12-04-2010, 05:05 PM
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#21 | | |
New update. Everyone is eat well and have settled into the new tank well. The Angels seem so happy, swimming in their little group lazily around the tank. They were really my reason to upgrade, they did fine as they were small but I knew they would quickly need a new home. Well the angels and just because I totally wanted a bigger tank.
I went to the fish store yesterday but my friend didnt want to stay long so I didnt get anything. This morning I was on a mission for some rock. I was looking at so many pro hardscapes over the past week that I was inspired to give my fish some more caves and give the tank some depth. I had bought a chunk of lace rock for my 10g and I remembered they had some larger pieces. SO there I sat in the back of the fish store, legs crossed, piling rock and trying to imagine it in my tank. I came home and got to work. Here is what I came up with. I am really quite pleased actually. I love the look of this lace rock. I tried to stack in a way that balanced stability, caves, and light and shadow. I love the little cave incased in on rock you can see in the pictures(2nd picture bottom right stone). I wish I had some more height but I don't have egg crate and larger rocks sort of worried me, so hopefully the plants will add to the overall height aspect.
Anyways I hope someone out there is enjoying this, I always love to see others set up their tanks.
Thanks to everyone for all the information, advice, and inspiration. I can't believe this all started a few months ago with 2 Goldfish in a 1 gallon bowl I got as a present(yeah they died, rip poor fishies)  IMAG0376  IMAG0377  IMAG0378 | 
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12-04-2010, 08:38 PM
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#24 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Byron  That is nice rock; I have some lacerock in one of my tanks and I agree it looks nice and can be very realistic.
May I suggest, perhaps using the rock on its own in one end, starting out from a rear corner. Then use the wood either separate, or arranged next to the rock, depending how you have the rock placed. Another thing that is happening now, is two nearly symmetrical focal points; keeping the rock on its own and the two wood pieces on their own would break this up and again look more "natural." Always work to keep the tank whole, never divided into two halves, and the hardscape material is the best way to do this. If this doesn't make sense, ask and I'll try to elaborate.
Byron. |
No, you are right. I was sitting here a little while after I stopped and I felt like it was too symmetrical. I am going to play with it more tomorrow. I was concerned that all the rock on one side and all the wood on another would feel kind of separated. Like I said, I do need to play with it. I appreciate the feedback, much better I change it around now than after plants arrive.
I am think move the large rock left, put the 2 pieces of driftwood to the left of the middle. I want the branching piece to be the focal point. Then have the rock formation to the right side.
It will create a little space, more flow, less symmetry, and emphasize the focal point by making it a look a little larger.
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12-05-2010, 11:46 AM
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#26 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by BEARitone No, you are right. I was sitting here a little while after I stopped and I felt like it was too symmetrical. I am going to play with it more tomorrow. I was concerned that all the rock on one side and all the wood on another would feel kind of separated. Like I said, I do need to play with it. I appreciate the feedback, much better I change it around now than after plants arrive.
I am think move the large rock left, put the 2 pieces of driftwood to the left of the middle. I want the branching piece to be the focal point. Then have the rock formation to the right side.
It will create a little space, more flow, less symmetry, and emphasize the focal point by making it a look a little larger. | Yes, you have the opportunity to move it around and sit back and observe it. Take your time. I often arrange things, go off and do something else, come back later and sit and be critical of myself, and move this or that.
Some things to keep in mind: Avoid symmetry, it always looks contrived and artificial. One or three is better than 2 in most cases--this works for plant species too. Always have distances between rock groups or wood chunks different. Having rock especially coming forward from a rear corner adds a sense of depth, that there is more beyond. A plain black background also achieves this, as it disappears once plants are in. Plants can "soften" the rock and wood. A small plant at the end of a chunk of wood looks absolutely natural and somewhat "hides" the end. Have a look at the wood in my 115g to see what I'm referring to. And consider small focal points within the larger framework. A chunk of wood or two pieces slightly apart can create a mini-aquascape that can then be "connected" to another focal point made from the rock with specific plants. In my 115g I have a mini-scenario at the left with the standing wood, lying log and standing wood just behind (though rather obscured by the swords). On the right side, another focal point with two pieces of wood and a chunk of rock in between. Both of these mini-aquascapes are connected by the plant selection.
Byron.
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12-06-2010, 11:10 PM
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#29 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by tropicalfishland are you going to plant it..? |
Yes. The plants at my fish store are actually pretty overpriced and of poor quality(despite the rest of the shop being great) so I decided to try ordering them from sweet aquatics. I placed an order Wednesday but I haven't heard anything from them yet, so I am just getting the hardscape set before I start planting.
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