Troy McClure

Ahhh! George, you stole my idea! LOL

I was thinking about using dwarf riccia and thin pieces of slate. The idea was to loosely shape the pieces of slate in between the various rocks I have in the 10gal and let the riccia grow in from there. I love how your's looks so I think I'm even more set on using it. I hope you don't mind...it looks fantastic!

Oh, and as for your question, "What is it about green?" Green is my favorite color by far. I have always been drawn to it. It is the center of the visual electromagnetic spectrum and relates directly to the heart chakra (#4). Chakra 4 - Heart Chakra

Cool, huh?

gf225

Go for the riccia man, it's awesome. The dwarf var. is so easy to work with. I found hairnets easier than nylon line too.

Cheers for the Chakra link too, most fascinating.

Update -

Added my first fish today. After some careful thought I went for five Microrasbora nana.

It's hard to get a sense of scale from this photo so I'll try get a full-tank shot tomorrow. Believe me they are small.

I really like their relatively plain look. For me this compliments the simplicity of my aquascape, rather than contrasts perhaps excessively like say a cardinal tetra would in this instance. I've always considered fish selection very important for the more "serious" aquascaper, and I think leaving the decision to near the end of the aquascape's maturity is a worthwhile experience.

Troy McClure

I can already get a feel for how big they are by looking at the blades of hairgrass...and that stuff is -thin-!! Yet another excellent choice.

gf225

Thanks Erik.

Here's a working shot taken just after lighting, hence the no pearling and blue CO2 dropper.

You can see how small the fish are, and these are fully grown. Should I add a few more?



I'm quite excited about the overall progress of this aquascape. I am looking forward to getting a full, solid riccia carpet that I can then trim strategically. Once I prune the hairgrass too I am hoping to create a greater sense of depth.

When the equipment has been removed for photographing, the small fish and plant choice/layout design will, I think, create the illusion of a bigger space - something that has always appealed to me. Like Bonsai.

LindaC

Your tanks is really looking good, the riccia makes a huge difference in the overall appearance to the tank!

gf225

This will be torn down soon, ready for a new scape. So here's a final shot, and working shot.

james 3200

Looking nice George

Ever thought of using an eden 501 external? Got that on my nano and with the new ada nano glassware it would keep things well hidden

James

Squawkbert

I really like the layout & final rock selection. My only suggestion - move the drop checker & diffusers to the rear - they could be obscured by HG (they're nice & glass and all, but this would be a good move).

gf225

You're reading my mind James. AE are stocking the new nano glassware soon and the Eden 501 is on the cards too.

This nano will be in a forthcoming issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. I had Neil Hepworth over the other day for the photo shoot. It was very cool.

John N.

Well done George! Very inspirational. I love the final layout and found myself lost in it for a few moments. Everything looks so soft and fluffy that it makes me want to just touch it. Too bad you're going to tear it down, but I'm sure the next layout will be just as great!

-John N.