Props, artificial deco, acceptable? - Aquascaping

Robert Hudson · 06-01-2008, 03:43 PM

In the world of artistic live plant aquascaping, to be taken seriously, is it acceptable to use things like ceramic figurines, artificial rock, artificial wood, artificial plants, props, artificial backgrounds?

Some recognized artists here have already done so to some extent, Oliver knott used a Buddah statue in one of his aquascapes, Felipe created an artificial tree, and I have seen some aquascapes from people in Asia that used ceramic pagodas and figurines. What is acceptable and whats over the line? Would you put a silk plant next to a real plant? How about a ceramic castle and mermaid? These gawdy old ceramic aquarium decorations are now collector items and are worth a lot of money. Next to antique aquariums they are the biggest money maker collector item in the aquaria hobby, but could they ever be part of an award winning aquascape?

What about as part of an artistic theme, like a zen garden with a pagoda, or something like that ?

fishlover · 06-01-2008, 06:39 PM

imho everything not too out of this world-ish can do.
I have a buddha statue in a tank and i love it.

fishlover · 06-01-2008, 06:49 PM

In my mind, NO
-greek or roman statues,
-no pirate ships or skulls,no alien stuff or planes or cars...
-no 'No FISHING" signs.

Minsc · 06-01-2008, 07:28 PM

Let's not forget Knott's fantastic soccer 'scapes

I doubt an aquascape with any of the elements you mention will even win any awards, because I imagine many judges of such contests would frown upon their inclusion. Luckily, not every tank has to be made to win awards, and people can have fun adding whatever decorations they like.

Personally, I have seen some great biotope tanks with fake backgrounds that made the tanks look fantastic. The pagodas are great as well, as they reference the old style of chinese painting that often included tiny people and buildings into a large landscape.

Toys and other decorations can be a lot of fun. This is a hobby, no reason to get too serious!

foofooree · 06-01-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minsc

Let's not forget Knott's fantastic soccer 'scapes

I doubt an aquascape with any of the elements you mention will even win any awards, because I imagine many judges of such contests would frown upon their inclusion. Luckily, not every tank has to be made to win awards, and people can have fun adding whatever decorations they like.

Personally, I have seen some great biotope tanks with fake backgrounds that made the tanks look fantastic. The pagodas are great as well, as they reference the old style of chinese painting that often included tiny people and buildings into a large landscape.

Toys and other decorations can be a lot of fun. This is a hobby, no reason to get too serious!

I agree, it is up to ones own taste, If you like the way it looks, then that is all that matters, like some may not like bamboo poles in the tank, but if the goal of the tank is to look like a real thing, and there is a pagoda with bamboo stalks around it, then so be it, it may not be as classic as dutch style, but it can still be beautiful

Ulan · 06-02-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishlover

-no 'No FISHING" signs.

Why? You could use the sign as your signature trait

.

MiSo · 06-02-2008, 04:33 AM

it depends on how well an artificial item fits the scape.
i've seen some incredible fake backgrounds, and i'm sure there's ppl out there putting fake wood/rocks to good use.

but when most ppl put together a nature style tank they mostly stick to well... plants.

ponyrandy · 06-02-2008, 07:49 AM

We have to remember that we create "our" tanks to please "ourselves". This may be to please us asthetically, or we may use artificial plants because we don't have the time or money to keep up with live plants. It really irks me that whatever Amano does is what we think we should do. If putting a putting green in your tank is what pleases you, then by all means do it. On the other hand the reason the "recognized artists" do it is because they have run out of things to do, and this is merely a way of gaining attention. Cheers to Amano for not crossing that line.
Brian

cah925 · 06-02-2008, 10:00 AM

I think it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to win awards, then work your tail off to do whatever it takes to impress the judges.
If this is just a hobby for you (as it is for most of us), then enjoy it and add whatever makes you happy.

Robert Hudson · 06-02-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

but when most ppl put together a nature style tank they mostly stick to well... plants.

True, however, I think there is a trend now to go beyond just the nature aquarium and lean toward artistic symbolic representation. Iwagumi is not really a nature design, but artistic representation of ideas and philosophy.

Quote:

"recognized artists" do it is because they have run out of things to do, and this is merely a way of gaining attention.

I don't think I would agree with that, but I understand what you are saying.

Quote:

it depends on how well an artificial item fits the scape.

It think that is the key to the whole thing. Things that are obviously artificial, ceramic deco, or things not to scale to the rest of the aquascape would really have to compliment the aquascape to work. Artificial decoration that is meant to look realistic visualy would work depending on how detailed, realistic it really appears. There is some incredibly realistic designed wood and rock that you could not tell from the real thing. I think that gives the artist another tool to work with.