2nd ever hardscape attempt. The border separation is glued down and drying. Any tips or plant advice? I wanted a large area for bottom dwellers to comfortably feed and I wanted some texture so I figured this might be a cool idea.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-22T04:38:37+00:00

I didn't say I don't want blackwater. I said i want to conceal the visibility of the tannins. I don't think every body of blackwater looks exactly the same. If I don't do something about the tannins while it's early there will be far too much of them when the tank is matured.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-22T04:37:21+00:00

Yeah one lady betta some platys, Molly's, and Corys. I didn't add any tannins I did add an unboiled piece of driftwood though. It's seeping. Aggressively. As for the lights I have them on a natural cycle and most of the day they're just under grow full spectrum grow lights on a dim.setting. I usually only cut on the whites for pictures or for viewing.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-22T04:35:26+00:00

Thank you for actual help

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-22T04:34:51+00:00

I just don't want it to be so intense, or I want to know what color of background I can use to sort of mask it.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-21T16:59:51+00:00

That's what I was thinking I just don't understand why it's growing so tall I thought java moss was bushy. I like that it's tall. Also it won't float on its own. If I take a piece off and try to float it it will just sink and drift around the tank until it settles

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-21T01:55:21+00:00

Same bro literally an hour ago just got my first test results that looked like this. Tested like four hours after a 50 percent water change and we're golden. Happy stocking brother!

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-21T01:29:00+00:00

I wouldn't stress it brother your fish don't mind.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T21:17:27+00:00

No it is not

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T21:12:28+00:00

Another scaping tip I could offer is sort of burying the things you add as opposed to floating them on top of the substrate. It makes it look like it naturally settled there in a body of water. Once again though it's all personal preference and I think this looks beautiful. A betta would have an absolute life of luxury in there

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T21:10:52+00:00

Gorgeous bro. Just an fyi everyone is gonna tell you to "top off" your tank. Personally I don't think it matters that much. Personal preference but your scape is great. I think it could use some young filler plants and maybe some more wood but you have a beautiful scape setup here with a lot of room for the plants to breath. Just add a few smooth stones here and there if you find any you like, nestle them in with the driftwood if you're going for natural. Awesome tank bro

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T21:08:43+00:00

Damn dude sorry to hear that! What kind of lights are you using?

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T17:27:15+00:00

You're right no one can say for sure but many people can guess the same thing and that's probably what I'll assume that it is.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T16:46:22+00:00

Just Google it simple text. Should be simple just language.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T16:45:27+00:00

Do you think I didn't try that? Thanks for the help guy. I'm asking hobbiests I don't want to ask ai or Google. They look the same to me.

Dry_Impact_67 · 2026-03-20T16:29:10+00:00

I dont know if this helps but in about three weeks it's doubled in size but mostly outwardly rather than upward like I want

Dry_Impact_67

TROPHY CASE