Opinions needed: What makes a great aquascape?

I like caves and arches with something broken off in a different area from the main structure. I like for light to get deep into a cave so it's as if you are looking a huge cavern miniaturized in my living room. I also like to build it in a sort of stadium (without it looking uniform) to get as many different levels for different lighting and flow options as possible.

 

It is true that there are many different styles of scapes, whether they be peninsula/arches/piles etc and personal preference ultimately guides which type you like. But if basic rules are followed any tank regardless of style should be pleasing to the eye.

Here is a link on the golden ratio for aquascaping for planted tanks but the same principles apply for SW aquascaping.

The Golden ratio is a wonderful tool that can be used when aquascaping regardless of what style you are going for. It ties in the rock placement as well as coral placement. If followed, the golden ratio will make almost any aquascape pleasing to look at. If you have too many focal points, the viewer can become uncomfortable because their eyes are constantly moving around, so the goal is to have a singular focal point. The eyes will be able to flow from one place to another but always can return to the comfort of the single focal point.

So regardless of what style of tank you are going for, following the basics of this ratio should make it pleasing to the eye.

 

Thanks to both of you for your input!

 

my feelings are a a good aqua scape is acombination of aesthetics and practicality
aesthetics in that you have to look at it every day and be happy with what you see
which includes the 1st couple of years or so , the time in which most tanks look like a bunch of rocks with corals placed on them


practicality
not placing rock to close to side walls is something I have finally learned
from not being able to properly clean those tank walls on so many set ups in the past

and thats all I have to say about that

Forrest

 

Ahhh... was hoping to open another comedy set. But thanks for your thoughts.

 

I used to really like the wall look, I find myself liking the less is more look nowadays. A few perfectly placed rocks that have some height and shelving is very appealing to me now!

 

I like the Island look with open sand bed area. Its great for flow.

 

I agree with mikev.. I'm a big fan of having 2 separate islands. With one being the taller larger island and the other being smaller. When I did my scape, I tried to find odd looking rock pieces, with caves and arches. With the separate islands, it allows for a lot of open sand bed.. I think it looks more natural.

 

If you look on Page 2 that is what im looking to do with the new set up. Do you have pics of rock work?
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/mikev15101s-125-gallon-build-pics-96973.html


How is the research working out for you?

 

Check out this youtude video I came across. I like the concept and will be doing something similar soon.

YouTube - ‪Reef Stock Aquascaping Competition Reefbuilders.com‬‏