself.

Dman911 said:
Scape is important but keep in mind functionality also. Depending what you are putting on the substrate DBT or DHG or something else. I would place the branch somewhere it won't impede light to those area's. Also consider when the moss grows out and how short you intend to keep it. If you are dead set on a scape and it impedes the light you may want to look at lower light plants just for that area.
Dan

I picked up some Tropica TC plants from my LFS the other day, and this weekend I'm planning on getting the substrate washed and put in the tank, the rocks washed and put in the tank, and the plants planted for a DSM.

I bought some Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Staurogyne repens, Alternathera reineckii "mini", and Rotala wallichii.

The plan right now is to do the L. brasiliensis in the front, S. repens around the rocks in front and sides, AR mini at the back sides, and then R. wallichii in the back behind the stones (or on either side of the branch if i use it.). Or something similar to that.

I really like the way this branch looks, but I am starting to think it might not work with the low plants down front, especially if I grow moss on it. I could cut it shorter, to sit just above the rocks, and that would open up more light to the plants around the rocks. I'll have to play with it tonight and tomorrow to see what I like best. I can always pull the tree later if I feel it's just not working.

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's always welcome.

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Nigel95

· #8 · Mar 6, 2017

I would choose for wood or stones not both. Just read somewhere you shouldn't combine.

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Bananableps

· #9 · Mar 6, 2017

The wood as positioned in the 4th scape seems to have two cute little arms midway up. Would it be possible to have the stone as positioned in the first scape, but spooned by the wood holding on from behind as in scape 4?

Not sure if it would look good, but might be cute.

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Hephaestus

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 6, 2017

Bananableps said:
The wood as positioned in the 4th scape seems to have two cute little arms midway up. Would it be possible to have the stone as positioned in the first scape, but spooned by the wood holding on from behind as in scape 4?

Not sure if it would look good, but might be cute.

Good question. I will have to try it out and see. I think the arms of the wood are too close together to fit around the rock though.

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