Another 20G

[Epiphile]

Hi folks,

I just thought I'd post a couple quick shots of my newest tank- it's not actually that new, but it's only just now started to fill in well. I tried to keep it really simple this time around, with only four species of plants. The centrepiece there is Aeschynanthus humilis. Enjoy.

[DazzleDiscus]

Nice wood- if I may give my thoughts about it...
The top wood piece with the jut sticking up in the direct middle of the tank is visually distracting because it is in the middle of the tank. It is generally more visually appealing if focal points/wood/rock are placed in the tank on the third lines. In other woods, a little to the left or right of the middle, and preferably not stopping in the middle of the tank's heighth, but rather a little about or below. The height looks fine from what I can see- and the wood pieces are very nice and dark! (due to moisture? either way the color is sweet.)

What kind of plant is the one with the red flowers? Was it blooming when you first put it in the tank, is it established? Flowers resemble red honeysuckle, but the leaves reject that theory...

I like the small fern planted in front of the wood- a few more would be nice to see
Also, the background leaves something to be desired. I would suggest a few more big ferns behind the wood moving to the right side of the viv. You wouldn't have to plant any in the back right corner if not desired- just adding a few more next to the one in the back left corner and letting them creep into the middle area would add to it.

I don't want to come across as being rude, by all means that is not my intentions! I enjoy learning others opinions about my stuff that way I can improve it. I've never put my aquaria or fish in shows, but that doesn't mean that I don't try to emulate their ideas and judging.

oh- and is that creeping fig in the foreground?

[beckdg]

i think it's nice.

[Epiphile]

Hey Dazzle, thanks a lot for the input- you and I seem to have a similar aesthetic sense.

Agreed that the top piece of wood is a touch too close to centre- I'd tried to get it as far to the right as I could, but the rest of the wood was getting in the way (it's actually a pile of four or five smaller pieces). The idea was to have the fern on the left spread behind and towards the centre in order to balance everything a bit differently, but it's taking its time.

The wood is good old Malaysian driftwood, just after a misting. The red-flowered plant is Aeschynanthus humilis- I had purchased it in flower, but it wasn't flowering when I placed it there in the tank. It seems to be enjoying itself and has really taken off- from what I understand it's often in flower, so it should work out well as a focal point. That little fern next to it is Nephrolepsis 'fluffy ruffles'- I saw it at a Gesneriad show here and couldn't resist it, as it's only about two inches tall. I had made three divisions of the plant but the one you see is the only one that made it- I've been keeping this tank much dryer than my others as I actually have to hand water it myself. And yes, you're right- Ficus pumila 'Rikki'.

[Epiphile]

And thank you, too, Beck.

[beckdg]

awwww... i'm all tingly and can't help but to think "he noticed"... lol.

you're welcome.

[DazzleDiscus]

haha- wow I just re-reread your first post again and saw that you had listed what the focus plant was lol. :P sorry 'bout that.
Nephrolepsis 'fluffy ruffles' eh? neat name- and lovely texture!