AquascapingDiscuss aquascaping designs and techniques as well as get critiques on your aquascaping pictures. Find out how to use aquatic plants, reefs, and wood to design a planted aquarium.
This is a recently completed aquascape by Mike here at ADG. What's cool about this tank too is that he used the same ADA substrate in this tank as was used in his 2007 AGA Contest tank that took 2nd place. He completely drained it and removed all the plants and hardscape and was able to complete this entirely new layout without any real issues. So we are finding that this sort of re-vamping is quite do-able with ADA substrate and the results can be very pleasing.
And this was the previous layout with, again, the same substrate:
Love the layout of the tank. It looks great. Another fine job. I'm not too fond of the photography in the first couple pictures. I don't like the mirror effect on top of the water. Some water movement would help I think. At first I was like wow that tank looks really cool with those floaters up there. How unique. Then I realized it was just a reflection and was a little disappointed. Again though, fabulous job on the tank.
I usually do create some movement (using the hairdryer technique) but I personally liked the reflection effect on this one. Just trying to switch it up a little-- obviously a subjective matter. I also wanted to use a little less gimmicks on this one as to not be accused of overt use of "aqua porn" (you had to see a previous thread on this topic for this to make sense).
WOW! Not only is this a beautiful tank with fantastic trimming, color and plant health, but it's home to some of my favorite fish. I've been wanting to set up a tank for these little guys for quite some time now, and now my inspiration is through the roof!
Auqa porn? Whatever. If you're trying to be in the business of making attractive tanks, you're certainly doing a great job. Nice layout. Great hardscape and great midground. Those two elements really make the scene.