Just HOW do you people do this!

[shockshockshad]

How do you people get so nice of tanks! I have really good plants, and I thought "This is looking good!". But then when I look at other peoples tanks-even with only plastic plants- mine looks horrible. I have CO2, 4wpg, laterite and very small gravel for a substrate, liquid AND tablet ferts...what else do I need! My plants are bending over, covered in algae (I will get some cherry shrimp though), and are just growing up, not out! I want my tank like the first pic! I know thats a little extreme, but at least the second pic shouldn't be too hard!
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[john_auberry]

for whats its worth I like yours..........first pic is better, but your is nice:thumb:

[NickFish]

there's always a nicer tank. But what's wrong with yours? it looks great!

[jbeining75]

yours looks awesome man. better than any tetra tank i ever setup...

[Dave66]

The reason the first aquarium looks so spectacular is its been properly trimmed, shad. Don't know if there's a book on plant trimming, because if there was I'd probably have it, but with the proper tools you could get the hang of it. Aquariumlandscapes.net has a decent set, and of course Amano ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])has his top of the line stuff. A good layout set will make it MUCH easier to keep your plants trimmed correctly.

Dave

[jbeining75]

my opinion if it counts for anything shad i like yours better, the top tank is just too explosive, its in your face and overwhelming.....

[shockshockshad]

Thats not my tank. Mine is worse than that. This is mine: (just without the breeding net)

[karbomb]

your tank looks beautiful.
if you want it to be more heavily planted get more plants. the ones in the center, a little to the left look like they are doing really well. try getting a few more of those. and some more hornwort for the back right corner.
you could also try some anubais (i'm sort of an anubais pusher, i love it) tied to some rocks in the front. or java moss.

[Dave66]

Shad,
Double or triple your plant numbers. Plant along the back and sides, put driftwood across the middle and tie Java moss on it. Stick a couple three leafy plants on the right side of the wood to give the layout perspective.
If you add a bunch more examples of the plants you got in a few months it'll be as lush as you want it to be.

Dave

[jbeining75]

looks okay to me it will get better the more you add....I like it... The neons probably appreciate it too...

[tropfish]

I know what you mean, i wish my 10g looked like that. I think the key is (besides the ligths, ferts, etc.) is dense plantings and prestine maintenance) you can't throw 3 plants in there and expect it to look awesome (although if it did it would be cheaper and easier haha) Now, i think you tank looks really good. i would look at whatevers really taking off and get some more. rightn ow i have 7 amazon swords in my 10g and once they get bigger it will be LUSH. ( i really should start dosing ferts tho)

[Lady Hobbs]

You can bet they had that tank going for some time. Don't worry about it. Yours may never look just like that one but it may be just as nice.

[karbomb]

I know what you mean, i wish my 10g looked like that. I think the key is (besides the ligths, ferts, etc.) is dense plantings and prestine maintenance) you can't throw 3 plants in there and expect it to look awesome (although if it did it would be cheaper and easier haha) Now, i think you tank looks really good. i would look at whatevers really taking off and get some more. rightn ow i have 7 amazon swords in my 10g and once they get bigger it will be LUSH. ( i really should start dosing ferts tho)

your swords will probably out grow a 10g. they get big

[smaug]

That first tank is beautiful,its perfect,immaculate!Now for what you dont know about it.Ill bet it was just freshly trimmed,new plants placed,every flaw removed before they ever snapped the shutter.

[Rue]

I think your tank looks good...and I don't say that lightly...

While you're waiting for plants to grow, get yourself a background. It makes a huge difference to the overall look of the tank...

[cocoa_pleco]

your tank looks good, i would just throw in some broad and big leafed plants onto the left side.

and be careful with that stand, with the tank edges hanging over that much theres alot of stress on the silicone and eventually it could burst

[Fenix]

Dude i feel the same way all the time. First the dude probably spent a lot more money on his tank than you did. Second he/she probably has more experience and spends more time trimming his plants. Third, my personal favorite get their address and smash their tank to pieces. You can make your tank just as good as his/her or even better. Just get some more plants, learn how to trim them and be patient.

[shockshockshad]

Okay. So all I need are more plants but the same species. Thanks guys. But do I plant dense right away? Or just plant lightly and trim and fill in with the cuttings?

[Rue]

That's up to you. I like watching things grow...and I'm not that fond of pruning...

So I wouldn't add more...

But if you don't want to wait for the 'look' to grow on you (get it??? :ezpi_wink1: ) then plant more plants!

[shockshockshad]

Thanks. And I get it!

[Algenco]

Most of the tanks you see like that are planted densely and pics taken within a few weeks

[shockshockshad]

Okay. But now look at this! This is our very own fishalicious's!
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[Rue]

It's a drop-dead gorgeous tank...

...did she post how she did it?

[AABatteries]

Dude the first tank picture looks amazing mine looks horrible.

[AABatteries]

Dude the first tank picture looks amazing mine looks horrible.

[Daybis]

I think you tanks look great! They look very natural and I am sure the fish love it.

[Fishalicious]

I'll get back to you on this Shock xxxx PM coming later x

[shockshockshad]

Thanks Jess.