Aquarium Hobbyists

I added some slate today. I’m not sure how I feel about the piece of driftwood on the right side now though. It looked good in the middle but now it’s a bit big and out of place. Any suggestions?

 

The slate color is a good match with your gravel and plants
I like the wood a lot, but the overall layout is too symmetrical, if you will.

Maybe try switching sides with the other driftwood and biasing one of them more toward the plant? The tall one might be able to 'hide' some of the utilities.
Or try laying one down, but more front to back or on a diagonal from behind the slate to in front of a plant? You can try to balance it on one of its protrusions to gain height and make a 'cave'.

Or just leave it. The longer it stays in one place, the better and more settled it looks.
I don't know what I am talking about; my d-wood is pretty much a hot mess.

I say just put in 6-7 more plants and fill in the gaps between/around what you have!
You really can't have too many plants and the green pops against your background.

One good trick is to spread some java moss (Vesicularia dubyana) over the wood and secure it with black cotton thread.
The thread becomes nearly invisible, and will decompose over time. Just make sure it doesn't get loose/tangled.
The moss will slowly attach itself to the wood and eventually cover it.
You can do the same with java fern (Microsorum pteropus).

 

Nice. I may use it to hide one of the filters or heater actually that’s a good idea.

java moss on the wood would be sweet too. Hmmm I wonder how it’d look if I tied it to the slate haha

 

Your setup is similar to mine with rock in the middle and wood on either side. I'm trying to visualize the wood being integrated with the the rock somehow.
You've got to be getting excited about adding fish.

 

Yup!

 

Yeah wood and rock combo like that would be cool. I got paint today so I’m going to paint the tank soon as I do my 50% pwc. Should look close to the same color as it is now.

cant wait to get fish in there. Hopefully in a week. Need these damn nitrites to start appearing for me!

 

I may end up painting mine as well. I bought a background yesterday, but wasn't paying attention and bought a 36" when I need a 48" .

 

Updated the 75.
3 Buttikoferi and some other African Cichlids.
Plants are all real and are getting bigger.

 

I’ve used wood pieces on top of and over rock- like a branch caught in the stream bed or root emerging from around a rock. A rock underneath can also help keep the wood from sinking into the gravel/substrate.

 

Tanks look great! I'm currently in the process of rescaping my 40B, but here's a shot of it beforehand

 

Here’s an update on my 60. Still need lots more plants.


Also bought a 10g to plant heavily and throw in a betta. Waiting to get plants before filling it up.

 

I have a 7G slanted front aquarium that I'll setup soon for a betta similar to yours.

 

Sweet! I might start out with galaxy rasboras. I had bought 6 of them and that damn blue acara ate them all. If they’re all small like I bought the first time I’ll raise them in the 10 until they’re bigger and the acara won’t fuck with em.

 

More plants have been acquired. I’m going to be completely rescaping this tank soon. Need to get some new substrate. Hoping to find some bags of controsoil locally.

 

New 10g is up and running. Wanted to get the crypts planted to make sure they wouldn’t die. Got the java moss attached, anubias attached to rocks, and some grass planted. Awaiting the marsilea crenata and hirsutas in the mail. Will likely get some rotala in there too

 

Looks great. Betta will be happy.

 

Thanks. Can’t wait to finish it off and start seeing growth! Might try out some shrimp and hope the betta doesn’t eat them

 

Betta would probably love some shrimp. I'm thinking of making my nano tank shrimp only. They're fun to watch. Are you using a fertilizer with your plants?

 

Ya I’m hoping since it’s a 10g it’ll leave them alone. I figure I’ll give it a try and if it eats em it eats em haha. Ya I am using an all in one fert I’ll post the link, gotta find it in my Amazon order