Ideas for Aquascaping - 20 Long

**ddavis1979** · 02-01-2013, 02:40 PM

I am feeling uninspired with my new tank. Pics below for what I have so far. . . am I crazy? Am going for a natural looking low tech tank, and 20 Long is a surprisingly small amount of space to work in. What kind of things would you all suggest for shape and flow and design for good looking aquascaping?

**Hardy85** · 02-01-2013, 02:54 PM

No offense, but I really am not feeling that piece of driftwood... I have never been a fan of sticks in a tank, look for a more interesting piece

The rocks you have are awesome, and I would just move a bigger piece of wood to the center of tank, and build the rocks around it and edges of tank... with the plant growth it would look good

**Hardy85** · 02-01-2013, 02:58 PM

OR... Slope the sand, I don't know if you really can with sand or not.

You could use the rocks as a retaining wall, and have two different layers to the tank, with the piece of wood you have, plus maybe a few other small ones hanging over the "cliff"

Like left rear quarter of tank, have it be 4" substrate, and rest be 2" substrate, I think it'd be an interesting set up

**ddavis1979** · 02-01-2013, 03:04 PM

Yeah, the drift wood could be throwing it off some...and I think the secret to having a dynamic aquascape is having multiple elevations in the tank. I need to find some more, smaller, rock and create an elevated substrate. I am thinking left corner of the tanks and come out 30%-40% of the tank.

**Hardy85** · 02-01-2013, 03:10 PM

Ok, so I'm bored.. don't judge, plus my paint skills suck...

So kinda an idea I would try

Not sure how much plants you want, but little grass up front, two larger (bushy) plants for the corners, and a moss or something (even anbius) tied to the driftwood

What ya think?

**Hardy85** · 02-01-2013, 03:12 PM

I should sell drawings like this for points lol (just kidding)

**KevinVA** · 02-01-2013, 06:52 PM

lol, the aerial view is a little questionable until you see the front view. Actually, not a bad idea - I like it. The driftwood is alright, but you could find something with more character. I think it does what you want it to do, which is to give your fish an obstacle to swim through (at least that's what I imagine you're looking to accomplish with it, since it's a stick). I like the idea of layers and I plan on doing that with a future tank for cichlids.

**ddavis1979** · 02-01-2013, 07:12 PM

I love the drawings! Its close to what I was thinking, but I will have some fun in paint soon and see what you think.

Its a pretty good idea to sketch out what you want to do before you get started....Obviously I didnt do that, but its a great exercise for everyone.

**KevinVA** · 02-01-2013, 07:25 PM

Agreed. I typically use photoshop these days to map out what I'd like to do. I didn't at first and it's just a crap shoot. Not saying it doesn't turn out well, but it's nice to give yourself options. =]