ok, os I have two pieces of wood. one is Grape wood, and the other is Manzanita. both of them have been soaking for 2 days in just water. ( i still need to find chlorine to soak the manzanita in however...)

But, I want your suggestions on the two layouts, with the two different woods. here are where they will be placed.

Layout 1.

behind the wood, I'll have one of the stem plants, and in front I'll place a low Cryptocoryne. and foreground will be mixed with blockers to keep it from intertwining.
and other stem plants in the background with Lobelia cardinalis in the mid ground with Blyxa japonica.


here are detailed pics of the wood.



Layout 2. the same as above, but different wood.


and this is some of the plants I ordered. (from Aquabotanic.com)
HEMIANTHUS CALLITRICHOIDES
Dwarf Hairgrass
Red Temple
Ludwigia ovalis
Red Nesaea
Lobelia cardinalis small form
Blyxa japonica

total with shipping:
$23.44

I might buy more of the stem plants, but, that price is one bunch per type.


Tonight I'll draw where I'm going to place the plants on both of the layouts to make it clearer.

I'm kind of being rushed right now, so sorry if some thing doesn't make since...

I'd use both pieces, one on each end of the tank. They are both too nice looking not to be in that tank!

As for finding chlorine to soak them in, go raid your mom's laundry room and get her bleach as long as it's not scented.

won't that discolor the wood? what about peroxide? only, from what I've heard i's hard to wash off...peroxide is I mean.

As long as you don't use it full strength (pour it directly on the wood) it should be ok.

The peroxide you mean? I went out today and bought the smallest piece of Chlorine which happened to be 1/2 a pound...and reading the label I can't touch it, and if I touch the water I should still consult the Poison Department. I don't think I am going to use the chlorine I bought... But, my mother has a bottle of Chlorox and we have Peroxide, so what one would be easiest? I also have dechlorinater from the fish store. so I have all three alternatives. what do you think should I use?

use the clorox bud. i agree, use both pieces. you have some awesome looking wood for the tank.:tup:

ok, I'll do that today. hopefully in a few days I'll have another pic of the wood when every thing is finished, but now we found a house, and they asked me to wait till we know if we are moving of not. we should know in a day or two.