There's been some rather unsavoury discussion recently about how aquascapes take longer than six weeks to develop. There was also some mention that many of us are trying to copy the 'Far East' styles.
Rather than dwell on the negative aspects to that discussion, I figured I'd turn it around an start a positive thread, as it's an interesting topic. So let's leave the negativity behind...
What are your 'slowest' and 'quickest' aquascapes?
Where do you draw your inspiration from? What style do you prefer, or do you have your own unique style?
Do you have vision of what to expect, or are you more a gardener that like to let things evolve on their own accord with minimal interaction?
What would be your ideal aquascape or aquascapes, in terms of speed of development and creative input?
I'll start...
My longest aquascape took 18 months to mature. It was called 'The Shade' and consisted of classic low light tolerant plants - Crypts, ferns and Anubias. Light was just 2 x 18w (1wpg) but I did use CO2 and TPN+.
Here it is -
My quickest aquascape took less than six weeks - Harlequins' Haven.
Personally I like to create a lot of aquascapes in a relatively short time. For me there are just too many fish, plants and design ideas I need learn from.
Personally I don't try to imitate any particular style, but also never critisise those that do 'copy'.
Aquascaping is an art and very personal form of expression.
If you like the Far Eastern aquascaping-styles, whatever they may be - Nature Aquarium, CAU, Taiwanese etc. etc. then so be it.
Art is art, and can look good whether it's 'copied' or not.
I'd suggest that many decent UK aquascapes draw heavily from Amano's work. Is this a bad thing? I don't think so.
My ideal scenario is to have one large, long-term aquascape in my living room. I intend to implement this with a 180x60x60cm opti-white with 6 large blue diamond discus (I wanted Heckels, but the wife insists...), nice hardscape and Amazon swords. I won't even use CO2. It won't re-scape it for many months, if not years.
Then my 60cm opti-white, in my hallway, will be my 'play' tank where I can experiment with any new ideas and continue to churn out aquascapes to my hearts desire. Loads of light and CO2/nutrients where I can grow things super quick.
Please feel free to discuss all or any of the points mentioned.
Rather than dwell on the negative aspects to that discussion, I figured I'd turn it around an start a positive thread, as it's an interesting topic. So let's leave the negativity behind...
What are your 'slowest' and 'quickest' aquascapes?
Where do you draw your inspiration from? What style do you prefer, or do you have your own unique style?
Do you have vision of what to expect, or are you more a gardener that like to let things evolve on their own accord with minimal interaction?
What would be your ideal aquascape or aquascapes, in terms of speed of development and creative input?
I'll start...
My longest aquascape took 18 months to mature. It was called 'The Shade' and consisted of classic low light tolerant plants - Crypts, ferns and Anubias. Light was just 2 x 18w (1wpg) but I did use CO2 and TPN+.
Here it is -
My quickest aquascape took less than six weeks - Harlequins' Haven.
Personally I like to create a lot of aquascapes in a relatively short time. For me there are just too many fish, plants and design ideas I need learn from.
Personally I don't try to imitate any particular style, but also never critisise those that do 'copy'.
Aquascaping is an art and very personal form of expression.
If you like the Far Eastern aquascaping-styles, whatever they may be - Nature Aquarium, CAU, Taiwanese etc. etc. then so be it.
Art is art, and can look good whether it's 'copied' or not.
I'd suggest that many decent UK aquascapes draw heavily from Amano's work. Is this a bad thing? I don't think so.
My ideal scenario is to have one large, long-term aquascape in my living room. I intend to implement this with a 180x60x60cm opti-white with 6 large blue diamond discus (I wanted Heckels, but the wife insists...), nice hardscape and Amazon swords. I won't even use CO2. It won't re-scape it for many months, if not years.
Then my 60cm opti-white, in my hallway, will be my 'play' tank where I can experiment with any new ideas and continue to churn out aquascapes to my hearts desire. Loads of light and CO2/nutrients where I can grow things super quick.
Please feel free to discuss all or any of the points mentioned.