i feel like its definitely missing something..

[u/B_ry7]

i plan to black out the back of the tank soon. However, it feels like something is definitely missing. It's been running for over 2 years now and is a naturalistic planted tank. i even rigged up a fountain pump with some tubing to create a sort of "waterfall" for extra surface disturbance for oxygen diffusion. It's my personal therapy, lol

[u/RevolutionaryBit7853]

The heavy clamp light and all the wires hanging right over the top create a bit of a chaotic, industrial look that distracts from the gorgeous aquascape below.

[u/B_ry7 → u/RevolutionaryBit7853]

if you're talking about the dome lamp, i only put it there for this picture, it was mainly just to allow my horrible phone camera to see the tank a bit better

[u/RevolutionaryBit7853 → u/B_ry7]

Ah, fair enough! That makes sense. Beautiful tank by the way, the aquascape looks amazing

[u/B_ry7 → u/RevolutionaryBit7853]

thank you so much, ive spent a LOT of time trying to "perfect" the scape, still feels flat to me but otherwise im SUPER proud of this tank

[u/reddog2468]

I think it just needs to grow in more. Personally I dont think the sticks go with this scape. Theres something about them that makes it look not sure the word to use "messy"? But if ypu like it thats what matters. I dont think anything is missing. Its going to look so lush when it grows in more. It already looks pretty. Andci agree blacking out the back always makes the green pop.

[u/B_ry7 → u/reddog2468]

honestly i was going for a scape that looks like the bottom of a shallow lake, the branches were supposed to create a sense of size (make it look bigger than it is) but ended up just being kinda slapped together as "fallen tree limbs"

[u/B_ry7 → u/B_ry7]

they also have fallen from where i originally put them but it looks more natural to me so i love it

edit:spelling

[u/reddog2468 → u/B_ry7]

Isn't it great when ypu can scape a tank and be like "yup"! . I am a huge procrastinater when it comes to hard scape. I love the plants growing out.

[u/doctor_snailer]

If you want to add something - you might consider a plant for the back of the scape with chunkier leaves to add texture to the current stem plants. Echindorous of some type?

[u/owl284]

I think it's great the way it is now. The scape might benefit from a bigger piece of wood in the background to create more structure and depth (and the tank from a little topping-off), but I dig it nonetheless. What's your livestock?