40 gallon freshwater planted tank

[matttimms49]

It's taking its time but the build has finally started!
Here is the current set up:
40 gallon breeder
Aquaclear 70
Fluval heater (thanks Errol )
Substrate is Fluval stratum and pool filter gravel.

1st photo is the current hardscape work in progress.

Still need to build up the slopes and work in some spider wood 2nd picture is an idea for wood scape.

[wolfiewill]

I like your design. The way you've progressed the rock from left to right. I'd like to hear what charlie thinks. What does it look like after the wood has been added? Do you have more pics?

[matttimms49]

I'm still trying to find the right piece of spider wood. The second picture has an idea of what the wood will be like but I would like to raise the top of the wood so it looks like its roots coming down into the rocks. Maybe by raising the ramp or adding another rock.

I guess I could also cover the top of the wood up with moss or a plant?

I'm planning on working on it this evening, so hopefully will have some more pictures. I have some other smaller pieces and gravel to add to help gradient the rock work into the gravel

[charlie]

Looking good Matt, you may want to try reposition the rock 3 rd from left so that it flows with the line of the others, just to compare.
Errol

[matttimms49]

yea that is a tricky area. I'm going to work on it a little more now I have some pieces of wood and smaller chucks of rock.

will update pictures over the weekend.

thanks for the advice guys

[matttimms49]

Hardscape is finally done. After cleaning off the mold that has grown in the wood I moved a few pieces round and am happy with how it looks. I guess the next stage is getting this thing planted!

[matttimms49]

And it's finally planted and full! Managed to get a nice mix of plants in there.

Rotala rotundifolia, Hygrophila pinnatifida, Limnophila sessiliflora, Anubias nana petite, Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini', Eleocharis acicularis 'mini' , Hydrocotyle sp."Japan" narrow leaf java and Staurogyne repens

Quite the mix but, there you go happy how it turned out. Tell me what you think guys.

Cheers

[charlie]

Great job Matt, can`t wait to see it filled in.
Regards

[Jody]

Looks great

[Jeff1192]

Awesome. Love the hardscape that you did with the wood in the corner and the rocks

[matttimms49]

thanks for the kind words everyone. I'm looking forward to the plants growing in and getting some fish in there in the near future!

Cheers

[matttimms49]

can anyone offer advice on when it's safe to add Nerite snails. I've read/heard that its safe to put them in earlier than fish. Obviously fish are a week or two away but it's good to get snails in to control the chance of algae early right?

Cheers,
M

[lucius]

The nerite snails will tell you how they feel about your water quality.  They will climb out and end up on your floor like mine did.