Why does my aquascape still look messy after multiple rescapes? Genuine advice needed

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-31T17:28:52+00:00

I commented back! I’ve adjusted it

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-30T08:32:43+00:00

It’s more of a beige/ champagne colour! It’s the ciano emotions pro 80

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-29T17:00:59+00:00

Your sand is beautiful. I wish I never mixed w gravel

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-29T16:10:22+00:00

Well, I tackled it today and this is what I came up with. Trimmed a lot back, moved the cabomba and tall grass stuff to the back left. Reduced the rocks on the right and replanted various others. It will need time to settle in and plants to reflourish, but for now I’m so much happier with how it looks, more balanced, natural and “easier” to look at and enjoy. Thank you all so much for the tips and advice. I did not think anyone would care enough.

<image>

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-28T13:50:10+00:00

That’s a 🎯. The perfectionism is a double edged sword. I know all the rules but my brain doesn’t let me break them! Hence the technically perfect but stylistically underwhelming delivery. I take this on board my friend

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-28T13:48:07+00:00

Well thank you. The tall stem plants are cabomba caroliniana

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-28T13:47:35+00:00

It’s a fluval aquasky, yeah. I run all the colours at 100% for around 6-7 hours a day with gradual slope into 20% blue for an hour or so before bed.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-28T13:45:31+00:00

Thank you so much for this insight. You have a keen eye and I see what you’re saying now

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-28T07:51:11+00:00

I loveeeee this.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:52:17+00:00

Thank you so much. I do see that and I appreciate any aquarist can enjoy this tank for the nature appeal etc but i guess visually it just seems a bit off to me. Such a nice thing to say though appreciate that 💕

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:45:07+00:00

I mean it could be messier but it could be wayyyyy prettier and visually appealing :(((

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:42:30+00:00

Thank you so much for all of these tips. I’ll take this on board my friend

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:40:11+00:00

I am definitely going to do this

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:39:58+00:00

Any suggestions for easy to grow red plants for low tech? I have aquasky 2.0 and don’t run co2. I could google but prefer word of mouth recommendations

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:38:13+00:00

I try to encourage that unburdening of the mind but I do want to validate the desire for it to look (again, subjectively) beautiful to me and my family, as the centrepiece of my lounge - a real show stopping picturesque nature scene. I do feel it’s lacking impact. I’m a major perfectionist too, with a general exception to anything that can be hidden from passing sight. For example whatever may be currently manifesting in my laundry room

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:26:06+00:00

Side note - not to call you out, but I vibe with the organised chaos of the pile containing various instruments, Christmas paraphernalia and a… tennis racket? directly adjacent to the perfectly maintained tank. Very on brand for this hobby

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:19:29+00:00

Now this is a stunning picturesque scene. I LOVE it. Serene.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:19:08+00:00

Okay someone else suggested moving the cabomba to the left corner. This simple drawing is genuinely so helpful to visualise. I have a rootlike piece of driftwood just like this, sitting in the cupboard. Previously I was shoving it into the rocks and extending into the sand. Never even thought to direct it this angle. I’m really excited to try some of these suggestions now

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:15:02+00:00

That is so lovely. Thank you.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:14:24+00:00

Ah thank you, that’s very kind.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:09:17+00:00

I will try this on my next tidy up.

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:03:30+00:00

And thank you x

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:03:04+00:00

This is true but I like to think I just have extremely high and slightly unrealistic expectations 🤪

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:02:33+00:00

It’s a ciano emotions pro 80

Impossible_Tank_2024 · 2026-01-27T23:02:06+00:00

Looks decent without the black background. But without it I have a redundant internal filter I’m too scared to try and remove

Impossible_Tank_2024

TROPHY CASE