Suggestions/Help with Florascaping, 60gal Tank - Symmetrical Design

981 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Squatchmen, Sep 23, 2013

Squatchmen

Discussion Starter · #1 · Sep 23, 2013

60gal Tank Set-Up

So I'm doing some research and found a sh*t ton of B.E.A.Utiful plants that I could have in my tank which right now I'm redoing my substrate to have eco-complete in it as well and I'm going to hopefully have a nice light fixture on the holidays. Maybe even later I'll get a Co2 injection system, but that can wait. I have 2o something different plants on my list ranging from foreground, mid ground, and background:
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> Rotala Verticillaris
> Riccia Fluitans
> Lileaopsis Brasiliensis
> Hygrophila Polysperma
> Heteranthera Zosterifolia
> Glossostigma Elatinoides
> Didiplis Diandra
> Cyperus Helferi
> Cabomba Furcata
> Ammannia Gracilis
> Java Moss
> Anubias Congensis
> Cryptocoryne Wendtii
> Vallisneria Gigantea
> Broadleaf Sword
> Nomaphila Stricta
> Cordyline Red Edge
> Pogostemon Stellatus
> Limnophila Aromatica
> Sagittaria Platyphylla
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I know I could fill my tank up with just one, but lets say I'm doing a symmetrical style design, and so just think of filling a 30 gallon tank, how many plants could you do if you chose background, mid-ground, and foreground plants how many could you shove in that small space?

Also, I need help selecting plants from the list that would look REALLY good with each other so I need help with that, I plan on making my tank symmetrical so that the only non-symmetrical aspect of my tank is this big branching driftwood piece I have floating in the corner of my tank that looks sweet. The next thing is having most of my small 5"-12" drift wood pieces in the center and they spiral outward, on the left and right side of my tank I'm having two stacks of slate.

Thanks

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Diana

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Joined Jan 14, 2010

11,717 Posts

#2 · Sep 23, 2013

I would omit plants that are too much alike.
Vals and most Sagitaria for example, tend to look about the same, unless you allow the Sag to grow into its emersed state. Val gigantea needs a larger tank, so use the Sag.

Stem plants with fine leaves tend to look too similar to each other. Choose perhaps a red one and a green one. And make sure they stay small enough, or look good when trimmed.

Swords and many Anubias can get quite large. Are these small enough to have both in one tank? Might be too much for just a 30 gallon. Choose one. Center piece. Anubias of course grows on the driftwood.

Cordyline are not under water plants. OK to grow out of the top of the tank, roots in water, stem and leaves in the air. Needs support to stay upright.