Fantastic designer, with an inspiring conversation topic. I remember (before my reefing hobby began), being so inspired by ADG's take on Iwagumi's. I based my last planted tank around their Iwagumi with the white sand foreground. I would love to see that same planted aquascape esthetic start creeping into reef-scapes. Though I agree, predicting coral growth is the largest challenge. Most aquatic plants have a preferred growth form, they have a maximum growth heights, they can be more easily manipulated than coral, and they grow faster by an order of magnitude. And the information on how to achieve that, by species, is readily available. Doing that with coral is theoretically possible, but my hat's off to Mr. Senske and others if they can achieve it. That next level is truly a skilled masterwork in design and husbandry
Design suggestion Raj: try looking at "halophytic succulent's", where you source them I have no idea. But that seems to be the likely plant category which fits your intent. You may have to provide some kind of shallow carve out for minimal substrate on the rock, to at least get the plants started in mounding or trailing.
There's a ton to learn from the design principles of nature aquarium or what is now, mostly, referred to as freshwater aquascaping, because those principles were borrowed or inspired from what is taught in art and photography schools. Also, some aquascaping principles are deeply rooted in old nature-art focused art forms (ikebana, suiseki, shan-shui & etc.) All of these principles help you understand art and nature better, both in and out of your aquarium.
I can see the look on the DJ's face when the shit hits the disco ball and the acrylic dance floor gives out. He discovers the damage that stray voltage in salt water can cause and thinks it's all his fault. 😂 On a more serious note, Raj could look into how feasible an orchid placed on that ledge would be and if that would work. You could mirror some of the same colors on the corals. It depends on the temperature in the house and if it could get the right lighting. Not sure if the tank would help with that enough. Orchids don't need any dirt. If place a piece of bark on top of the rock, it will wrap around the rock and grow. I've seen this done in Jamaica, but I don't think it will be in bloom year round. I think it will hold blooms most of the year though, under the right conditions. Might be worth looking into if all other options prove fruitless.
If corals don't look like they're from this world, maybe an aquascape design could lean into that. Make it as "naturally alien" as possible. No tacky plastic UFOs or anything like that, but maybe strange shapes and forms... Like plausible geologic forms from worlds we don't know or understand. Maybe add in the most obscure and unrecognizable invertebrates, too.
I was about to say, where’s Mark! Then I remembered ReefTherapy #81!
Wishing Mark the best and can’t wait for the next time he joins us!
Don’t get paralyzed by to many choices
Just do what you like and it all comes together
I started a IM 10 gallon at work and employees can’t believe the corals are real. Plus it’s a nice relaxing piece for me to look at everyday
Raj
I build overflow aquariums
Would like to see photos of them
Bobby
Kenny at High Tide Aquatics got the double shoutout from Reef Builders and Reef Beef in the same week. Well deserved.
Fantastic designer, with an inspiring conversation topic.
I remember (before my reefing hobby began), being so inspired by ADG's take on Iwagumi's. I based my last planted tank around their Iwagumi with the white sand foreground.
I would love to see that same planted aquascape esthetic start creeping into reef-scapes. Though I agree, predicting coral growth is the largest challenge. Most aquatic plants have a preferred growth form, they have a maximum growth heights, they can be more easily manipulated than coral, and they grow faster by an order of magnitude. And the information on how to achieve that, by species, is readily available.
Doing that with coral is theoretically possible, but my hat's off to Mr. Senske and others if they can achieve it. That next level is truly a skilled masterwork in design and husbandry
Design suggestion Raj: try looking at "halophytic succulent's", where you source them I have no idea. But that seems to be the likely plant category which fits your intent. You may have to provide some kind of shallow carve out for minimal substrate on the rock, to at least get the plants started in mounding or trailing.
Awesome! Can't wait to deep dive into this
There's a ton to learn from the design principles of nature aquarium or what is now, mostly, referred to as freshwater aquascaping, because those principles were borrowed or inspired from what is taught in art and photography schools. Also, some aquascaping principles are deeply rooted in old nature-art focused art forms (ikebana, suiseki, shan-shui & etc.) All of these principles help you understand art and nature better, both in and out of your aquarium.
Where can I find pics of Raj’s tank
I think Raj should get a white egret instead of a parakeet, then you could watch it go fishing in the tank😮
🤣
I can see the look on the DJ's face when the shit hits the disco ball and the acrylic dance floor gives out. He discovers the damage that stray voltage in salt water can cause and thinks it's all his fault. 😂
On a more serious note, Raj could look into how feasible an orchid placed on that ledge would be and if that would work. You could mirror some of the same colors on the corals. It depends on the temperature in the house and if it could get the right lighting. Not sure if the tank would help with that enough. Orchids don't need any dirt. If place a piece of bark on top of the rock, it will wrap around the rock and grow. I've seen this done in Jamaica, but I don't think it will be in bloom year round. I think it will hold blooms most of the year though, under the right conditions. Might be worth looking into if all other options prove fruitless.
If corals don't look like they're from this world, maybe an aquascape design could lean into that. Make it as "naturally alien" as possible. No tacky plastic UFOs or anything like that, but maybe strange shapes and forms... Like plausible geologic forms from worlds we don't know or understand. Maybe add in the most obscure and unrecognizable invertebrates, too.
It'd definitely be a vibe! ~Remy
What are you drinking?!!!😊