Decorate my aquarium!

[lovemybarbs]

I just started planting, but I'm new at it. I have some anacharis that is really taking off and some type of sword that I am trying to get going first.

 

[Shagmaster]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll be scouring Lowe's and Home Depot today! Had to take out the driftwood. Whoever said I should have soaked it was probably right; when I woke up this morning, the water was a tad on the yellowish side. Thankfully, it was relatively inexpensive. I don't have a lot of spare cash, but I will take these suggestions to heart and provide new pics when I'm done:dance2:

Put the driftwood in a large pot and boil it. This will remove the tannis. If you cant boil then soak it for about a week in hot water.

 

[Kyohti]

Put the driftwood in a large pot and boil it. This will remove the tannis. If you cant boil then soak it for about a week in hot water.

Good advice, but depending on the size of the piece of wood, boiling might not be an easy option and it may need to soak for longer than a week to remove all the tannins. I've seen suggestions that say it takes weeks of soaking for a particularly thick 12'' branch before it is ready to go in the aquairum and not color the water. That's why I think buying pre-boiled driftwood is a good idea. Some of the work is already done for you in that the wood sinks on it's own and also leaks little to no tannin into the water.

 

[lovemybarbs]

I believe mine was pre-boiled and I only soaked it a few days. I never saw any change in the color of my water in the bucket or the tank.

 

[gomezladdams]

If you can get used to the yellow water Id leave the wood.The betta and cories actually would like the tannins in the water

 

[donfenk]

I think folks touched on all the easy things.

1. Get a background - it will make your tank look better instantly - you wont see the wall in the back, the cords, and a simple black or dark blue back adds contrast. some folks like backgrounds with rocks and plants - your choice.

2. Fill the tank to the top.

3. Driftwood or some rocks (to build caves)

4. some more realistic plants - tall in the back.

 

[jessicar613]

That is a big improvement! I especially like the effect you have with the gravel spilling out of the flowerpot, and I think when you get your planter and have the moss coming through the gaps, it will look even better. That's a good idea.

 

[donfenk]

What an improvement from the before picture to the After picture - Looking good. Oh wait - not the same tank.