jsenske

This is the latest creation by my brother Mike here at Gallery ADG. Drawing from his love of both Dutch and Nature Style aquascaping, plus a (perhaps subliminal) influence from the recent stunning works by the Hong Kong based Creative Aquascape Union (CAU), he composed this layout and brought it into form in just 3 short months. There are actually more fish in the tank, but being the fast moving and somewhat skiddish Danio choprae, they were reluctant to make an extended appearance during shooting.
Mike has used the complete ADA substrate and liquid fertilization system on this tank-- 1- 6 liter Power Sand SPECIAL, 4- 9 liter Aqua Soil AMAZONIA, Tourmaline BC, and Penac W and P. Green Brighty STEP 1 was used for the first 6 weeks (starting after 2 weeks) along with Brighty K. After about 6 weeks STEP 2 and Brighty K along with regular doses of ECA (full dose after water change and 1/3 dose every other day between water change) and Green Gain (full dose after water change with double dose after major trimming).
Mike will be checking in fielding any questions as well, I'm sure.



And a larger version:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/g...t_original.jpg

shake

As usual by the Senske brothers simply stunning. Great work guys.

@TOMMY@

Very nice scape indeed.
How do you keep these open top water surface free of oil/debris?

Raul-7

I hope Jeff doesn't mind but the lily pipe outflow produces a 'whirlpool' effect at the surface stopping the scum from forming. I think he has a picture of it. Really neat!

jeff@adg

Thanks Raul-7. Additionally, when you lift the Lily Pipe at nightime (lights off period) for aeration, it pretty much annihilates any surface film issues.

erik Loza

Beautiful...

jeff@adg

Thanks all, even though I just helped out with this one a bit. This is Mike's creation.

|squee|

Didn't Mike find the odd sticking out branch weird? It does seem so to me for this particular setup. Planning and execution of the scape is superb though.

david lim

Mike did a great job, especially the composition of the rockwork and stem plants in the back. However, did he mean to make the branches cross in the right-middle section of the aquascape? It seems a little awkward to me.

David

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.