Dream Tank 2 72g Freshwater Planted Tank

[Susan Edwards]

Sand paths are a pain to maintain in my experience, I regret mine. Aquasoil always finds its way into the sand, no matter how good the barrier is. If you're up for the challenge and extra maintenance, go for it!

P.S. Not sure if the rubble outline is finalized, but I would make the front of the sand path wider, and the back narrower, creating more illusion of depth.

Thanks. Good idea on sand path wider in front. I figure I'll give it a go, and if nature (haha) interferes, I'll let nature take its course and have an overgrown wilder tank. But doing my best to be sure there are no gaps in the stone fence and will plant heavy along path to help. Of course, the fish will do what fish will do...

Have the driftwood on the paper template now and will build my rocks and upload. When I did my monster saltwater tank, playing with the rocks was so fun. A good use of creativity. And speaking of creativity, I have to ignore all things tank for several hours and work on my book! Due to an editor end of Aug.....

 

[Susan Edwards]

I saw this tank online and a carpet path looks nice as well. Could still do sand in front to hide the dark substrate and provide sand for bottom crew. Thoughts?
alternate to sand

sort of what I had in mind but cleaner planting. More open space for fish, not so dense

 

[iani]

I will research further! Thanks. How aggressive would a pair of dwarf cichlids be and would all cichlids be a problem with shrimp?

It depends on the hiding spaces available. Amano shrimp are larger so they will likely stand a better chance. Cherry shrimp reproduce fast, some will likely get eaten. But it's like getting free fish food. Even tetras and rasboras will pick off baby cherry shrimp.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Made a list today of all I need to do before I order my plants. I'm hoping I can order by the 15th which means finding them all. My main place is out of stock of many so I may have to order from 2-4 places. I want all tissue cultured. No pests. Did some more landscaping after my morning writing session. Still thinking my path: sand or grass. Will play with path stones but first will do the bigger items. I think I like this and could get it glued. Rock against driftwood will be done in tank to avoid any falling. My stone "mountain I can do and place inside and then put the stump in and add glue. Oh, ignore the cluttered mess. I have to block the top of the half way to keep my friends dog from going over when I watch them. Haven't put things back yet lol's

 

[Susan Edwards]

It depends on the hiding spaces available. Amano shrimp are larger so they will likely stand a better chance. Cherry shrimp reproduce fast, some will likely get eaten. But it's like getting free fish food. Even tetras and rasboras will pick off baby cherry shrimp.

thank you!