Landscaping Question

[GauzeTurbo]

Hi, this is my first post here and I must say I am quite impressed with this site. I am preparing to set up my second aquarium, which happens to be a 29 gal.

Anyhoo, my question is about landscaping. I am going for an atlantis type theme and am going to place whitish-gray gravel down along with colums for effect. However, I also would like some input on a large rock that I could place in the middle of the tank as well as any information on using live plants.

Thanks alot guys.

[kveeti]

Welcome to Aquaria Central.

The only whitish rock I can think of is quartz. I don't know how easy they are to find where you are. A big piece might cost a lot of money.

There are a lot of informative topics on plants in that forum. A lot would depend on what lighting you have and how much work you are willing to put into that aspect. Take a look over there and if there are any specific questions, then you can post them. The first thing you will probably be asked is how much lighting you currently have. If you have just the standard fluourescent hood, then you probably only have 20 watts, which is rather too low and you might want to consider increasing that somehow. I think you could still get away with a couple kinds of plants (java moss, anubias) but you will be very limited. I think java moss growing on/around your columns would go nice with your theme.

[Dtman]

The type of rock you use is really dependent on what kind of fish you want to keep. It sounds like it would make a pretty cool shellie tank. If that were the case I wouldnt waste money on rock, just go find a cool one. My rift tanks are full of limestone.

If you want fish from softer waters then you certainly dont want any kind of calcerous rock in there. Thats the only case in which I would purchse rock...unless you have some knowledge about various forms of rock. You will eventually be told about testing rocks with vinegar, but IMO its not a reliable test.

I love Kveetis java moss suggestion. In my case, it thrives in hard or soft water, and in high or reletivley low light.

A tip about shellies...they prefer sand substrate, but its not absolutely neccessary.