First planted tank - TMC Signature

[Cieran Johnson]

Hi guys,
I have just completed the hardware & hardscape setup of my first ever planted tank. I am going to plant with Eleocharis Acicularis Mini across the whole substrate surface for a clean & simple look.
What do people think of my hardscape layout & plant choice? (photo attached)
Any ideas or help would be appreciated as I am completely new to planted aquariums.

Tank specifications as follows:

TMC 600 x 450 x 300mm Tank
TMC Charcoal Black Cabinet

Chihiros Aquasky 601 LED light
Hydor Professional 350 canister filter
Hydor 200w inline heater

2KG Co2 fire extinguisher
Co2 Supermarket single stage regulator with solenoid & regulator bubble counter
Up inline Co2 diffuser

Cal Aqua labs Influx X
Cal Aqua Labs Efflux F

Cal Aqua Labs Clip Nano Co2 drop checker
ADA white hang on thermometer
ADA 12/16mm tubing with Eheim 12/16 to 16/22mm reducers

Mini Landscape Rock
ADA Power Sand M
ADA Aquasoil Amazonia normal type
ADA Clear super
ADA Bacter 100

 

[AnhBui]

Nice rocks but I cannot find the focal point. I suppose you're going for Iwagumi?


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[Cieran Johnson]

Nice rocks but I cannot find the focal point. I suppose you're going for Iwagumi?


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To be honest I didn't think about a focal point, I just arranged the rocks in a way I thought looked aesthetically pleasing to me, as well as keeping it natural haha. Yeah I am going for the Iwagumi style

 

[rebel]

Plant choice is excellent.

You should play around with the hard scape a bit more. Photograph each change to see which one you like best.

Some may disagree but I also like to change my hard scape even after I have planted. The best scrapers get heaps of practice and it's best for all us to practice as much as we can.
http://scapefu.libsyn.com/the-1-thing-takashi-amano-does-that-you-dont

 

[CooKieS]

Hi, nice tank, glassware and equipment!

+1 with rebel, try to rearrange your rocks in a more natural way and get inspired by others iwagumi (that's a way to learn, copy).

One plant is a bit boring for a tank this size, you could do this ;
Hc cuba on the front, eleocharis sp mini on the back, some crypto parva or staurogyne nears the rocks for example.

Good luck!

 

[alto]

well done

just to add to the confusion
Plants:
E 'mini' for the main plant (I like grass )

- then create some texture & variation in heights by adding in minor amounts of
E parvula
Littorella uniflora
Lilaeopsis mauritiana

- & maybe some (even) lesser amounts of
Eleocharis sp
Vallisneria nana
Potamogeton gayi - not decided on this one, it can add color contrast & you'd want just hints of this plant

Why not begin with just your chosen E mini, then add in others to "evolve" the scape

 

[Manisha]

It's so exciting starting a new tank ☺ good luck! Very nice setup so far!