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

Re: depth of field

>>And while we are on the subject of "why don't we have tanks with a greater
front-to-back (FTB) aspect ratio", what about having tanks lower to the
ground?  Not all tanks, but some tanks.<<

Actually this is being done. There have been notable aquascapes featuring
open fields of low growing plants, like a shallow lake bottom, with low
growing grass plants, glossostigma or Riccia being the main focus. The depth
of an aquascape, (depth of field, Wright) can still be done even under this
scenario. Depth of field provides a three dimensional view. Slight inclines,
hills, mounds, rocks and wood will achieve this in a aquascape of low
plants.

One of Amano's pictures shows an open grassy field with bogwood and Java
fern as the highest points. The inhabitants are several large blue Discus
which just look stunning as a contrast.

As far as what to do artistically with an aquarium such as a 55 gallon
that's width from front to back is restricting...it is difficult to show an
intricate depth perception in the traditional way of front to back, but if
you go at it from a different angle emphasizing the length instead of the
width, it has some interesting possibilities.

Consider this: have the line that starts tall at each end of the tank
gradually getting shorter in height as it meets in the middle of the tank.
This could be created by having a stairway of stepping stones or wood that
starts in the middle of the tank reaching the highest points at each rear
corner. At each step level plants could be attached such as Anubias or
ferns. Another possiblity is using Corkbark attached to the rear glass and
using slate attached to the bark as walls to create three different plateaus
on each end of the tank, leaving the middle of the tank as the lowest point.

Then of course you could have the entire substrate more or less level and
use plants of different heights to create the same line that meets in the
middle of the tank.

Robert Paul Hudson
http://www.aquabotanic.com
AB Newsletter: 1143 weekly subscribers