exploring creative aquascape ideas

[rutz]

I'm planning a new tank, probably a Waterbox 30 gallon. I've got corydora and pseudomugil rainbows in mind, but I'll add more later.

I want to create a slope in the sand, either on one side or the back corner. I'll have live plants like my current tank. To get the slope, I was thinking of adding more sand in that area or using something underneath to help it hold its shape. Any ideas or examples would be great.

Here's my current tank, I'm planning on a lot more plants in the new one.

[Lachlan]

I've never worked with a sand substrate, since I use under gravel filtration which doesn't play nice with sand. That being said, I think a structure that matches your desired slope, placed under the sand, would be a big help. You could even use vertical 'fins' in this structure to create a terraced look. This would not only give you the slope you want, but also slow down the inevitable sand sifting that'll happen.

Using moss on these terraces could be a great way to create a terraced garden effect. Once established, the moss would also help keep the sand in place. I know this might not be exactly what you're looking for, but it's an idea that came to mind. Guess I just think too much sometimes – it's a habit that often gets me into trouble.

[rutz]

I don't have experience with a sand substrate as I use under gravel filtration which doesn't work with sand. Still I would think a structure shaped as you want under the sand would help. You could use vertical 'fins' in the structure under the sand that would sort give a terraced look. This would also slow down the higher sand sifting to the lower which is going to happen.

Hmmm, probably not what you want but thinking on this makes me think of using moss on the resulting terraces making a sort of terraced garden. Such would also help keep the sand in place once established.

Sorry, sometimes I think too much and it tends to hurt my brain. Often gets me in trouble too.

I'll take any input I can get. My current tank is in a spare bedroom but this new one is going to be in the living area. I want it to be something people see and like, not some boring, dull tank. I even researched plants that are native to both parts of the world my fish will be from haha. That was my main worry that the sand will slowly start to level itself out. So I'm definitely in the research and planning stage.

[Lachlan]

I'm planning a new tank, probably a Waterbox 30 gallon. I've got corydora and pseudomugil rainbows in mind, but I'll add more later.

I want to create a slope in the sand, either on one side or the back corner. I'll have live plants like my current tank. To get the slope, I was thinking of adding more sand in that area or using something underneath to help it hold its shape. Any ideas or examples would be great.

Here's my current tank, I'm planning on a lot more plants in the new one.

Different parts of the world got me thinking - what about the water requirements for these fish? You can't just mix and match, I mean, hard water fish with soft water ones, that's a no-go. One thing I always do is figure out the water hardness and then find fish that'll do well in that type of water.

[Corona]

I'm thinking a mesh bag full of aquatic soil under the sand could be a good way to create that slope in the back. It'd also help support the extra plants I'm planning to add.

[fineman]

If you're looking for inspiration for your tank, I'd recommend checking out our Tank of the Month Wall of Fame. It features all the winners from the last four years, and you can click on any photo to get more details about the tank.

[willie32]

I'm thinking a mesh bag full of aquatic soil under the sand could be a good way to create that slope in the back. It'd also help support the extra plants I'm planning to add.

Soil in mesh bags is a great idea, especially with a deep sand setup. It prevents the soil and sand from mixing over time, and you avoid those dead spots. Another option I'd consider is using lava rock chunks in bags - it serves a similar purpose and can help with the slope you're looking for.