[zeldar]

I just set up a hardscape for a new 10gallon tank. I got a great piece of driftwood THE manzanita guy in SnS. I wanted it to resemble a tree stump with roots coming out from the base.

I decided to try the AZOO substrate that GLA is now selling. I tried Aquasoil in my other 10gallon and I HATE it. I set that tank up in June and the water is still real yellow. I have to do a water change every 3 days or I can barely see the back of the tank. Its so frustrating. Sooo hopefully the AZOO will have clear water.

As for the plants going into the tank, I am going to try my hand at a dry start with UG. I've seen so many great tanks on here using UG so I just had to try it. So the UG will cover most of the front and right side of the tank. I may try planting something along the base of the stump. Any Suggestions? Also the back left corner I will probably use some sort of stem plant. Again, any suggestions? What plants look nice with UG?

Haven't really thought about fish/inverts for this tank yet. Its gonna be awhile for the UG to fill in using dry start, so I have some time to think.

Thats about it for now, I'll update with more specs once the tank gets planted. I'm free for suggestions as all I knew for this tank going in was the stump manzanita and UG.

FTS

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[ZooTycoonMaster]

Do you notice a difference in the Azoo substrate and Aquasoil?

 

[FrostyNYC]

I absolutely love your stump. I think Id go with an even more dramatic slope, to raise the stump and "roots". UG grows very short emersed but a little taller submersed, and you wouldnt want to totally lose the stump roots under a lawn.

That substrate looks quite a lot like AS. I'll have to look into that.

 

[CL]

I agree with frosty. A more dramatic slope would add so much to the scape, IMO. That is really a great piece
I'm looking forward to seeing this progress.

 

[EdTheEdge]

Nice driftwood!

 

[zeldar]

thanks guys.

I agree CL and Frosty, I do need a more dramatic slope. The problem is I used the whole bag of substrate so thats all I have to work with. I should be able to slope it a little more and just have a real shallow foreground. Would that be bad for the plants to have, say, a half inch of substrate up front? I'll do a little rescape and post a pic later today.

Zoo, obviously I don't have any water in the tank yet so its tough to tell any difference. But the description/info on the bag of the AZOO they said it won't cloud the water. It really can't possibly be worse than my experience with aquasoil. As for the looks, they are very similar. The Azoo may have slightly smaller pieces, but its very similar.

 

[zeldar]

alright this is about as much slope as i can add, otherwise the roots wouldn't be touching the substrate. Not much of a difference, but a little better.

 

[aquaphish]

That is going to be a really nice setup. Love the stump.

 

[CL]

You could bury a rock or two in the back left corner, which would take up space that the substrate would normally take up, giving you more substrate to work with.
Does that make sense?

 

[zeldar]

CL, thats actually a very good idea. I never thought of that, I'll try it.

I still need some other plant ideas to go along with UG. I'm not going to be doing diy/press. co2. I am probably going to be dosing excel and ferts though. Lighting will be two 15watt CF.

 

[Cichlid Junkie]

I'm excited to hear your report on the Azoo substrate once you fill the tank. I am going to be ordering some for my 4 gallon Finnex that is on the way!

 

[mgdmirage]

Awesome stump!

 

[dkbmxr18]

I have to agree with everyone else, awesome setup! I can't wait to see what the future holds for this tank

 

[Phoenix-cry]

This looks like it's gonna be a fun one!

 

[NanoDan]

Nice stump, I like that.

 

[zerojoe0917]

nice wood! i really looking forward to you putting the plants in!

 

[ALIFER]

CL, thats actually a very good idea. I never thought of that, I'll try it.

I still need some other plant ideas to go along with UG. I'm not going to be doing diy/press. co2. I am probably going to be dosing excel and ferts though. Lighting will be two 15watt CF.

I'm rather taken with Anubias Nana Petite growing around the base of stumps
... :icon_wink
..
.

 

[CL]

A large clump of petite would look great either on top of the stump, or around it, IMO
I love petite if you can't tell

 

[Outlawboss]

Loads of potential greatness here. I'm excited to see where it goes. I am also in the petite around the base of the stump crowd. That would look freakin awesome.

 

[3elements]

I already love your tank and it's not planted or filled yet! That "stump" is amazing and really does look like a stump! Can't wait to see how this goes!