Progress ??? - Aquascaping

BryceM · 05-20-2006, 08:02 PM

So, I set up a 46 bow in October of 2005 and posted it in the aquascaping forum. In November, it looked like this:

I will be moving in less than a month, so unfortunately, the tank will be taken down soon. For comparison, take a look at it today:

So, I'm not sure if this represents progress in aquascaping, or just a little better photo, but I kind of like how it looks now. It'll be a shame to take it down, but I look forward to the next one. I'll journal it here later this summer and fall. I'd appreciate any comments about the current look.

hooha · 05-20-2006, 08:27 PM

i definitely think there's progress. Good job!

ranmasatome · 05-21-2006, 10:53 AM

IF the quesiton is if there is any progress..

i'd say.. HELL YEAH..

dennis · 05-21-2006, 11:02 AM

B,

You have made definate progress indead. Seems to me you are more of Dutch style kind of guy. Which is cool indeed. Overall the tank layout looks good Some of those plants are hard to trim and keep "neat" looking, like the Hydrocotyle and Bacopa(or is is Mexican Oak in the middle there?) I think the plants all complimment and "flow" well from one grouping to the next.

Nice job!

nasfish · 05-21-2006, 01:39 PM

I think moving is a progress too.

. I am sure it will be just as great on you next one.

Regards

BryceM · 05-21-2006, 02:26 PM

Thanks for all the nice remarks.

The plant in the back middle is Bacopa carolina. It does have a strong visual effect, buy you're right - it takes a little work. It only really looks good if you top it and trim off the side shoots. Thankfully, growth is such that it only needs it once a month or so if I trim it back heavily. The H. leukocephala is completely chaotic - but that's what I like about it. The leaf shape provides a very nice contrast with almost anything.

I do tend to lean toward a dutch style, but when I look at the tanks that usually win the dutch contests they seem very stuffy and artificial. The biggest thing that I don't like about my current setup is the complete lack of visible hardscape. Believe it or not, there is an enormous piece of malasyian driftwood on the left and several large, dark rocks in the tank.

For the next project I think I'll call Manzanita and see what they might come up with. I'd like a couple of large, branchy, twisted pieces to define things. I'm also planning on working some terraced areas into the tank with some exaggerated rockwork. I'm still thinking about how to limit the substrate depth in the elevated areas. Maybe placing the substrate over regular bricks would work. I definitely need some method of keeping the substrate from falling forward over time. I'm planning on a similar number of plant species in a tank that is four times larger. I think that will help it look less jumbled.

Anyway, this was a great learning tank. The only way to learn how to trim and arrange things is to try it out.

heidisue · 05-21-2006, 05:19 PM

The first thing that struck me was that the hardscape had totally disappeared. But what took its place was such beautiful growth that I think it's an improvement and it presents a mystery as to what's behind/under all those plants. The most successful visual aspect is the layering - the relationship from front to back is lyrical, and I love the variety in colors. Yeah, it's kind of Dutch but it still manages to look organic.

Good luck on your move - it'll be fun to start over with more knowledge and in a new place. Don't be a starnger on the board, though - your posts have been some of the most helpful ones, for sure.

Jimbo205 · 05-22-2006, 09:49 PM

If I were a fish, I would want to swim in your tank.

By the way, how close is Worcester to Boston Aquarium?

Why are you moving?

BryceM · 05-23-2006, 02:48 AM

We're about 45 minutes to an hour from the Aquarium. I've been there a few times. Last time I was there they had a nice Amazon biotype tank set up with some rather large fish. The large angels were the smallest fish in the tank. They also had some smaller displays set up. I also remember one with a large school of rummies. This was set up to demonstrate schooling behavior.

We're moving becasue I'm done with residency. I'll be setting up a practice in Idaho this Summer/Fall.

Bert H · 05-23-2006, 04:46 AM

Nice job, B

. I always tip my hat to folks whose tank is comprised of mostly stem plants. I've been that route and now that I have 3 tanks, don't think I could ever do that much weekly trimming again!

I understand your feeling about the disappearing hardscape. You go to tall the trouble of finding the perfect pieces and the perfect placement to have it disappear in a month.

Good luck on the move to Idaho. That's quite a jump from Boston.