A few days ago I rearranged the main tank. I took out a bridge because the small fish seemed inclined to get stuck in it. I wanted a more natural look as well as a shelter for the big guys. I bought this giant root-thing which is like two feet long, put in some hunks of granite and added more plants. Well...I'm not happy with it. Still doesn't look very natural and I'm debating whether it is too crowded. I was very pleased with the dragon statue when I first bought it but...not sure now. What can I do to make it better? Any ideas? The java ferns in the middle are 6 or 7 seperate plants, should they be spread out more? On the upside the fish seem to like it alot, a bit more active since I did it.

Please ignore the stocking-gravel, somehow mine did not end up looking like cool, funky boulders. 

I think it needs more plants .

When I saw that your thread was titled "honest opinions" I thought, "that's the place for me!" I happen to be quite an opinionated person so totally off topic but don't get mad at me if I'm too blunt! 

That big root thing in one corner is super awesome; maybe you could try putting that in the middle like how Nossie was saying about making it go higher there?  I personally think it would look even better if you took the dragon out and added some bigger rocks around the root thing!  You could even try putting a bubble stone underneath it for a mystical feel. 

It might also be kind of a fun idea to buy a big tank background with a natural "underwater" look to it...might  add some more green if you don't want to buy any more plants.

I like the root and the dragon where they are! I do like the idea of a bubble stone behind something sounds awesome! Maybe you could get some thing more cave like to put in the middle and put a bubble stone behind that! Some more bigger plants would defo make and improvement you could place some around the root make it fit in more maybe wrap some around it a bit! I agree with ron goldiegirl a background would look awesome! Defiantly one with an underwater theme or if you are going for natural a woodland themed background would look funky!

 If you don't want to buy much more just get a few more plants that are a bit bigger and remember that placement is everything try moving what you have around a bit, take pictures after everytime and see how you like it and how the fish prefer it and if you have the pictures and it was one of the earlier ones that both you and the fish prefered you will know where everything went!

Thanks for all the input guys. I have been so busy arranging the fantail's tank that I haven't been back to work on this one. Petsmart doesn't have tall plants with the exception of anarchis which usually gets eaten. I think I'll try planting a bunch this time and offer veg to eat everyday so it's able to root. I'll also order some crypto online. I've got to think about the background, I'm not really fond of those photo-backgrounds.

I might be a little late, but I prefer more gravel in the back so the uneaten food goes towards the front for easier cleaning. I agree that you should have tall plants in the back and smaller plants in the front, for a beautiful aquascape. 

I hear that (Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.) has some good reviews. You should check that place out for some plants.

I like it! I think a couple of taller plants at the back might look good!

I have a sunken pirate ship background in my quarantine tank and jus a drawing of a cat and a chick behind my main tank as it looked bare and was all I had, I like it though! 

I just haven't had time to work on this tank! I was forced to do it in a rush today because the new ranchus didn't have enough swimming space. The root and dragon were only a few inches from the side of the tank and the poor fat ranchus didn't realize they couldn't fit around it. My sister made a new tissue-paper background. I removed the dragon to give more open swimming room. I still like it though and I'm thinking of putting it with a bonsai and a shelf near the tank. I wanted the right side open but not empty so I added a new bubble plate, a low buddha ornament, my small driftwood and a few plants. I took everyones advice with the tall elodea in the middle but it is getting very bare on top  . Haven't had a chance to look online for different plants..I'm hoping to find the other variety of anubis (all I have is nana) as well as some crypts and hornwort. So what do you think now? Any additional opinions?

It's starting to look really good! I actually love the background, it works really well!

Thats much better! Where did you get the Elodea?