POLAND IAPLC Contest!

[StanChung]

I will bring this to the attention of Benny.

[raglan]

i need to learn about the plants but it seems that experimental growing will not offer the same conditions as my fihs tanks will.
The fish come first, so my options are limited; "No" to Excel for carbon, and to CO2 dosing, and no to strong lighting, so it's almost a matter of finding out which plants will grow where without chemical help.
So I can scape just as a possible artistic exercise, and then see what happens...that's pretty low tech !

Dave

[Burnz]

I will bring this to the attention of Benny.

Thank you for your attention

[Shadow]

or maybe seperate "Planted tank" and "Aquascaping", so that people who want to focus on plats can post on plated tank section and people who want to focus on Aquascaping can discuss on Aquascapinc section.

[benny]

or maybe seperate "Planted tank" and "Aquascaping", so that people who want to focus on plats can post on plated tank section and people who want to focus on Aquascaping can discuss on Aquascapinc section.

Actually, those who want to focus on plants can go to plant talk. There is already a sub forum dedicated to the discussion on aquatic plants.

For aquascaping, there is also a dedicated sub forum for it. In my opinion, there is no difference between casual aquascaping (like me) or competitive aquascaping in terms of principles. At the end of the day, it's creating a work that is pleasing or impactful.

If there is to be a proposed competitive aquascaping sub forum, on what basis will it's contents be differentiated from the casual aquascaping sub forum? Also, who will be it's users? We are always happy to listen.

Cheers,

[Shadow]

you are right about that, it is difficult to differentiate. I the end it is up to the member who post the thread.

[StanChung]

You're going to look in both sections anyway! The only difference that can help is that it will seem like there is some sort of 'elitist division' for more critical but helpful views for the competitive scaper. These comments may upset the 'casual scaper' who is already happy with his accomplishment.

[Burnz]

For aquascaping, there is also a dedicated sub forum for it. In my opinion, there is no difference between casual aquascaping (like me) or competitive aquascaping in terms of principles. At the end of the day, it's creating a work that is pleasing or impactful.

If there is to be a proposed competitive aquascaping sub forum, on what basis will it's contents be differentiated from the casual aquascaping sub forum? Also, who will be it's users? We are always happy to listen.

Cheers,

You're going to look in both sections anyway! The only difference that can help is that it will seem like there is some sort of 'elitist division' for more critical but helpful views for the competitive scaper. These comments may upset the 'casual scaper' who is already happy with his accomplishment.

Okie, let me try. The intent of my first post was to find a way to invite more critical comments to critique aquascapes posted by fellow hobbist to help advance collectively aquascaping design skills. Status quo, that is unlikely to happen as mentioned already about tendency to go out of focus in the existing threads generally. Therefore introducing another subforum might help to address this issue of focus.

Usergroup: Thread starters will be individuals or group with specific agenda i.e materializing concept/ idea or competition, and must be open to critical opinions and comments like specific plant selection, photography methods etc to work towards the target. Letting the rest know your goal can help fellow hobbyist with specific skills they excel in chip in to advise more constructively.

As for hobbyist posting comments must be aware of the purpose of the new sub forum and refrain from posting general “nice tank!” comments ect, but are encouraged to be critical towards the work posted, like constructive opinions and even questioning the rationale of the scaper’s intent, regardless from a “noob” or “pro”. The key purpose is to be critical. The whole idea is to try to get as much discussion going, because only with multiple perspectives can we get a bigger picture of what we are doing.

Pros: If this works, but the end of a year or two, the forum will have a sub where there is a pool of information readily available where they can see specifically how they can achieve certain design intentions or goals with all the tools of aquascaping. (softscape, hardscape, water parameters, photography, etc). Also, hopefully we can also develop different methods of questioning and looking at aquascapes.

Cons: 'Elitist division' as mentioned by Stan. This is unlikely to happen as our local hobbyists are generally very nice and diplomatic to each other in terms of expressing comments and opinions. Also, I don’t think we will have a problem of creating a caste system. As far as I can see, the already existing “user title/rank” system employed in AQ has not caused any problems.

Please advise if anyone reading this have any other ideas. Always happy to hear. Have a good weekend!

[Shadow]

I have been thinking, would it be better if we start discussing on the aquascape that our fellow AQ member submitted to IAPLC 2008? What can we do to improve the current aquascape. Can be anything, add new plant, add different stone color, improve the photo taking skill, etc, as long as not a major rescape.

I believe we (or maybe only me) been doing the wrong way. After the competition result out we just dismantle everything and rescape for next year. What we have been doing is try and error, basically we rescape and hope for the best next year without understanding why is it so.

What I think we should do is sit down look at the scape and ask your self how to make it better. Is there any way by slight modification to get better result? This way we gain better foundation/understanding on aquascaping. Well... at least that what I think

We can start by creating new thread on each individual AQ member entries and discuss it. There are big problem though, we really need expert to voice out their comment. Not only aquascaping expert, but other art expert, photography expert, etc. We also need the member to be more outspoken, and willing to take critics. It also be good if we can make modification using GIMP or Photoshop and see whether the modification does make it look better.

What do you think?

[StanChung]

I don't think any of us dare to claim to be expert but perhaps above average.

I think it's a good idea and in absence of a specific forum, I think it's better to 'tag' your threads with acronym ACN [Aquascaping Critique Needed!] : [+ Title.]

When and if it proves popular, it would be easy spot them and move them into a specific sub forum.

[AquaObsession]

Maybe launching the Tank of the Month contest will make it even popular.

Cheers, Christophe

[Burnz]

Robert & Stan, I think both of you came up with some great ideas
Time to dissect my tank

[Shadow]

actually he have been dissecting my tank at other thread "Pictures of IAPLC 2008 AQ entries!". can start your next

[StanChung]

Wah, I hope somebody can dissect my tank. [owner usually blind to own faults. kekeke]

[Shadow]

need someone better at scaping than you are to disect your tank Unfortunately that quite rare

[StanChung]

What? Not true lah. I also want to learn how to reach top 27 level.

[Shadow]

Please post your tank here , I do saw it at MAC, but can't seem to find the link