20 gal. L/ GBR planted tank critique please

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!

Fish_Bone

AC Members
Jun 14, 2012
965
1
16
40
Central Illinois
Real Name
Samual
I am in the planning stages for a pair of rams and a small school of corys. I wanted to hear what you guys think of my first draft aquascape.
Plant list:
Background: cryptocoryne balansae
Fairground: monosolenium tenerum
Foreground: marsilea hirsuta
uploadfromtaptalk1389068756911.jpg
The drawing is not to scale, if it wasn't painfully obvious.

I have yet to decide on substrate. The rocks will be smooth stone to mimic the rams natural setting according to the reading I have done so far. Any thoughts, ideas, etc are more than welcome, thanks!

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

uploadfromtaptalk1389068756911.jpg
 

Fish_Bone

AC Members
Jun 14, 2012
965
1
16
40
Central Illinois
Real Name
Samual
I tried to utilize the 2/3 golden rule and basic layout with two focal points. I might get a nutrient rich substrate capped with gravel. And I am going to try and hide a cave behind the larger hardscape.

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

ZorroNet

AC Members
Sep 21, 2013
510
0
0
45
Paxton, FL
flfarmersmarket.com
Real Name
Dave
That would look great if you can find the stones that look like you want. You could always make them from foam and concrete if you can't :) I can't wait to see the final product!
 

Loach guy

Loach guy
Dec 20, 2013
102
0
0
Michigan
Real Name
Scott
I like the rough draft fish bone. Just a thought though, since you are going to plant the tank, have you thought about some anubias on a big chunk of driftwood? Just a thought
 

fishorama

AC Members
Jun 28, 2006
12,681
2,125
200
SF Bay area, CA
I like the layout. I love crypts but balansae can get pretty tall for a 12 inch tall tank if it's happy. I do have a stunted 1 in my 20 long but in other tanks it's more like 15 inches, no co2, rarely use ferts. With better care I've seen them 2ft. I have a similar look with spiral vals, the perfect height if a bit spreading.
 

JAY973

AC Members
Dec 24, 2005
1,133
13
38
NJ
I had Cryptocoryne balansae in my 180g and it was a pain. It was easily over 24 inches and it didn't give me the grassy background I was hoping for so I'm switching over to Cryptocoryne spiralis after getting tired of battling Val runners. Not sure how it will work out yet but maybe something to consider.
 

asukawashere

AC Members
Apr 2, 2010
83
0
0
35
Fairfield, CT
asukawashere.com
Real Name
Amanda Wenger
I would agree with those who suggest avoiding any of the Crypt crispatula complex (which includes balansae, spiralis, retrospiralis, crispatula) in a 20L tank; it's really too shallow for them. If you like crypts, C. wentii or C. undulata would be more appropriate as background plants in a tank of that height. If it's the straplike leaves you're going for, perhaps Sag. platyphylla or corkscrew vals would be better suited (both max out at about 14"...they'll still hit the top of your tank, but the leaves won't arch over half the surface width after that).
 

Fish_Bone

AC Members
Jun 14, 2012
965
1
16
40
Central Illinois
Real Name
Samual
Ok good to know, I had no ideas the crypts got that tall. I was just looking for a decently tall background plant. I have jungle Val in my 30 breeder...but I was wanting something different. I will look into the ones you guys/ girls suggested. I am glad the layout has been well received.

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

Fish_Bone

AC Members
Jun 14, 2012
965
1
16
40
Central Illinois
Real Name
Samual
I finally got a chance to look at the suggested plants. I love the undulata and the sag platyphylla! Not sure if I should just select one or get both now.

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

Fish_Bone

AC Members
Jun 14, 2012
965
1
16
40
Central Illinois
Real Name
Samual
I finally got over to my local rock place, their winter hours suck for my schedule.
I bought some acid to test the rocks with too.
uploadfromtaptalk1391042515139.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1391042529292.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1391042541058.jpg

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

uploadfromtaptalk1391042515139.jpg uploadfromtaptalk1391042529292.jpg uploadfromtaptalk1391042541058.jpg
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store