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Aquascaping
Robert,
I enjoyed very much to read you.
> Date: Sat, 03 Jul 1999 09:15:16 -0700
> From: Robert H <robertph at best_com>
> Subject: Re:Aquascaping
>
> >>We've long had "dutch-style" aquariums which seem to feature prominantly
> dense plantings teired very formally from low in front to high at the back
> and sides. Is there much more to the style than that? Who best describes
> the techniques?
> More recently we have the Japanese style best illustrated by Amano's
> tanks, but also shown in Yoshino and Kobayashi's "The Natural Aquarium".
> The principle elements I see in the Japanese style are the assymetry,
> "3-dimensionality" and vertical relief in the substrate -- all with the
> overriding intent to present something that appears "natural". Are there
> important elements there that I've entirely missed out on?
> Is there a uniquely American style - some body of work that represents
> something unique in American (or any new world, for that matter)
> aquascaping? If so, what are its major elements and who provides the best
> examples?<<
>
> Roger,
> This is a subject that I have had great interest in, and have done some research and
> experimenting in. I am certainly no artist, but I am striving to incorporate those
> principals.
> There are distinctive differences between german and japanese artists. Unfortunetly
> there are only a few available examples of german work.
> One that comes close are pictures by Wim Heemskerk, as seen on the rainbowfish WEB
> site,
> http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/Planted.htm >From an artistic critique, even his
> displays seem somewhat 2 dimensional to me. The best examples I have seen of german
> aquascape was in a TFH publication this past year, Aquarium Quarterly by Arend van
> den Nieuwenhuizen.
Nieuwenhuizen is Dutch and no German. Originally, the planted aquarium we are speaking
about is definitely Dutch.
> It gives detailed instructions on how to build and aquascape
> using terracing, focal points, and what he calls the golden intersection, (amano has
> a simular concept)
> The differences I see between the two are as you mentioned, amano incorporates more
> open space, limited number of plant species, and usually one focal point.
> German/dutch have a more densley planted display with several focal points from
> different viewing angles. Terracing, or a sloped substrate is essential in both
> approaches. German displays that I have seen slope the substrate so low in the front
> that there is no gravel against the front glass.
I never saw a so fine layer of substrate in Holland. It may look like that on the
picture because the Dutch aquariums are very often embedded (in wall, furniture...).
> This one simple thing makes a huge
> difference in the viewing perspective. Although many amano pictures clearly have 3"
> of gravel against the front glass, if you look closely you can still see an incline
> from front to back German/dutch use a combination of high terracing, attaching
> things to the aquarium walls, and using potted plants on terraces and raised areas.
> Nieuwenhuizen describes his method of attaching cork sheets to the glass. The other
> key I see is using color and contrast effectively. I suggest you write to TFH and
> get a copy of this magazine/book publication, (15.95 US) The pictures alone are
> worth the price. They come out with 4 a year.
> I dont think there is an "american" style! Amano made a commercial success of his
> work, and had everybody wanting to
> know how he did it. Many people wanted to know what kind of substrate he used, what
> kind of fertilizer, lighting, and so forth, but the truth is in my opinion, he
> accomplished his picture perfect displays by his artistic understanding of depth and
> perception, not by anything magic in his growing technique.
At last a little bit of common sense! I think Amano makes 'Aquarium Kleenex' under
perfusion (like in
Hospital). After max. 1 month, he just empties his tank and built another one to make
new pictures. Nothing is natural in his concept.
I love a fully planted aquarium and I admire the Dutch for it. In my modest French
opinion, I think they are the best in the world. Moreover, they do it in a very cheap
way.
> My own attempt at this has been muttled. Years ago I used to be somewhat of an
> artist, but I could never get it right the first time, and would constantly be
> painting or drawing over my work. My display tank has been no different. I have
> re-arranged the plants several times, and even added more gravel to raise the back
> higher and added terraces. I suppose I could spend the rest of my life doing this,
> never being satisfied, but I get enjoyment in doing so!
>
> Robert Paul H
> http://www.aquabotanic.com
Is "Aquarium Quarterly" entirely written by Arend van den Nieuwenhuizen?
Is the subject always planted aquarium?
Can you give me the TFH address?
Stéphane
The Netherlands
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