My new aquascape. Opinions?
- Thread starter GrantA94
- Start date
Finally some new pictures and the tank is looking great! The addition of more sand definitely helps because it feels more natural and it also makes it safer by providing more cushion for the bigger rocks in there. I'm glad that many people here like the set up but I believe that you can do better 
If I had a say in it, the aquascaping looks a bit messy. Perhaps grouping the rocks together to form monuments, I'd say around 3 main groups, then just a touch of rock here and there. That's all I'll say for now, since it's not all cleared up yet, hahaha. This is just my initial opinion though, I may actually like it after it sinks in.
I noticed the algae on your driftwoods, that's pretty crazy. I would suggest having blinds, or anything that blocks sunlight, for your window since this is probably the cause of your algae problems. I'm not sure if you're willing to spend but some people fix the problem with a UV sterilizer, which can be placed in the sump. Hopefully your plants are still doing alright because moving them while not fully established can kill the plant(considering they haven't been in there for a good amount of time yet). Plants get stressed also.
The fish, like you said, are growing at an alarming rate! Their colors are definitely starting to pop out and shine I'm surprised by how much they've grown, really great job with them my friend! What's their diet like? I hope you're not stressing them too much with all the renovations and changes 
I like the direction you're going, so please keep the updates coming!
If I had a say in it, the aquascaping looks a bit messy. Perhaps grouping the rocks together to form monuments, I'd say around 3 main groups, then just a touch of rock here and there. That's all I'll say for now, since it's not all cleared up yet, hahaha. This is just my initial opinion though, I may actually like it after it sinks in.I noticed the algae on your driftwoods, that's pretty crazy. I would suggest having blinds, or anything that blocks sunlight, for your window since this is probably the cause of your algae problems. I'm not sure if you're willing to spend but some people fix the problem with a UV sterilizer, which can be placed in the sump. Hopefully your plants are still doing alright because moving them while not fully established can kill the plant(considering they haven't been in there for a good amount of time yet). Plants get stressed also.
The fish, like you said, are growing at an alarming rate! Their colors are definitely starting to pop out and shine
I'm surprised by how much they've grown, really great job with them my friend! What's their diet like? I hope you're not stressing them too much with all the renovations and changes I like the direction you're going, so please keep the updates coming!
Thanks everyone!
As much as I love saums, I personally think stalsbergi are the better fish to keep. I will try get some pics of andy (the andinoacara) on my gf's dslr, his colours are fantastic, and the phone pictures don't do him justice. I must say though, it's quite difficult to keep them in good repair, because of how aggressive they are. Especially around feeding... and I though the SDs were aggressive feeders!
I love the footprint of the tank, something about it really gets me. I find its more of a challenge to aquascape too, because of the fore, middle and background being so large as such...
Thanks man
I know what you mean with regards to messy. But, I feel, is a river in Peru going to be organised how I would like view... I also think all the 'disorganisation' provides many hiding places and caves, and, possible spawning sites... This obviously reduces aggression and provides a mkre tranquil tank!
Well the algae comes from direct sunlight, which the tank gets from about 5am-3pm. So I know where it comes from. A blackout blind is definately in order. I like some of the 'ornaments' to have a little algae, but not this amount!
The fish, probably hate me... I try to leave it as long as possible before changing so's not to stress them out too often. They still fear me though, making taking pictures very difficult. However, I don't want a wet pet in any of these fish, so I'm glad they go about their behaviour as normal.
Their diet consists of: hikari gold sinking, massivore, algae wafers, hikari carnivore pellets, fresh veggies, frozen bloodworm, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen daphnia, live insects on occasion. Sometimes they'll get a bit of fresh fish if I feel kind.
I will be sure to update. It is beggining to clear up now, so I will snap some more pictures.
Thanks again everyone
As much as I love saums, I personally think stalsbergi are the better fish to keep. I will try get some pics of andy (the andinoacara) on my gf's dslr, his colours are fantastic, and the phone pictures don't do him justice. I must say though, it's quite difficult to keep them in good repair, because of how aggressive they are. Especially around feeding... and I though the SDs were aggressive feeders!
I love the footprint of the tank, something about it really gets me. I find its more of a challenge to aquascape too, because of the fore, middle and background being so large as such...
Finally some new pictures and the tank is looking great! The addition of more sand definitely helps because it feels more natural and it also makes it safer by providing more cushion for the bigger rocks in there. I'm glad that many people here like the set up but I believe that you can do better
I noticed the algae on your driftwoods, that's pretty crazy. I would suggest having blinds, or anything that blocks sunlight, for your window since this is probably the cause of your algae problems. I'm not sure if you're willing to spend but some people fix the problem with a UV sterilizer, which can be placed in the sump. Hopefully your plants are still doing alright because moving them while not fully established can kill the plant(considering they haven't been in there for a good amount of time yet). Plants get stressed also.
The fish, like you said, are growing at an alarming rate! Their colors are definitely starting to pop out and shine
I like the direction you're going, so please keep the updates coming!
Thanks man
I know what you mean with regards to messy. But, I feel, is a river in Peru going to be organised how I would like view... I also think all the 'disorganisation' provides many hiding places and caves, and, possible spawning sites... This obviously reduces aggression and provides a mkre tranquil tank!
Well the algae comes from direct sunlight, which the tank gets from about 5am-3pm. So I know where it comes from. A blackout blind is definately in order. I like some of the 'ornaments' to have a little algae, but not this amount!
The fish, probably hate me... I try to leave it as long as possible before changing so's not to stress them out too often. They still fear me though, making taking pictures very difficult. However, I don't want a wet pet in any of these fish, so I'm glad they go about their behaviour as normal.
Their diet consists of: hikari gold sinking, massivore, algae wafers, hikari carnivore pellets, fresh veggies, frozen bloodworm, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen daphnia, live insects on occasion. Sometimes they'll get a bit of fresh fish if I feel kind
.I will be sure to update. It is beggining to clear up now, so I will snap some more pictures.
Thanks again everyone
I see what you're saying. However nature can be beautifully arranged as well, naturally
I like the look of green algae as well. It's good that you're taking some steps to prevent it from getting worse, next thing you know your water's green!
The fish only hate you as much as you hate the SDs eating your plants
Massivore huh? I haven't considered using it. My GTs can't eat meat since it's bad for their digestive tract so this may be a good alternative.
I like the look of green algae as well. It's good that you're taking some steps to prevent it from getting worse, next thing you know your water's green!
The fish only hate you as much as you hate the SDs eating your plants
Massivore huh? I haven't considered using it. My GTs can't eat meat since it's bad for their digestive tract so this may be a good alternative.
