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I think that Ricky was very successful in his attempt to recreate an island feel, it's the first thing that comes to mind when I see it.
To answer the questions:
1) Does the aquascape make an original creative impression to the viewers?
This is one of the most original aquascapes I've seen in the AGA showcase in a long time. He was very creative in his use of plants, in particular the use of hairgrass to maintain the slope of the hill.
2) Is the aquascape composed well (is there compositional balance within the aquascape)?
I think so. The main thrust of the aquascape is well placed and is in proportion to the overall size of the aquarium.
With the exception of one or two fronds the plants don't rest across the surface of the water, showing good planning as well as careful use of trimming to maintain the plan. Both techniques are essential components of composition. In fact, I feel that knowing when, where, and what to trim is more important than planting everything in exactly the right place. Plants grow and aquascapes change, knowing how to manipulate that growth in order to enhance the overall aquascape is what separates the great from the merely good aquascapers.
Furthermore, Ricky was good about not using many small groups if lots of plants. The larger areas of foliage contrast well with the bare substrate which in my opinion creates both spartan and lush elements in the design.
Personally, I don't feel that one needs any red plants are necessary to an aquascape. In fact, I think that red elements would have been disruptive to the overall composition.
3) Are the aquatic plants appropriately positioned within the aquascape? Does the balance exist in the colors and shapes of the plants used?
They're placed very well. However there's not as much contrast between the foliage textures or colors and they start to blend into eachother after one looks at the photo for any length of time.
4) Do you feel harmony between the fish and the aquarium layout?
Yes. The strength of this design is in my opinion the boldness of the planting. Too many fish and fish that were very colorful would have been a distraction. Fish that were too large would take away from the scale of the island. I feel the choice and number of "bait" was just right for this design.
5) Is the aquascape laid out well making a natural looking atmosphere?
That depends on one's idea of natural and how it relates to this design. I don't get any sort of impression that this aquascape is meant to imitate a small scale natural area so no, it's not natural in that regard.
However, I get a strong impression of a tropical island rising out of the middle of a tract of water. The choices of plants hint at thick underbrush and large palms that almost seem to be swaying in the wind. Also, the plants look healthy and are placed in areas that are suitable for their type and is natural in respect to the needs of the specific species.
Best,
Phil
To answer the questions:
1) Does the aquascape make an original creative impression to the viewers?
This is one of the most original aquascapes I've seen in the AGA showcase in a long time. He was very creative in his use of plants, in particular the use of hairgrass to maintain the slope of the hill.
2) Is the aquascape composed well (is there compositional balance within the aquascape)?
I think so. The main thrust of the aquascape is well placed and is in proportion to the overall size of the aquarium.
With the exception of one or two fronds the plants don't rest across the surface of the water, showing good planning as well as careful use of trimming to maintain the plan. Both techniques are essential components of composition. In fact, I feel that knowing when, where, and what to trim is more important than planting everything in exactly the right place. Plants grow and aquascapes change, knowing how to manipulate that growth in order to enhance the overall aquascape is what separates the great from the merely good aquascapers.
Furthermore, Ricky was good about not using many small groups if lots of plants. The larger areas of foliage contrast well with the bare substrate which in my opinion creates both spartan and lush elements in the design.
Personally, I don't feel that one needs any red plants are necessary to an aquascape. In fact, I think that red elements would have been disruptive to the overall composition.
3) Are the aquatic plants appropriately positioned within the aquascape? Does the balance exist in the colors and shapes of the plants used?
They're placed very well. However there's not as much contrast between the foliage textures or colors and they start to blend into eachother after one looks at the photo for any length of time.
4) Do you feel harmony between the fish and the aquarium layout?
Yes. The strength of this design is in my opinion the boldness of the planting. Too many fish and fish that were very colorful would have been a distraction. Fish that were too large would take away from the scale of the island. I feel the choice and number of "bait" was just right for this design.
5) Is the aquascape laid out well making a natural looking atmosphere?
That depends on one's idea of natural and how it relates to this design. I don't get any sort of impression that this aquascape is meant to imitate a small scale natural area so no, it's not natural in that regard.
However, I get a strong impression of a tropical island rising out of the middle of a tract of water. The choices of plants hint at thick underbrush and large palms that almost seem to be swaying in the wind. Also, the plants look healthy and are placed in areas that are suitable for their type and is natural in respect to the needs of the specific species.
Best,
Phil
