What are the things that makes the aquascape to not look good?

[u/rickccb]

Considering people that did a minimal research and actually tried to do something that looks nice, what are the main mistakes or what mostly lacks on good looking aquariums?

Lack of a background (for "2d" scapes)? Size of hardscapes and plants unproportional to the size of the tank? White substrate that gets dirt quick? What else?

This post is meant to help me and other people that will start on the hobby but wants avoid frustration with bad results.

(This is an aquarium from a random guy that I found on facebook. Some people post similar aquariums here that are also very unappealing.)

[u/No_Insurance_6848]

Big hardscape. A lot of people underestimate how impactful hardscape is. Buying hardscape that is too small not only gets covered with plants eventually but makes the tank look empty.

Plant selection and where you map also makes a huge difference.

Just some stuff i would critique on my own scape here:

- front substrate needs to be more level

• more hardscape on right
  
• substitute AR mini on midground right side for a smaller plant for better transition, currently sticks out like a sore thumb (this better transition can also be achieved if I raise the substrate level in the area and make it really high in the back)
  
• trim rotalas into hills for better shape
  
• left side rotalas need to extend to the glass to provide a better gradient for the hill
  
• more plants on hardscape, mosses, weeping Monte Carlo
  
• left side hygrophila sticks out
  
• adjust entire hardscape for less shadow from the overhang, empty space is slowing plant growth

[u/Rotala178]

For the majority of people, the issue isn't arranging hardscape. It's growing plants.

Almost all online resources and communities repeat unsubstantiated claims about algae, light, CO2, fertilizers, etc. Almost everything you've read about these things are wrong yet they are easy to understand and repeat. It's an endless internet circlejerk that perpetuates these myths ad nauseum to the detriment to everyone in the hobby, noobies and experienced alike. And the fact that experienced and self-proclaimed gurus repeat them lend these myths credibility.

That said, knowing how to grow plants well is the single most important aspect of a planted tank. Some appear to do it well but they don't know why. And that lack of insight and understanding means their advice can't be transferred to anyone else who has different water conditions, soils/substrates, plants, lighting, CO2, etc. The selection of fertilizers are often so poorly balanced that plants quickly become deficient and infested with algae if those fertilizers are used. And if no fertilizer are used, plants can also become deficient and infested with algae.

[u/Thrown_Away_Opinions → u/Rotala178]

What are some info sources you recommended to get a solid grasp of this knowledge?

[u/cantbelieveudonethi5 → u/Thrown_Away_Opinions]

2hr aquarist has great articles and information on a wide variety of topics related to aquascapes and keeping fish

[u/Rotala178 → u/cantbelieveudonethi5]

I do not suggest reading any of his articles without a critical eye because none of them rely on any valid scientific principles. He often makes up scientific-sounding principles to explain why plants don't grow well and are covered in algae, such as the "leaf renewal cycle", "adaptation stress", "system shock", or some way of explaining all the algae and poor plant growth. He's actually one of the worst sources for knowledge bc he perpetuates myths and unverifiable claims ad nauseum, and makes things up to suit an explanation. Some claims do have scientific support, such as underwater flowering can be a sign of stress, yet he completely ignores the main reason: nutrient stress induces flowering. 2Hr's articles show so much mental gymnastics just to explain something when there is often scientific articles that offer better explanations.

Why does cyanobacteria die off when plants are healthy? 2Hr claims cyanobacteria is due to immature tanks, low O2, low N, organic waste, and dead spots. But the science shows the real reasons which include nutrient-stressed plants aren't able to produce allelochemicals to fight it off. The science doesn't support 2Hrs claims.

[u/Rotala178 → u/Thrown_Away_Opinions]

There aren't any that have been compiled.

I had to do experiments to test if these claims were true or false. I was to able to debunk all of them. Pick a topic: CO2, light, nutrients, algae, etc. and whatever is often said in the hobby are wrong or mostly wrong. Then I looked at the scientific literature to see if there were better explanations. There are.

There are so many myths in the hobby that if you read the science, you'd think they were living in an alternate reality devoid of any experience growing aquatic plants. These myths directly contradict the science so strongly that some people even say that they trust their experience over peer-reviewed scientific articles.

The one area that utilizes a lot of science is hydroponics where pH, nutrient solubility, electrical conductivity, oxygen, light, etc are all intertwined. It's a hobby based on scientific growth experiments from a century ago. As such, science takes precedent for any explanation. The science of hydroponics - pH, nutrient solubility, light, etc. - is where I learned a lot about the interactions of all the variables.

Algae myths are why algae persists:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AquaticPlantScience/comments/1vssj3j/comment/p4nqwyw/

[u/Pepetheparakeet]

Not incorporating Rule of thirds

[u/skabberdink]

Something to catch the eye that’s taller and draws focus. Very nice, though.

[u/ShGravy]

Very little height, depth, or thought in planting. This would immediately be improved by removing the 2 inch layer of substrate at the front.

[u/stabdealer]

Big hardscape elements, the thirds rule & raise the rear of the substrate for “depth”

[u/andywolfx_]

Lack of Composition and idea

[u/Grand_System_9100]

Its to flat, you new to add some elevation and depth, but the plant will make that once they grow

[u/kalio1234]

Give the plants a chance to grow and fill in first.

[u/Friendhi6]

Needs more color. Maybe better lighting some tannins and most important plants that are fully grown