Critique my hardscape Hardscape Layout Suggestions!

[gabriel.basso]

Hey guys, I've been working on this layout for my 90P recently. What do you think about it?

These stones were in a smaller tank I had, so I think maybe I should get bigger ones for this tank.

Cheers!

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[Nigel95]

90p can be hard/expensive to scape because you need big rocks. Look my iwagumi 128l for example. Could be better by bigger rocks but couldn't find them. Also don't make the mistake to scape from left to right a.k.a. The family photo. Work from front to back with Stones.

Definitely get bigger stones it makes the scape much "better". At least a big bad ass main stone that is 2/3 of the height.

I like the position of the stones but the stones are not interesting they are relative flat and don't have nice texture IMO.

Inspiration

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[gabriel.basso]

90p can be hard/expensive to scape because you need big rocks. Look my iwagumi 128l for example. Could be better by bigger rocks but couldn't find them. Also don't make the mistake to scape from left to right a.k.a. The family photo. Work from front to back with Stones.

Definitely get bigger stones it makes the scape much "better". At least a big bad ass main stone that is 2/3 of the height.

I like the position of the stones but the stones are not interesting they are relative flat and don't have nice texture IMO.

Inspiration

upload picture

upload picture

upload picture

upload picture

Thanks for your comments Nigel!
You are totally right on the size of the rocks. It will be so much more proportional to the size of the tank.

I'll try to find bigger rocks around on local fish stores... Not an easy task though.

Here at my town there are only a couple fish stores I could find them and they usually overprice these hardscape items (rocks and roots)

Maybe I'll find them on gardening stores at a good price.

Cheers!

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[gabriel.basso]

Hey guys,

I couldn't find big stones for a iwagumi so I gathered some wood I had and made this.

It's kind of a nature scape. I'm planning to plant every space on it. Carpet on the front and middle areas and taller plants on the back.

What do you think?

Cheers

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[Nigel95]

Good you didn't choose for the Iwagumi if you couldn't find any bigger stones.

Could be cool when planted "right".

Maybe use the bigger stones in front and smaller ones at the back to create the illusion of depth.

 

[Dantrasy]

On the right, I'd swap out the big rock at the back and place it at the front-right. And the two smaller rocks currently front-right, I'd place at the back.

I think this has a lot of potential. Moss on the arch might be the to go, hm back left and tight. After that I'm not too sure.

 

[Keith GH]

Gabriel

Here are a few things for you to think about.

Keith

 

[Keith GH]

Gabriel

As you can see I have suggest some big changes.
All those small rocks look out of place and could be covered over by your planting.
The wide pathway divided you tank in half the DW does help but the central pathway is the concern.
All you can do is try my suggestions and see how it looks as you are the only one who can see the over all tank as all we have is just a flat photo.

All the rocks with the red X move to the area where I have suggested make a pile yet make it look natural not every rock carefully placed.

Move the large rock to where I have pointed will it look OK ???
If that does not look OK move the two larger rocks now front RH corner.
No position the large rock at the back to where the two rocks were.
By doing that you have started to get some perspective in you tank.

Once you have tried those moves and are happy its work on a shaped pathway.

Keith

 

[gabriel.basso]

On the right, I'd swap out the big rock at the back and place it at the front-right. And the two smaller rocks currently front-right, I'd place at the back.

I think this has a lot of potential. Moss on the arch might be the to go, hm back left and tight. After that I'm not too sure.

Thanks for your comments Dantrasy! I will try to move the big rock to the front as you mentioned and see how it looks.

My idea is to use moss on the arch and in some other parts of the driftwood. Haven't decided yet what kind of moss though.

After I make the changes on the layout I will post the pictures.

BTW I've seen some of your tanks here on UKAPS and wow they are amazing! Congrats!

Thanks again!

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[gabriel.basso]

Gabriel

As you can see I have suggest some big changes.
All those small rocks look out of place and could be covered over by your planting.
The wide pathway divided you tank in half the DW does help but the central pathway is the concern.
All you can do is try my suggestions and see how it looks as you are the only one who can see the over all tank as all we have is just a flat photo.

All the rocks with the red X move to the area where I have suggested make a pile yet make it look natural not every rock carefully placed.

Move the large rock to where I have pointed will it look OK ???
If that does not look OK move the two larger rocks now front RH corner.
No position the large rock at the back to where the two rocks were.
By doing that you have started to get some perspective in you tank.

Once you have tried those moves and are happy its work on a shaped pathway.

Keith

Thanks for your time and suggestions Keith! I really like the changes you mentioned!

I'm concerned about giving some more perspective to this tank. And positioning the bigger stone to the front might work. Doing this I'll be able to position the driftwood diagonally from the back right to the front left direction of the tank. I guess it will help with the perspective as well.

I'm thinking about maybe using sand on the pathway to make it more "obvious".

I will make these changes on the haedscape and post here the pictures.

Thanks again!



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[Keith GH]

gabriel

I'm thinking about maybe using sand on the pathway to make it more "obvious".

Please do not as it will divide the tank into three sections with no connection.

For your pathway I was thinking along these lines the very natural appeal, in your case the RH side will be practically a solid wall of rocks.

Keep one or two of the small rocks or get a few more to be smashed up to scatter along the edges and over/on the pathway.

Keith

 

[gabriel.basso]

gabriel


Please do not as it will divide the tank into three sections with no connection.

For your pathway I was thinking along these lines the very natural appeal, in your case the RH side will be practically a solid wall of rocks.

Keep one or two of the small rocks or get a few more to be smashed up to scatter along the edges and over/on the pathway.

Keith

I guess you've got point there Keith.

And I completely agree with you on smashing some rocks, great idea... it will sure bring a natural feel to the tank.

I appreciate your insights Keith!

Cheers!


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[Keith GH]

gabriel

You have the makings of a very good Aquascape there its just a matter of taking one step at a time and get that right before you move to the next step.

Keith

 

[gabriel.basso]

Hey guys, I'm really sorry.
I just realized this topic should be under Aquascaping, right?
It's not a journal YET.
Can any moderator move it there please?
thanks.
Gabriel

 

[gabriel.basso]

Hey everyone,

There you go the pics after I made the final changes on the layout.

I drilled some stones to get smaller pieces and used them to give a more natural aspect and also to delineate the pathway.

I thought about spreading those small pieces in other areas of the tank but since it is going to be fully planted there was no reason to do this.

Waiting for your comments...

Cheerss

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[gabriel.basso]

Final and definitive layout.... it was really fun doing this but if I don't stop I will keep changing things forever lol.

Time to plant, I will create a journal for this soon.

Cheers!

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[Odogg]

Looks really nice! Can’t wait to see it planted

 

[gabriel.basso]

Looks really nice! Can’t wait to see it planted

Thanks Odogg, there will be a journal soon. I've just ordered some monte carlo to start the planting. Cheers.

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[Keith GH]

gabriel.basso

Overall you have a very strong and bold Aquascape every thing "must" blend in with each other other wise it will look less than average.
You have a good structure to work with. Plan every thing carefully and take it slowly. Try to avoid any unnecessary distractions.

Here is one some might say its only minor but it is a distraction any way.

The substrate level at the front has a slight hollow and before you get into the details of your Aquascape you eye flow has already followed that curve.

Level it of please and you will see the result immediately.

People who know me will tell you I have a very sharp design eye. It has to be as its the only one I have.

Keith