Opinions please, Hardscape 75 gallon

**Green Thumb Aquatics** · 05-25-2012, 04:06 AM

here are some pics, I think I am going to get more rocks tomorrow, I had some great finds today....

tried out some scapes today tho, let me know what you think

Which layout do you like?

what parts of it would you change or keep the same, really dislike or really like?

Thanks for checking it out, more to come, I will be planting on Sunday so need to have final layout done

**Tom Barr** · 05-25-2012, 04:34 AM

How about pulling the larger stones forward some and then having the branches creep over the stones? Build up the rear and place some of the smaller stones to give a depth perspective.
Another thing is simply using the branches as root systems and having the rocks follow them and have the branches poke out from the rocks etc.

My concern with the above designs is access. How can you trim and get at things easily with all those branches in the way?

**dutchy** · 05-25-2012, 09:19 AM

I like the first pic the best, but would remove the big rock in front of the window. With that rock you created a focal point that is right in front of the window. if you remove it, the focal point will be the space between the rocks, which will create more depth.

Also you could move the big rock on the right rear about 1 to 1,5 inch to the right.

These rocks have a certain pattern. You could try to make the pattern on all rocks to point in the same direction. Don't use too much stray rocks, let them touch each other.

Last pic is too crowded IMO, I agree that access might become difficult.

**Green Thumb Aquatics** · 05-26-2012, 12:16 AM

tank will be all ferns crypts anubias and moss, 130 watts of coralife PC, doubt it throws out much PAR tho as coralife are cheap lights with poor reflectors

pressurized CO2

fish will be aulonocara, and I want alot of hiding places for fry, so hence the heavily hardscaped, those rocks have some great great hiding places...

want one more big big rock and a few smaller ones... so going out collecting again tomorrow

mixing flourish onyx sand, with UP aquasoil, I think this will look nice, the rocks along with the Onyx sand should keep the UP from sucking up too much hardness/KH

probably not doing stem plants, maybe some hygro or something else tough, the cichlids are in a planted tank now, and dont mess about too much... doubt I will be going overboard with plants tho. maybe some vals and H tenellus, but that would be as far as it goes...

**jerrybforl** · 05-26-2012, 07:34 AM

I don't like the big rock dead smack in the middle. My eye goes right to it. If you remove it, it will open up the middle and that could make a nice spot for low growing plants...tenellus. I would also try to cluster up the smaller rocks more.

Did you collect those rocks? If so, you think you could spare some?