Critique my hardscape First timer Mirabello 60

[Niton]

I've started a journal to cover this but figured as I'm looking for advice and critique about my proposed hardscape I thought I'd put a thread here. Happy to remove if mods want to.

Here are some pictures of the current mock up

 

[Niton]

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
You must get this sorted out three Topics on the same subject.

Keith

 

[Niton]

@Keith GH not sure what has happened in this forum. I can't merge the two threads here and have asked for a mod to do it.

As I'm asking for critique I thought it best to put it in here. Happy to have the thread moved or closed but again it seems a mod has to do it.

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
This seems to be the best photo to work from

Over all the rocks appear to be too large and all lack character aquascape wise plus water space.
With several smaller rocks you can create spaces for plants, that will cover the rocks.
Then there is the big flat rock at the back what is it doing a smaller rock could not do.?
Another point about that rock it's taking up a lot of surface area for a back plants.

Keith

 

[Niton]

@Keith GH thanks for your comments. Will try again. However, the scape is going to be visible on both sides so I was aiming for an island. There will not be any back plants as such in that area of the large flat rock.

 

[Niton]

Does this picture help you identify the problem stones any easier?

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
Not much as I could not read the numbers, but to get a plan view all OK

Cutting the sides and back out its very confusing.
A good front view is always best and if necessary a view from all visible sides.
As you do not want any back plants its going to look uninteresting just looking at a bare rock.
Think ground cover, low plants, and a moss on the rocks.
Sorry to tell you its back to the drawing board.
General idea is excellent its just those rocks and your Mock Tank.

Keith

 

[Niton]

No problem idea is to get it right here.
Will have a play around and post later.

I probably have misinterpreted your meaning of back plants.

Roughly (and not knowing the plants yet) I was thinking. Remember this is a low tech setup...
To plant a carpeting plant around the perimeter of the island/peninsula. Then in the rock 'island' use plants of varying heights in the various terraces before planting taller plants alongside the drift wood tree. I would then like to attach moss to the limbs of the tree and a few of the rocks.

Hopefully similar to 'the island' aquascape you posted about

 

[Tim Harrison]

If the tank is going to be visible from both sides, you'd be better off with a triangular scape...that's assuming at least one end will be up against a wall.
Take a look at Zeus's thread, https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/olympus-is-calling.43046/...

 

[Niton]

@Tim Harrison hi the tank is inset into a dividing wall so yes I figured one end would be planted up and the other end clearer. The planted up end would also be where the internal water heater and filters would be.

 

[Niton]

I've just finished another mock up. This is really difficult to photograph to give you a decent perspective! I've reinstated the sides and placed the in tank filter/heater.

Hopefully going in the right direction. But please let me have your thoughts!

'front of tank'



Plan view of front


'back of tank'





Plan view of back

 

[Tim Harrison]

That's much better I'm guessing you're going to mound soil between the stones and plant heavily between them?

 

[Niton]

@Tim Harrison yes that is the plan. Not sure what to do against the filter side. Directly below the filter is going to be entirely shaded. I was thinking of making another terrace and planting taller plants (crypts) against the filter. I can direct the filter outlet so I don't think flow would be compromised.

 

[Niton]

Played around with the idea of a planted area behind the DW against the filter. A few photos of that layout.

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
Over all I like what you are doing very much and that is trying different combinations and having fun.

Here are a few more ideas to play with
Front center stone too large its creating a solid wall look, half its size will give you more shape at the front.
LH end another wall use a smaller stone to you an opening and a small pathway adding another dimension.

Keith

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
Another Edit expire

For a few reasons I would like you to move all the DW about 7cm to the left.
Reasons I will place the DW very close to the main Focal Points plus access to the filter easier if required.

Keith

 

[Niton]

Tried another piece of DW and tried your suggestions @Keith GH but I forgot to get photos.

Anyway today's effort.



Not sure how I feel about this one. Think I prefer the other DW as a basis.

 

[Niton]

A few more pictures but I did remove the large rock behind the DW in the previous set as I realised it was causing a cliff face on the other visible side.

 

[Keith GH]

Niton
I am confused now I thought you had the filter on the end that was not visible now you have it on both ends

This view
LH X not required. RH X half that size.

This view
Rock 1 two smaller rocks with a pathway.
Rock 2 move up too close to the front as per arrow.
Rock 3 Too large and too flat a smaller with a bit of character shape.

It might help to post just two photos a view from the front and the filter on the not viewable end and a looking down plan.

Keith