u/Gullible-Hat2030

Dark start begins (just turned lights on briefly to check after flooding the tank).

Running a full dark start for my 90×45×45 setup — aiming for around 4–5 weeks with lights off, only the filter running. First time trying this method, so hoping it helps keep algae down and gives me a clean start.

If anyone has tips or things you wish you knew before your first dark start, I’m all ears.

Will update once I start planting and bringing it out of the dark 👍

Dark start begins (just turned lights on briefly to check after flooding the tank).

Running a full dark start for my 90×45×45 setup — aiming for around 4–5 weeks with lights off, only the filter running. First time trying this method, so hoping it helps keep algae down and gives me a clean start.

If anyone has tips or things you wish you knew before your first dark start, I’m all ears.

Will update once I start planting and bringing it out of the dark 👍

Hardscape finally completed on my 90x45x45 tank. Pretty happy with how the layout turned out, but I’d love to hear any feedback or pointers before I start planting. Happy to make tweaks while I still can.

I’ll actually be away for 3 weeks on holiday before planting, so I’ve been considering trying the dark start method for the first time. Curious to hear everyone’s experiences with it — did you find it worth doing? Any tips or things you’d do differently?

Open to any suggestions on improving the overall composition too!

Hardscape finally completed on my 90x45x45 tank. Pretty happy with how the layout turned out, but I’d love to hear any feedback or pointers before I start planting. Happy to make tweaks while I still can.

I’ll actually be away for 3 weeks on holiday before planting, so I’ve been considering trying the dark start method for the first time. Curious to hear everyone’s experiences with it — did you find it worth doing? Any tips or things you’d do differently?

Open to any suggestions on improving the overall composition too!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been playing around with my 90x45x45 trying to build a triangular/island-style scape. Pretty happy with the main structure, but I feel like the left side might be missing something. Not sure if it’s actually lacking or if I just need to leave it for negative space.

I’m also undecided on the foreground—should I go with sand for contrast, or carpet it? Planning to run stems behind the wood to build depth.

Would love some feedback on how to improve it, even if it’s just small tweaks.

Cheers 👍

Hey everyone,

I’ve been playing around with my 90x45x45 trying to build a triangular/island-style scape. Pretty happy with the main structure, but I feel like the left side might be missing something. Not sure if it’s actually lacking or if I just need to leave it for negative space.

I’m also undecided on the foreground—should I go with sand for contrast, or carpet it? Planning to run stems behind the wood to build depth.

Would love some feedback on how to improve it, even if it’s just small tweaks.

Cheers 👍