[Phusis_Eidos]

Hello and welcome!

This is my first ADA tank and Iwagumi layout so bare with me :icon_smil

Equipment/Layout

1. Tank ADA 60P
2. Filter Fluval 306
3. 13mm Lily Pipes
4. Inline GLA CO2
5. Hydor 200w Heater
6. Finnex Ray2 DD
7. Reef Keeper (Plus) Controller
8. Custom Stand
9. ADA Aquasoil System
10. True Lumen Lunar LED's

Plants/Fish

1. Hemianthus Callitrichoides
2. Ammania Sp. "Bonsai"
3. Fissidens Fontanus
4. Taxiphyllum Sp. "Flame moss"

5. CPD
6. Oto's
7. Crossocheilus siamensis (True)
8. Amano's
9. Cherry Shrimp
10. Still deciding...

My inspiration
#1
http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/229/9/2/mountainscape_with_lake_by_burtn-d5bf3fx.jpg

#2
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b255/nasfish/Rockscape/IMG_7480a.jpg

#3
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=122232&highlight=flshrfun

Here is my basic layout (still in works).

Since the layout is on paper (tank footprint) not in Aquasoil, I cant get the elevation differences/rock placement %100. Any suggestions based on the #1 "inspiration" link would be much appreciated!:icon_smil I plan on using ADA Nile Sand to replace the lake. HC will cover over the rocks and throughout the scape as in link #2. Ammania SP. will be in the front corners and background (cut to different heights). Fissidens Fontanus will be in the rock crevices, and the Flame Moss will be placed behind the rocks as in link #3 to mimic a tree line.

Thank you!

 

[steven p]

2 threads in 10 mins.. shame shame. But, I would move the large rock to the back.. maybe bunch them up like they broke off one rock...

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

2 threads in 10 mins.. shame shame. But, I would move the large rock to the back.. maybe bunch them up like they broke off one rock...

Thanks Steven ! I think I would lose my depth if the large rock was in the background. I want to keep the back rocks looking far away. I like the idea of making the rocks look like they broke off from each other.

 

[Kathyy]

Your inspiration photo is similar to several terrific scapes that were in the top 200 IPALC this year. http://en.iaplc.com/results12/top200vote/ Use smaller plants behind and even tree shaped stem plants in front like #93.

If you want the scape to reflect the photo then the large rocks would be the mountains and you would have rolling hills of a larger scale ground cover in front and smaller to the rear. #134 might be the sort of thing you are looking.

I do like your current groupings though. What happens if you scoot the central group to the right a bit so it is better associated with the right hand group? The right hand group in front might be a bit larger than necessary too or perhaps the left hand group is a bit short. Depends on the height of the tank which way to go, right?

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Your inspiration photo is similar to several terrific scapes that were in the top 200 IPALC this year. http://en.iaplc.com/results12/top200vote/ Use smaller plants behind and even tree shaped stem plants in front like #93.

If you want the scape to reflect the photo then the large rocks would be the mountains and you would have rolling hills of a larger scale ground cover in front and smaller to the rear. #134 might be the sort of thing you are looking.

I do like your current groupings though. What happens if you scoot the central group to the right a bit so it is better associated with the right hand group? The right hand group in front might be a bit larger than necessary too or perhaps the left hand group is a bit short. Depends on the height of the tank which way to go, right?

Thanks Kathyy!
Love the link to the IPALC! I made a few changes. I used a different rock for the back, and moved it to the right. I used some more paper to create some height, as though they were on soil. Aside from a few accent rocks that might find their way in I am 90% satisfied. I am trying to figure out how to pitch the substrate. I know typically the slope is on a downward angle from the back to front say 30-45 deg. To keep the scape with the photo I plan on having all corners pooling into the center, with the front area open and level for viewing. Does this make sense?

Thanks again for the suggestions! Much appreciated, cant wait to put this all together :icon_smil

 

[jonathan]

I'd like to know any strategy that would help slope. I've seen these plastic divider things used. Not sure what I would use as an equivalent.

Your composition is looking good. Especially with the paper height.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

I'd like to know any strategy that would help slope. I've seen these plastic divider things used. Not sure what I would use as an equivalent.

Your composition is looking good. Especially with the paper height.

I know the green machine used them, I think there just pvc or acrylic. I plan on using them to prevent the soil from skidding away from the rocks/crevices.

Thank you I can't wait to get this in soil to get more height.

 

[orchidman]

Looks good! if you have any more stones I might add a few more..

I used paint to put some in the general directions I would add..

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Looks good! if you have any more stones I might add a few more..

I used paint to put some in the general directions I would add..

Thanks! I do have some, and I was thinking the same thing esp for the background. I'll see what I can add or subtract once I get some aquasoil.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Update!

Hi everyone,

Currently I am building the stand. I should have it complete by next weekend. I received a couple more pieces for the project today

I have to say this Finnex Ray2 is sexy; roud: Finnex! Cant wait to see how it grows plants.

Once I finish the stand I will get the Aquasoil and layout my hardscape. Hopefully in 2 weeks or I will have this tank filled and running!

Thanks for watching :biggrin:!

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Almost Ready For Liftoff

Hi everyone,

The stand is almost done and I just received my substrate. I am sourcing my plants slowly, so hopefully they will be ready when the stand is complete. I will post some stand pics tomorrow. Thanks for watching !

Pics: Sorry embedding not working.

Cant wait for this "mess" to be gone! lol
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ueiY0aHX4Ln-wlSK3aKFDPQsh7k7IA9eTgNFPVdfsIk?feat=directlink

 

[Green_Flash]

Nothing like a room full of new aquarium equipment waiting to be used.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Nothing like a room full of new aquarium equipment waiting to be used.

Very true! I just need a bigger space for more

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Stand Progress

As promised here are a few pics of the stand. Got the back Formica sheet attached. Thanks for watching!

The tools/plans

The Kreg joints are ROCK solid!

The color is "Terril", it's like a slate blue.

 

[tex627]

I can't seem to see any of the pictures except the first two. The second layout of the rocks looks good, but the rightmost set of rocks looks very flat and weak compared to the rest.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

I can't seem to see any of the pictures except the first two. The second layout of the rocks looks good, but the rightmost set of rocks looks very flat and weak compared to the rest.

Idk why you cant see the images. They come up for me on both computers. Thanks for the advise, the rocks will be in substrate soon and I will have an easier time getting the height/depth from them. I agree they need more presence.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Stand & Hardscape Complete PICS

It has been a little over a month since my last post and things have finally come together. I have completed my ADA style stand which took longer than expected, (part time) but it was SO worth the wait! The Apex Jr. is programmed and most of the hardware is in the cabinet but not connected....yet :biggrin:. My LFS was out of HC and a few other plants I needed to kick this tank off completely, but ill try a few other places tomorrow.
Lastly below I listed so features of my setup and some overdue pictures. Thanks for tuning in! :biggrin:

DIY ADA Stand:
1. Formica (Slate Blue)
2. 35" Tall (For tall ppl like me)
3. Soft self closing hinges.
4. Wide adjustable feet via an alen wrench under cabinet mat.
5. Automatic cabinet light on/off.
6. Spring door catch.

Lighting:
1. Led strip for sun rise/set, 3200k
2. Moonlight, True lumen 10,000k
3. Finnex Ray 2 DD

PICS
https://plus.google.com/photos/105420551411964310467/albums/5856317728871434401?authkey=CP3fv-nDlLnq0gE

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

Photo Fixed

Photos via link

 

[thesawguy]

If you have time, could you post more details about the hardware you used on the stand? Where did you get them? I'm planning a similar build on an uneven corner in my living room, so I'm particularly interested in your leveling feet. Hinges and catches would be useful to know about too.

 

[Phusis_Eidos]

If you have time, could you post more details about the hardware you used on the stand? Where did you get them? I'm planning a similar build on an uneven corner in my living room, so I'm particularly interested in your leveling feet. Hinges and catches would be useful to know about too.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2053&rrt=1

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25383&site=ROCKLER

Hope this helps.