Possible Aquascapeing Ideas (with high-tec 3D graphics)

[Proplanter]

I was thinking about ideas for a full tank overhaul of my current 55g. My currents plans are as follows:

Plants Color Key:
Red- Red Crypt
Blue: Large Amazon Sword
Yellow- Dwarfs Sags
Light Green- Anubias Nana
Dark Green- Marsilae Minuta (dwarf aquatic Clover)
Pink- A mix of Anacharis and Najas
Light Blue- Regular Sags
Gray- Rock
Brown- Driftwood
Dark Blue- River stone and silicone cave system thingy
Fleshy Pink- Aponogeton (hopefully it grows some floating leaves)
Purple brown color- Lily Bulb
Red Squiggly Lines- Java Moss attached
**Watersprite and Duckweed will be floating where ever they please on the surface of the water**
*~ Possible additions of java ferns and micro swords somewhere in there~*

The open space is either Pool filter sand or Tahitian Moon Sand, possibly some plant specific substrate on the sides and back section so of the aquarium covered with sand. The background is going to be a dark blue. Final Filtration is going to be two Hang on tank 250 gph magnum canister filters. The lighting is going to be about 4 wpg.

Inhabitants:
6 Angelfish
6 Panda Corydoras
and I'm toying with the idea of  a trio of red Swordtails (1 male and 2 females)

Rationale Behind the Madness:
The viewers eye will first be focused on the floating leaves of the aponogeton, pulled down to the driftwood (where they may notice a stray swordtail fry), focus there for a moment, then follow the line of anubias to the River stone cave (which is slight off center, closer to the rock). They will notice the cories playing in the cave. The open area will allow the angelfish ample room to swim and will provide a foraging area for the cories to play in the sand. The swordtails will provide a brilliant contrast of red against the blue background, as well as standing out from the angelfish. Moving on, following the trail of dwarf sags and anubias, you will arrive at the other end of the tank, where a rock with java moss sits peacefully, with watersprite and duckweed providing a little shade.

Possible changes: Move the driftwood and plants over to the left slightly, leaving an open area for anubias/ dwarf sags on the very right of the tank. Move the rock planted area to the left, creating an open space on the left side for a low growing plant.

Any ideas suggestions or comments?

[Essabee]

So much intrusion into the foreground only suits a tank in the right-hand corner of the room and some furniture on the left.

[Proplanter]

So much intrusion into the foreground only suits a tank in the right-hand corner of the room and some furniture on the left.

Thats exactly how this tank is positioned  .

I know for sure I want the angels and cories, but would the 3 additional swordtails put to much bioload into the tank?

[SerVo]

Also take in consideration of the golden ratio; ie off centering the middle aquascape to one side or the other.
Really the setup looks like it would work.  I would go with it and if something looks off, just tweak it.  I think the angels will like the tall plants.

[Proplanter]

I'm still stuck on whether to go with pool filter sand or black sand  .

[Burntwave]

I prefer pool filter sand.  It is cheap, and beautiful.   It is a white-ish color for the most part, but has a couple of black grains that you see every so many square inches.  If it isn't your taste, then it probably isn't worth it.  I haven't seen so many black substrates.

However, I will say that I like the black sand in some ways as it gives a nice contrast to the light-green of the plants drawing the eye to your nice garden.

I like the sound of it so far.  I can't wait to see it.

[Proplanter]

Alright, Ive decided on the pool filter sand, I was imagining the whole thing in my minds eye.... and I think the black would make it much to dark. I like the idea of having a mini beach in my bedroom though, and the white/tannish colored sand does that for me.

Besides, its cheaper and Its sold locally so no need to pay shipping  .

Anyways, about my aquascaping, I was thinking that was quite a bit of anubias nana, can anyone recommend a sort of mid ground plant that can take the space of some of the anubias I have planned?

[Carr]

Looks like it will be great! You're doing co2 and fertilizing too, right?

[Proplanter]

Looks like it will be great! You're doing co2 and fertilizing too, right?

Most definitely fertilizing. I will most likely be doing DIY Co2. I'll likely be all set to start this setup in a week or so (material wise, I'll probably need to order the actual fish( panda cories, already have the angels and swordtails are relatively common), no selection around here). I'm still waiting for some plants that I ordered ( some anubias, dwarf sags and java moss) before I have all of the ones I need.

I'll do a little picture diary thing when I get around to making the change.

[Burntwave]

I'll do a little picture diary thing when I get around to making the change.

Ooooh!  That sounds neat!  Can't wait!