[tsunami]

The problem with your layout is innate to the dimensions of the tank and not to the actual woodworking. Some things that could do to alleviate this problem is to slope the sand from back to the front. In my 55g, for example, the substrate is only 1" deep in the front and 4-5" deep in the back. Another tactic you can use is the use of strong vertical lines and/or the use of small to fine leaved plants.

For strong vertical lines:

Eleocharis montevidensis
Eleocharis vivipara
Isoetes sp.

For small/fine leaved plants:

Bacopa australis
Cabomba aquatica
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Juncus repens
Mayaca fluviatilis
Micranthemum umbrosum
Rotala sp. Nanjenshan
Rotala rotundifolia "Green"
Rotala wallichii
...and many more.

The initial hardscape is important but not absolutely critical to the success of a layout. A hardscape may seem balanced and visually attractive without the plants, but once the plants are added and allowed to grow in, the layout can change significantly.

Carlos

 

[tsunami]

May I suggest a species of Marsilea instead of Glossostigma? I think the Marsilea will be more suited to applications where the plant isn't supposed to invade and cover the foreground entirely.

You could try some narrow leaved java ferns planted around the rocks or wood. The rather horizontal, elongate foliage could further accent and enhance this wood arrangement.

Eleocharis vivipara can get pretty tall -- at least 16".

Carlos