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SkarloeysMom
06-25-2007, 10:01 PM
So after I came down off my fish buying high yesterday I decided that perhaps a tank redesign would be better thing to do. I've been thinking about going with a more natural look I took out the pirate ship and added some rocks. Got an awesome deal on rocks and wood from a LFS that just changed ownership and they are gettin rid of all the old stock. I'm really happy with the new look. Once the wood is done soaking I may add it too but we'll have to see. Check out the before and after.
gm72
06-25-2007, 10:10 PM
Looks good. I'd at least double the amount of plants to make it even more natural looking. Get some real tall ones to vary the height.
SkarloeysMom
06-25-2007, 10:21 PM
Forgot to mention...I changed out the background too with another one of my son's paintings. This one is a really cool watercolor that he did when he was 3.

I will be adding somemore plants too. I don't think I can use live plants though because I use a Ph neutralizer with phosphate buffers.
A340
06-25-2007, 10:24 PM
If you want to go for a more natural look, I suggest changing the gravel with a more earth toned one. Not that there's nothing wrong with the way it looks, I like it, but if you do want a more natural look.
tropfish
06-25-2007, 10:34 PM
looks good :c3: i like the don't drink the water sign lol.
SkarloeysMom
06-25-2007, 10:52 PM
If you want to go for a more natural look, I suggest changing the gravel with a more earth toned one. Not that there's nothing wrong with the way it looks, I like it, but if you do want a more natural look.

That's my next project. I have 15 lbs. of smooth brown gravel all washed and dried and ready to go. I just stirred it up the 10g pretty good putting the rocks in today so I'll probably wait a while before tackling a gravel change. I want to make sure my fish don't get to stress out with me moving stuff around too much.
Incredulous_Ed
06-25-2007, 11:19 PM
Lookin better! It will look even more good when you change out the gravel.
zackish
06-26-2007, 06:24 AM
heh, looks like my old tank several years ago, is that your 5g one?
Drumachine09
06-26-2007, 06:28 AM
That's my next project. I have 15 lbs. of smooth brown gravel all washed and dried and ready to go. I just stirred it up the 10g pretty good putting the rocks in today so I'll probably wait a while before tackling a gravel change. I want to make sure my fish don't get to stress out with me moving stuff around too much.


When you change the gravel, keep the old stuff in a nylon stocking, so your bacteria can catch up.

Also, to make it easier, do a large waterchange before you change the gravel, and then again after, to clear up most of the junk that gets kicked up.
SkarloeysMom
06-26-2007, 01:45 PM
Drumachine, thanks for the tips! I've been worried about doing the change for fear that my little Pandas will go hungry for a while. They will eat algae wafers so I guess I shouldn't worry too much. The gravel change will be the biggest project I've tried so far and I really don't want to lose any fish because of it.

Zachish, its my 10g community
SkarloeysMom
06-28-2007, 12:06 AM
GM72, thanks for the advise! Twice as many plants looks GREAT! The fish like it too. I could just stare at if for hours.
SkarloeysMom
06-28-2007, 12:08 AM
I changed out my blue rough gravel for some nice smooth brown gravel yesterday. I really nice how it looks with the watercolor background and all the plants. I think I'm done redesigning this tank finally. Oh and all the fish survived the messy switch although they seem a little freaked out today. I'm pretty sure they'll settle down.
gm72
06-28-2007, 01:35 AM
See? There you go! More plants means happier fish usually. Great job! I love it!!!!
cocoa_pleco
06-28-2007, 03:43 AM
VERY beautiful!
Rue
06-28-2007, 03:45 AM
Looks lovely!
SkarloeysMom
06-28-2007, 01:49 PM
Thanks everyone! Thanks for the inspiration! Looking at all of your beautiful tanks has really helped.
RobbieG
06-28-2007, 03:15 PM
Nice makeover - good luck with the gravel change. I've done a bunch and not much changes the look and feel of a tank more than changing the gravel.

I use a kitty litter scoop with a square end and small slots to remove the old gravel.
SkarloeysMom
07-16-2007, 03:38 PM
I finally changed out my blue rough gravel for some nice smooth brown gravel yesterday. I really nice how it looks with the watercolor background and all the plants. I think I'm done redesigning this tank finally. Oh and all the fish survived the messy switch although they seem a little freaked out today. I'm pretty sure they'll settle down. I also added my Swahala wood that had been soaking for like 2 weeks and ditched the sunken treasure chest. (My 4yr old didn't even notice that the pirate theme as totally gone out of his tank. LOL!)