Critique this layout...please

[beviking]

Here is my planned layout for a 92gal corner tank...
http://community.webshots.com/photo/66733948/359494982zzOoOG
(click on "view full size" below pic)

Any thoughts/suggestions on selection and/or arrangement?

I will have 3 55w PC lights (AHSupply, could go 4) and pressurized CO2

The rock wall will sit 3" higher than the foreground with Anubia roots hanging down the front face (like vines on a building). The gravel behind the wall will therefor be deeper than the foreground and the glosso will slope upward toward the back where it passes through the wall.

The current will be counter-clockwise so the C.balansae will shade the H.stricta behind it.

The shapes marked "Riccia" are driftwood pcs. close to actual shape and size.

I'm thinking that I need a "soft" plant (like Red or Green Myriophyllum)...maybe where the "Rotala" is marked?

[Slappy*McFish]

Interesting looking layout. The only thing I'd change would be to swap places between the corkscrew val and the stargrass....and lose the anacharis all together.

[beviking]

Thanks Slappy!

[reiverix]

Wow nice planning. I can't think of much to add because you know exactly what you want. If I was going to be really adventurous though, I'd double up on the rock wall to make it more 'steppy'. Although I'm assuming that a 92g corner tank is on the tall side.

[beviking]

Not a bad idea John. I prefer not to use so much rock since it takes up "soil space" for other plants.
The tank is on the tall end...it's 24"high.

[djlen]

You're going to need that height for that Sword. And it will throw quite bit of shade, but you're planning on a lot of light, which the Stargrass will need if grown next to it.
Really sounds like a nice set up.
I would consider swapping the tennellus with the Corkscrew Val. due to height requirements.

Len

[beviking]

Thanks Len! I was hoping that sword wouldn't over run the tank like the bleheri did in my current 90! Do you think a smaller sword would be a better fit?
My stargrass does pretty well right now with only 4 T8 NO flourescent bulbs. The lower stem loses leaves but it's in the background anyway.
Great idea on the tennellus/Val swap. I intend on planting the Val spaced out some so you can see through it (depth perception idea). The Val provides a darker contrast to the adjacent Riccia too...but...hmmm. :idea2:

I'm contemplating fitting in a "softer" stem plant too, like Myrio maybe...
So many plants...so few tanks!

[Swimfins]

sounds fantastic How about ozelot sword? Spread max is about 9 inches or so and less than 20 tall.

[djlen]

I'm probably not the best person in the world to ask about Amazon Swords. I've just had bad experiences with them all around. Never been able to keep them in check and they've gotten way too invasive......
Many of the old heads around claim that less is better. By that I mean heavier masses of less variety of plants. I'm starting to agree. Seems to look more natural to my eye, at least with my ability(?) at aqua-scaping.:)
It will be interesting to see how your new venture works out. Don't forget to send pictures.:)

Len

[beviking]

Thanks Swimfins, in my initial layout, I had actually chosen an Ozelot Sword. The lfs just happen to have a red ozelot that I grabbed just to see how it does. So far, it's a bit red for me and I'll probably go with the Ozelot, but it's still small.
I agree with you Len (and the 'old heads') about less is better. The depth of the tank (front to back) just begs for variety though. *sigh*, plan, plan, plan, and I'm sure I'll end up changing it a few times. If only it's a few times vs. many times, this thread will have been worth it!!! :)

[djlen]

Go for it big guy!!!!:) That's what the hobby is all about.

Len

[Swimfins]

The ozelot is a nice plant. Mine turned out better than I expected and is offshooting a baby now. It hasn't spread really wide or tall and I like it alot . Waiting for the pics :) too.

[beviking]

Thanks for all the great feedback! IF you care to, I made some modifications...
http://community.webshots.com/photo/66733948/365986213XNvjOV

[nursie]

Glad to see you dumped the anacharis. I think you'll be happier. The corkscrew val gets realy tall. I'm not familiar with the 2 plants that you have behind it to see if they are taller or not. Mine is growing in really well and I have to give it a "haircut" 2 to 3 x per wk or it will spread over the top of the tank and occlude the light to the lower plants.

[beviking]

Thanks nursie! I actually REALLY like anacharis. It's just so dark green and with adequate phosphate (at least ime), it gets so full and lush! Plus it's easy, definite plus! Your tank must be shorter than mine or you have contortion val b/c I've never had to cut my corkscrew val...15" max height. Yes, the plant behind it are taller...:)