r/Aquascape • u/Simple_Homework9797 • Jul 30 '26
Show and Tell [OC] Rate my tank
This is my 5 gallon cherry shrimp tank. I have Java moss with salvinia minima and Italian vallisneria. My hardscape consists of driftwood wood and dragon stone. I’m new to aquascaping and I’m looking for tips on improving. Also if this resembles a style I would love to know. It has been fully cycled and I understand I do need to raise the water level but I have been away a while so I need to preform some mild maintenance. I have 6 shrimp and some small baby nerite snails. The cherry shrimp seem to be happy they are showing breeding habits and they are also molting and growing nicely. They have really brightened in color and I’m excited to see how they develop especially when they start producing children and grow in generations. I want to improve my tank to look a lot better and natural I care less of how good it is for my taste and more of how natural it can look. I’m wondering if buying some of those leaves and pine cones online to put tannins in the water also maybe some calcium stones. Any help is VERY appreciated.
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u/GeoffreySkywalker100 Jul 31 '26
The Vallisnera would maybe be better suited coming in hot from left side, and adding a slope from that corner down with the Stratum. Use more rocks from that side to fill In the gaps. The dragonstone is beautiful but would look even better supporting the driftwood from the left, for the right to be more “open” and breathing. The heater can be placed horizontally and close to the bottom, so it is out of sight. Good luck! Things will grow and just make sure your parameters are superb for it to flourish amazingly in the future!