Developing the Hardscape You start by placing a piece of cardboard as a protective measure between the rock and the glass. As you decide where to place your stones, the cardboard will protect the tank from scratches when you move them around. Remember to take out the cardboard before you fill up the tank. As you are designing, remember to also leave space for the plants in the back. Take a step back and don’t overuse the rocks. When you have achieved the “right” visual placement of rocks, it’s time to cut a piece of cardboard, to use as a border between the sand and the substrate. This will help keep the two separated. Based on the placement of the rocks, you can decide where the sand/substrate border should be. Driftwood Placement Next, you place the driftwood. This is the trickiest part and you may have to cut some parts of your driftwood so that they can fit the right place. Again, remember to leave space for the plants. Photograph Your Tank Before You Empty It For both rocks and driftwood – it is important to have sufficient amounts, so that you have a lot to decide from. Now here’s a trick: take a photograph of your hardscape arrangement before you take them out. Remember to take the rocks and driftwood up and place then on a table as they were placed in the tank. Be structured. Empty the tank.
AUGUST 2008 AquaScaping World
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