planting/decor ideas for 300 gal

[mustang93svt]

I almost have all my filtration sorted out for my tank, and I am looking for some more decorating ideas. I am going for a very sparse, natural looking, low light no co2 setup for big fish. The only idea I have set in stone so far is a giant clump of very tall vals in the left corner, and some anubias and moss for the driftwood. Let's hear some ideas, photoshops, even drawn on with paint. IDK I just need some direction.

Oh and no more driftwood, more rocks and plants o.k. I want LOTS of swimming room. Thanks

 

[TheRussian]

what fish are you putting in there because that does effect the choices of plants u can choose from

 

[mustang93svt]

Big catfish, will be letting plants get good roots before adding fish from their growout tank.

 

[JasonG75]

NICE wood

 

[lungfishlover]

i think your idea of the vallis (or maybe onion plant? cant think of name, long day at work lol) plus some java moss or fern on the driftwood is good - how about adding some floating plants too? water lettuce or hyacinth?

 

[mustang93svt]

Thanks so far guys, I got my vals today. Anyone else have some input on the direction I should go in decorating. I've done many tanks before and NONE of them have looked natural yet. I'm hoping this time I can pull it off!!

 

[aclockworkorange]

Don't put the wood dead center in the tank... never looks natural. Here are some great wood based setups:

With some rocks, you could easily do something very similar to the second photo. If you wanted to add plants, that would also make a great base to start with. I would suggest looking at as many nature aquariums as you can and start studying what you like about certain tanks, what you don't like, and then find a photo of a particular tank and mimic it for your first tank. I'm really liking the above hardscapes lately, no plants, but still beautiful. They took a while to "grow" on me though.

 

[mustang93svt]

That's a great idea. I've toyed with the idea of not centering it just tried it and am liking it. I have my vals floating in another tank I've ordered some subulata(?) to plant in the center, hopeing it spreads out. I am going to go look for some more rounded river rock today. I need a sort of cave idea for the area behind the driftwood for my asian redtail to hide.

 

[FSM]

Java fern, anubias and moss will all grow well on the driftwood.

 

[mustang93svt]

Yeah I've ordered anubias, weeping moss, and flame moss to add to the driftwood. No luck on finding any decent river rock today. I think I need to check at a place that does landscaping. I still need some sort of hiding place behind the driftwood and maybe I can water in it by next weekend.