Thinking Too Hard About Hardscape

[ricbennett3]

I’m setting up an ADA 45P. I nerded out and spent too much money for a ten gallon tank:)

It will be a low tech (no Co2) set up for now. I have a Twin Star light. 
 

I bought some Elephant Skin Stone and have been playing with hardscape ideas.  I’m trying to create a pocket in the back corner(s) for aquasoil and stem plants. The foreground will be sand and a bit of gravel that matches the stone.

Which is your favorite? I’ve played with other layouts, these are my best so far. 
 

*the grey stones would be another direction entirely. I’d want more stones to make a walled area for planting, but love that triangular one (had to buy it).

Inhabitants will likely be Pygmy Corys, Endlers, and shrimp. I’m thinking some easy red plants for the stems, and Anubias in the cracks. Crypts likely as well in the gaps and just in front of the rocks.

Edited November 12, 2023 by ricbennett3

[ange]

I'm a big fan of #1 and #3. For viewing I would probably prefer #3 but #1 would be nice if you wanted space for more tall (for a 10g 😂) plants!

[GoofyGarra]

I like #3, i see lots of nice nooks and crannies to wedge in epiphytes like anubias and java fern.

[DaniV]

Count me in on team #3!  Anubias, ferns, and mosses could look really cool weaved around the log and rocks, maybe some amazon swords or other tall plants around the left side of the wood to compliment the rocks on the other side.

[nabokovfan87]

On 11/12/2023 at 12:12 PM, ricbennett3 said:

I like this one.  Just need to play around with the left side or a medium size stone.  I like the contrast of the darker rock on this wood and the grip the wood has on the stone.

[Rube_Goldfish]

I like 1 and 3 the best but would give a slight edge to 1. I think it has just the right contrast of colors and takes better advantage of height. They all look great, though!

[Matt B]

Number 3.... What ever you do, I look forward to seeing it!