Help with hardscape - Aquascaping

bpimm · 07-13-2006, 08:38 PM

I have never done an actual aquascape before. I have been more of a gardener just sticking plants in the tank with no real design in mind. I have a piece of driftwood I would like to use, I mounted it on a piece of slate today and set it in the tank. Tell me what you think, can I get away with just this or do I need something on the right side.

and a closer shot of the driftwood.

I was thinking I might be able to slide it to the right and have a large plant to the left of it.

Brian

Faruk Gençöz · 07-13-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpimm

...do I need something on the right side... I was thinking I might be able to slide it to the right and have a large plant to the left of it.

It might be a good idea to decide first on the shape of the layout. You can look at the article in our library: Aquascaping Principles, by Birgit Wolfgang
After your decision answering the questions will be more easy.

The location of the driftwood and its slope reminded me of either a triangular or convex layout. When you choose one of them it is more easy to decide where to put a large plant or what to put on the right side.

bpimm · 07-13-2006, 09:31 PM

Probably convex, however triangular might work, the left end is up against a wall and the right end has access to afternoon sunlight that might look good streaming in.

Brian

Gonzofish · 07-13-2006, 10:25 PM

If you're going convex, you'll need to build up the center with plants, more driftwood, and/or rocks. If it's concave your after, try moving the driftwood to the right about 6 inches. The way you have it now the branch acts as a big arrow pointing your eye to the top left corner.

bpimm · 07-14-2006, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzofish

If you're going convex, you'll need to build up the center with plants, more driftwood, and/or rocks. If it's concave your after, try moving the driftwood to the right about 6 inches. The way you have it now the branch acts as a big arrow pointing your eye to the top left corner.

I think the way the tank is situated in the room I need to go with a triangular layout.

Here are some new pics with the driftwood moved around. the first and 3rd photo are form directly in front of the tank. the 2nd and 4th are from the primary viewing angle. pics 1 & 2 are the wood moved 6" to the right as suggested, and pics 3 & 4 are of it moved further and rotated taking the right end back to form more of a corner foreground from the main viewing angle.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

Which of the layouts do you prefer?

I know I probably shouldn't be looking at it from an angle but that is the location I have available for now and this is not a contest entry.

Brian

Gonzofish · 07-14-2006, 09:14 PM

I'm starting to think that you'll need another smaller branch on the left to "point" the viewer back to the right side.

I say just go for it. You can always add hardscape later to suit your taste.