[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V4 #730


>  The Dutch competition site (http://www.nbat.nl) provides a
> number of examples of unfocused compositions.  In fact, a fairly large
> proportion of those tanks are composed like a vegetable garden.  They
> consist mostly of rows (or elongated groups) of plants running from the
> middle of the tank to the back of the tank, leaving the obligatory clear
> space in the foreground.  Nothing but the sides of the tank itself hold
> the compositions together.

Clear foregrounds are a bad sign IMO, as these are the key to a nice tank I
feel. Often one of the more difficult elements in a tank.
Lots of those tanks are custom made. They then add the frames around them.
Getting a cabinet maker to do one can be very nice. A tank here in SF area
has such a nice design and was done by a carpenter. It's an open top
tunze/dupla set up with a custom open top tank. Very nice.
The cost of the cabinets are costly often. So it may be only a little more
for that custom work. Something to consider and plan out.
 
> 
> While I'm on the topic of the Dutch tanks...  I found the display on their
> web site to be a little disappointing.  The tanks are certainly
> well-maintained, healthy tanks, but golly, I felt like about half of those
> tanks could have been the same tank photographed over-and-over a few weeks
> apart.  There was a remarkable lack of variety, probably forced by the
> rigors of years and years of competition under strict rules and standards.

Interestingly put.
 
> Incidentally, Steve Dixon treated me to some pictures of his beautiful new
> 6' bowfront tank, and I understand that the SFBAAPS site may soon have
> some of those photos on display.  If you really want to see a spectacular
> aquascape in a really neat setting then you have to see what Steve has
> done.

We got more coming. His tanks and other's here are growing and churning.
Actually it is up now. There's lots more on the way. Stop buy and see the
site.
Regards, 
Tom Barr