Aquarium Beautification

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MidnightPyro

AC Members
Jun 21, 2005
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Hey everyone! I'm performing a major overhaul on my 29 gallon so it's as nice as can be. I made a pretty big Big Als order with new equipment, filter etc., but I'm wondering what exactly I should do with substrate. I have live plants in the tank right now. Substrate is eco-complete and blue gravel on top. Here's a picture ;) This is when the aquarium was first starting out though, as now the word is kind of cloudy and the tank is algae ridden with plants flopping over every which way. Does the picture look okay though, or what would you change about it? :) I'm particularly looking at the substrate (20 pds. Eco-Complete + Gravel), as I've heard that blue gravel isn't exactly the best for a natural looking aquarium...
aqu.jpg
 
FishHunter8 said:
i'd definetly do something about the blue gravel but its all about personal preference. good luck.
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ditto
 
Do you think something like black gravel on top of eco-complete would look okay, or do I need to spring for more eco-complete/something else for better looks?
 
I think the blue gravel is pretty, but if you are going for a more natrual look then I could definitly see changing it. Very nice though.
 
Maybe a pebal type bottom would be nice? I'm planning on just having eco-complete with no topper but eventually it should be pretty heavily planted.
 
MidnightPyro said:
Do you think something like black gravel on top of eco-complete would look okay, or do I need to spring for more eco-complete/something else for better looks?
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I mixed in 30% Estes black gravel with Eco complete in my 75g when I set it up. I was trying to go for 100% Eco but couldn't find enough at the time and I was too impatient to order it online. It's fine for the plants and it would look more natural then the blue.

If you intend to remove the blue gravel, best to do it quickly before it starts mixing with the Eco. At the moment you've got a great opportunity to just scoop it off the top.
 
I would get a back ground on the tank too. I would go with a solid color. Black or blue. IMO
 
reiverix said:
I mixed in 30% Estes black gravel with Eco complete in my 75g when I set it up. I was trying to go for 100% Eco but couldn't find enough at the time and I was too impatient to order it online. It's fine for the plants and it would look more natural then the blue.

If you intend to remove the blue gravel, best to do it quickly before it starts mixing with the Eco. At the moment you've got a great opportunity to just scoop it off the top.
Click to expand...

The aquariums been operational for about 3 months, so I think it's already started to mix eco with the blue gravel, however, hopefully it shouldn't be too hard to get the little pebbles out...I hope :eek:
 
If a natural-looking aquarium is your goal, I would go for brown, black, terracotta or other "earthy" coloured gravel. Also, instead of planting the anacharis all over the place, I would try planting things in 2 or 3 closer-knit bunches, perhaps with smaller plants, rocks &/or driftwood placed between the bunches. IMO you need a bit more structure to the design (a clear design shape). Otherwise, a great start to your tank!
 
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