Bavarian3

amazing tank!

i might ask if maintenence is a pain with a tank like this?

do you replant the tops or simply trim?

thanks!
-Charles

msenske

Words can not explain how much I appreciate and respect your kind words . I will post later today and answer the above questions .

Thanks Again ,

Mike

bigstick120

Very beautiful tank Mike, very inspirational, I could stare at if for hours. One of my favorite tank! Keep it up!

standoyo

Deja Wu! You guys did it again. The layout colour combination has a very exciting liveliness to it. The groups of plants are expertly placed.

Ricky Cain

I saw this tank at ADG about two weeks ago. It is a very exceptional layout and I like the title as well. Everyone should keep an eye on Mike's 'scaping. He gets better and better with each layout IMO.

Someday I too shall aquascape again . . .

. . . but the diapers, playdough and animal crackers pile high.

msenske

Thanks again for the kind words . I did not intentionally mean for the the branches to cross in the middle section . When I create an aquascape sometimes things happen that are not conventional . I may notice this when creating a layout . Somehow I find reason and purpose with how it relates to what I am trying to accomplish . It is interesting to receive comments on one's "scape" . I never noticed this until it was pointed out .

IMO aquascaping is an art form . I feel that it is important for an aquascaper to create what looks and feels right to the individual . There are design principles that can help guide one to a layout that is "easy on the eyes".When I create an aquascape and it pleases me that is truly all that matters . If I create an aquascpe that others find beautiful that is a bonus and I am grateful . I keep an open mind to criticism . Often that is what can inspire the next layout . My wife is my biggest critique . I recently installed a new Discus aquarium (planted) at my home . After a couple of months she informs me she does not think the layout is all that .Meanwhile Jeff and I are thinking this is the next photo shoot (we still are ) . I asked her what her thoughts were and she explained . What my point is ...AQUASCAPE and enjoy . My post may have gone a little off topic . I do not make time to post that much (fortunately Jeff handles that for us) . I also give much credit to my brother Jeff . He has many talents I do not have . I am fortunate to have him as my business partner and my brother. You may think that we aquascape together but that has never worked . We share ideas and keep each other balanced . Until I throw him off balance and whack him with a piece of branchy wood.

Burks

Edit: I know how the tank is lit now (skipped that post). Any chance of getting a full tank shot with the lighting included?

Fantastic looking tank. Everything from the plants, plant location, rocks, wood, it all just flows together so nicely. Tanks like these belong in an art museum for everyone to enjoy the wonders of living art. You should do a photo journal of your next tank (unless you don't want to give any "secrets" away).

One day I'll figure out how to plant like that.....one day.....

jeff@adg

So far it's been just trimming the tops-- no pulling up and replanting at this point. Really it's been letting the plants grow to the top and then trimming all sections at once-- literally leveling the stemmed plant section.

Rek

is possible ha images of set up and grow?

david lim

I understand your sentiments, Mike, and do not get me wrong I believe you have an awesome scape. Honestly, it should not matter what others think, but, like you said, that does not mean that the artist should not consider what others are thinking. Also, a picture can only show so much. Maybe when viewing the tank in real person the tank gives a greatly different feel.

Anyway.... now that I have pointed it out, what do you think about the branches crossing?

Originally, when I saw this scape, I thought that you had purposefully crossed the branches to place tension in that area as compared to the left side. But since it seems not to be done on purpose then maybe I've been overanalyzing things .