Critique my hardscape First Iwagumi attempt

[DaveWatkin]

Planning Monte Carlo all over with a little DHG in the two back corners.

Not sure I have the rocks quite right yet.

 

[DaveWatkin]

Option 2

 

[noodlesuk]

First option looks better to me, more impact and dramatic.

 

[Geoffrey Rea]

Hey @DaveWatkin

Agree with @noodlesuk first option. The height on the left looks good.

Just a suggestion but have you considered a sand foreground with only background planting? Can add a lot of impact. One of George’s as an example:

 

[h17mdr]

Yes first attempt definitely looks better mate

 

[DaveWatkin]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I liked the rock layout of the first one but the valley style of the substrate of the second so I think I have settled on this (still a couple days till plants arrive so you never know haha).

I would like to include some cosmetic sand, maybe down the center of the valley, but done currently have any so will see how the carpet gets on.

Let me know what you think and if you can see any improvements.

 

[Yanee]

Hi Dave, I like your set ups. If it s the last one, I would move the right side middle piece a bit to the center, and I might a bit lift up the right hand side top stone, just a little bit really. But it s me I m looking forward to see this layout with plants

 

[Nigel95]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I liked the rock layout of the first one but the valley style of the substrate of the second so I think I have settled on this (still a couple days till plants arrive so you never know haha).

I would like to include some cosmetic sand, maybe down the center of the valley, but done currently have any so will see how the carpet gets on.

Let me know what you think and if you can see any improvements.

IMO the main stone has nice texture and details but is simply too small in terms of height. Also the width should be bigger to have more impact as a main stone. So either you need a smaller tank with less height or a bigger main stone.

Like what your doing trying to create flow towards the middle. However the rocks on the right side are a bit boring texture wise. And they will also be gone when the plants grow in.

I would also use a much bigger slope to create more ilussion of depth. I usually go with at least a slope that fills 50% of the height of the tank towards the back.

It would also be interesting to create some shadow on the bottom of the main stone by changing the angles a bit so the light doens't reach there.

Keep on tweaking it always works. It's depends on your patience and dedication. Most people quickly think f*ck it and flood it. Changes with water in there are much harder. Once you are happy with it thats all that matters. Sometimes a break of days even weeks can help to get some clear thoughts and new energy.

Good luck!