Ugly tank

No matter what I do I seem to never make this tank look aesthetically appealing. Any tips to make it look better?

 

A black background, it will make everything pop and disguise the equipment a bit.

 

I would:
- Do a black background.
- A longer, but a thinner piece of drift would to give your tank some more height and character.
- Maybe some carpet plants
- Or a black substrate. I didn't even notice the cory at first.
- If you have any airline tubing, consider doing all black so it blends into the background better.

I don't know what kind of fish you have in there or how big the tank is, but a school of cardinal tetras would really liven things up. I think they are the best color for size/price on the market.

best of luck!

 

Your crypt's should grow out eventually with more leaves and get bushier... you spaced them well. Your plants are beautiful!

 

Thanks for the tips and replies guys. I'll make sure to make those changes!

 

Shorter plants in the front, tall in the back.

 

Also, look up articles on how to use negative space. I think that along with all the other advice and you will be set!

 

Internal backgrounds are an idea too..

For scaping ideas Google "the golden ratio aquascape"

 

Don't be afraid to plant near equipment! When I first starting scaping, I was reluctant to place anything near filters or air-stones or heaters. But try it out. Sometimes you'll lose a plant, or it'll get dis-lodged, but othertimes, it's a very effective way of covering hardware. Corkscrew Val and Dwarf Sag cover heaters and air stones super well for me. Filters are a bit trickier.

A lot of the replies about short in front, taller in back are great! Playing around with levels, you can also plant in or on top of different types of wood (sometimes you'll need to carve a hole for plants, most times, some hemp string or super glue works fine!) to create levels. I use Anubias, Java Moss, Java Fern and Pennywort for this. Surround the base of your plants with different river stones or rocks also, it can completely change the look of your planted areas! There's tons of ways to create new effects. Just sit back and allow the artistic juices to get flowing. Like a fish Picasso, if you will.

You can also add color very easily by introducing different plants (I run *no* CO2, so none of my recommendations should require any crazy set-ups) of different shades/colors. Flame swords and red tiger lotus are my favorite 'reddish' plants that can be grown submersed with no melting.

As far as I can tell, I don't think your tank is ugly at all! Just young! Give it time to fill out and really establish a root system, and you'll see your tank become a full ecosystem in no time.

Best of luck with your future scapes!

 

The java ferns and anubias in the back should come to the front/middle. vallisneria would look great in the back of that tank.

 

I think just having a black background will be sufficient to drastically change the look. I'd start with that and go on from there to see what else bothers you.

 

The only thing your tank needs IMO is a thin branchy piece of driftwood with a couple Anubis tied to it. Looks nice and your plants look great. What size tank is it?

 

Add some rocks and driftwood.

 

How's the tank going?
Personally, considering your tank already looked great, I think it's going to be stunning with whatever changes you've added.

 

I think your tank needs more vertical interest. Use tall driftwood to add interest and hide filter intakes and heaters.

 

I'll post any changes as soon as I get the chance. I'm currently away from home but I should be coming back within a couple days

 

Everyone has given great ideas - though I know sometimes budgets means we can’t be as quick as we like. I agree with many: the most immediate way to ‘pop’ the aquarium would be to add a black background

 

How does it look now?

 

How does it look now?

Black background makes a world of difference! I think patience with be your best friend now, when the plants start to fill in it's going to look amazing

 

Fantastic !