The state of Singapore aquascaping

[Blue Whale]

Thio,

I hope you are reading this post.
http://www.myfishtank.net/mft-news/t...planted-tanks/

Now from the stand point of a hobbist, we do want to improve ourselves. Yes, Ben555 did brought out the issue on cost. Okay, we already know money makes the world go round and all those business thingies. So temporary put these two factors aside.

How about a bit of follow up on the part you brought up on Takashi Amano Nature Aquarium World book. From the above link, I can see Book 1 to 3. From the looks of it, it doesn't really look cheap to get one book. ^^ So here comes the question, if you are looking at bulk order. What would be the likely price for New Nature Aquarium Photo book by Takashi Amano 1985 to 2009? (Correct me if the book name is wrong). Second questions is that does it comes in Japanese or English? We certainly not thinking of travelling to Niigata to get the book..ha ha.

Book Reference:
http://www.amanotakashi.net/info/091211.html

[Aquanoob]

Michael,
our own libraries carry a few of Amano's books, which you can pick up and have an guideline or inspiration for your next aquascape.

Thio,

I hope you are reading this post.
http://www.myfishtank.net/mft-news/t...planted-tanks/

Now from the stand point of a hobbist, we do want to improve ourselves. Yes, Ben555 did brought out the issue on cost. Okay, we already know money makes the world go round and all those business thingies. So temporary put these two factors aside.

How about a bit of follow up on the part you brought up on Takashi Amano Nature Aquarium World book. From the above link, I can see Book 1 to 3. From the looks of it, it doesn't really look cheap to get one book. ^^ So here comes the question, if you are looking at bulk order. What would be the likely price for New Nature Aquarium Photo book by Takashi Amano 1985 to 2009? (Correct me if the book name is wrong). Second questions is that does it comes in Japanese or English? We certainly not thinking of travelling to Niigata to get the book..ha ha.

Book Reference:
http://www.amanotakashi.net/info/091211.html

[Blue Whale]

Michael,
our own libraries carry a few of Amano's books, which you can pick up and have an guideline or inspiration for your next aquascape.

Book 1 by Amano contains some "placement errors" which Amano himself made. He is not just doing better through the years of photography. By looking at photos that he takes, he revisits each photo and draw inspiration from them. Hence it would not be just look at Book 1 to 3.

Thio have shared about the 1985-2009 book. What is precious is that you can see the progression over the years of his works. Hence, unless the library have this book, you will be lock out of this precious access. I don't meant to be rude, but I am dewey decimal trained (Library Cataloguing). ^^" When you combine that skill set with I.T. you get better results. Here are the books available from the National library. Those people interested can click through the link to find out which book is available at the nearest Library. Book 3 is traced at Woodlands. Anyone in the forum forgot to return the books? ha ha...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
1 Amano, Takashi. Aquarium plant paradise 1997
2 Amano, Takashi. Nature aquarium world 1997
3 Amano, Takashi. Nature aquarium world 1994

One of the link that is hidden in AmanoTakashi.net is his latest work. So here to share the link:
http://www.amanotakashi.net/portfoli...ium/index.html

[Aquanoob]

Frankly, regardless of how many Amano or other aquascaping books you read, it is still down to how creative and uniqueness your work can be.
The Sifu had seen-all, did-all and he is no longer looking for the "WOW" work but is looking for the "OOhh" and "Mmmm" work, those that let you ponder what is behind the aquascraper's mind. If one got the resources, he can just simply copy-and-paste what he saw in scraping books and magazines, but it isn't going to win him anything.
Also, take note that there are 17 judges from all around the world, and like what Thio said, your work maybe preferred by the Angmos, but the Japs may dislike it. At the end of the day, it is how many strong votes you can get from the the judges that determine your ranking.

[Blue Whale]

^_^ I am a hobbist, Thio have seen me putting the registration brochure back to the table. Now if you are serious in getting into the competition, you need to prepare.

Problem 1: It is difficult to find materials.
I think: Not less you have been collecting the materials during your spare time. Remember I told you? Buy first, don't think so much...lol so long the pocket is not too shallow. Let's think from an angle, if you plan your budget properly, you could gather the materials slowly. It's slow but it's a start. Vinz said buy first, less you want others to buy it. Ben555 said people bought it the next day.

Problem 2: No right tank
I think: Start by saving what you want. Both Felix and I still looking around. Gathering intel as we visit each shop. Felix knows I take the photo and be posting up so later on hobbist can refer to them anytime needed via search. A nice cabinet is appreciated. Even Adrian is looking at ADA cabinets. ^^

Problem 3: No right light
I think: As Vinz have pointed out 2wpg is currently sufficient. You don't forget our house is still expose to natural sun light. And so, in the process, you look an OceanFree light with ADA Tubes. Isn't it interesting that you as a hobbist could do this too? You might also need a few lights to play around.

Problem 4: Not original.
I think: If you watch American Idol, would the judges be look at replicas or originals. Likewise I think it applies to the way the IAPLC is being judged. In fact I just went through the IAPLC judging criterias and the judges involved for 2009 before the workshop. Well...glad I did, else won't know what Vincent (ADA) is talking about.

The focal point is to be as natural as possible right? I don't think so. I think it is to walk together with mother nature. First you have to see and appreciate. Serenity is one thing. Harmony, well you have to think of what LiXiaoLong have said, to be like water, changing it's form as it goes place to place. You look at water fall, valleys, even walk through one, drink the water. Then the way you appreciate nature would be different. Amano use photography to do that. I am trekker, remember? hee...but lousy photographer. Yes, you need to invest in another hobby call photography...but if you ask Amano, I am sure he would say not necessary.

[ADA SG]

How about a bit of follow up on the part you brought up on Takashi Amano Nature Aquarium World book. From the above link, I can see Book 1 to 3. From the looks of it, it doesn't really look cheap to get one book. ^^ So here comes the question, if you are looking at bulk order. What would be the likely price for New Nature Aquarium Photo book by Takashi Amano 1985 to 2009? (Correct me if the book name is wrong). Second questions is that does it comes in Japanese or English? We certainly not thinking of travelling to Niigata to get the book..ha ha.

Book Reference:
http://www.amanotakashi.net/info/091211.html

Hi,
if you are purchasing directly from Japan ADA's website, the going price now is 7500YEN. That's about $115 inclusive of airfreight, using $15.5/1000yen exchange rate.

We are currently working with Japan to get a price for a possible mass order. The price will be posted soon in the merchant's section. Keep a lookout.

[dkk08]

Hi Michael, Nicholas and Thio, I would first thank Thio for the very interesting workshop and I've always been very much interested in Japanese/Zen style scaping…

I do however have to post my thoughts from a neutral stand point as I agree with both Thio's option A and B. For example in my case, I do have a 10in cube tank which Thio did mention that someone submitted a entry base on a 10in cube tank some years back but how am I going to plan the scape and how where I am going to find the rocks or driftwood is another thing

I believe it goes to show how much passion we've and how much time and effort we're willing to spend and "invest" in our hobby? I started my "hobbiyist life" as a exotic fish keeper and progressed to planted tanks and then to marine and then to shrimp/planted tanks but the one thing that remained consistent in me and for which I've the strongest passion are Vivarium/Terrarium setups and my love for amphibians

Having said ao much, bottom line is, if you don't try you'll never know, so yes I might play around with my 10in cube tank and see if I can make it in time for the AQ-ADA contest

[Blue Whale]

\^o^/ I tear down everything loh...

>"< Still thinking actually, one week for the tank to dry up before I start scooping again. Need to throw quite a number of small things from the tank.

Sure Thio, will wait and see. But will there be an English version? Photographs usually need words to bring out more on the background. If it is japanese words, what differences does it made to read from Internet instead?

[ADA SG]

\^o^/ I tear down everything loh...

>"< Still thinking actually, one week for the tank to dry up before I start scooping again. Need to throw quite a number of small things from the tank.

Sure Thio, will wait and see. But will there be an English version? Photographs usually need words to bring out more on the background. If it is japanese words, what differences does it made to read from Internet instead?

ADA Japan informed that current version is in Japanese. We are sure that the English version copies will be available after the current print is sold. We will make the announcement when the day comes.

Thanks

[reveru]

not sure if its out of topic, mod feel free to move this post if yes, but how does one actually participate in the AQ friendly scaping contest? just submit picture? desmond, you mention you may try to make it in time for AQ-ADA, and michael just reset his tank, presumably to also try his hand at scaping, good job! but how do you participate? as in, even if you plant now, you can't submit picture until its at least 2-3 months for it to grow in right?

[dkk08]

Hi reveru, check out this link for more info on the friendly AQ-ADA contest http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=64768

and yes I may not make it in time since I need to let the plants grow but that's 1 reason why I'm thinking of using my spare 10 inch cube tank, since its small I do not have to wait long before the plants grow and reach the top

of course there's the idea of making a 10 inch cube tank look like a 3ft cube tank... still planning

[reveru]

oh ya, 10 inch maybe can grow quite fast if you plant a bit more dense. i like the idea of making the 10 inch look much bigger than it is. something like what a forumer bro from spain did? not sure his nick. but i think its quite tough, but if succeed sure score points for creativity keep us update desmond

[newtank]

I think one have to understand and accept that resources is limited and varies across different country, but that should not stop us from indulging in our hobby. Even if this limited resource is going to be a huge obstacle to "us" "winning" any competition.

In a game where size matters to a certain extend, do we stop playing football just because we are never going to jump as high as the Europeans? Or do we stop because there just aren't enough open fields to chase a ball around.?

There was the subject of not getting enough materials in LFS for our aqua scaping projects, i have to raise both hands and agree, however, we also have to take into account the business point of view. many years ago, we can literally walk into any LFS and buy Luohan, because the demand was there and everybody was bringing in the fish, but now, you could hardly find one, and if you do, its going to cost you.

So , the question is, "can the LFS bring in more materials?"...I am sure the answer is yes, but one have to understand that the cost is going to be inversely proportional to the demand.

We may not have what we wanted for our scapes, but I still feel we have enough materials out there to do up some good scapes, they may not be what we have in mind, but with a little creativity, we can use them to come up with some really good work.

Having being on the side of LFS so far, I do have my critics about "authorised distributors". I once tried to buy a filter by JBL and took pains to track down the distributors, and when I finally did and ask them about bringing in the filter for me, the answer was a resounding "No"....even if I am to pay premium price. I might not know exactly how "authorised distribution" works, but it still came as a shock to me that the only shop which can bring in this product is not able to.

In a small country like Singapore where demands are always going to be too small, we just have to make do with what we have. hopefully one day, the hobby population will be big enough to justify more support from the businesses.

[blue33]

I agree with what "newtank" has said. Any rocks and wood can make do a nice scape, you just need to do some tweeting on it. Plant itself can also be scape which lots of people has missed this out. Many people gave up on this not because of the hardscape but rather the plant grown and the algae attack issue. Healthy plant grown is very important, from there you scape the plant to blend in whatever hardscape you have there.

Even for those top winners, their hardscape is through a period of finding, hardscape has never being easily come to anyone. Is the passion they have that drive them keep sourcing till they find it. Same for my "Rocky Mountain", if you see the rock personally, you wouldnt have chosen it also, they really look ugly and ugly usually people dont want it, but it make good scape for "Iwagumi".

Take below picture as an example, if you look at those hardscape, those rocks can be found in our LFS, there are many rocks that form the mountain. The only thing that stands out is the grown of plant it has and the slope it created. Can it be created, my answer is "YES". The only thing i cant guarantee is the plant that everyone can grow.

Image from genes.

[Ben555]

First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation to Mr. Thio, his team and AQ staff that made the event possible. I understand that you guys are taking the initiative to promote this hobby in Singapore and using the limited resources that you have to make this a beneficial and educational event for people like myself. Once again, effort appreciated.

Now, my 2 cents worth.

I second Newtank as I also believe creativity is the key word if you would want to have a normal/nice/Wow!! tank.

I can have all the materials/equipments in the world and still have a normal tanks or I can based on my creativity (ha ha ) and create something extraordinary from my limited resources.

Of course, the best combination is:
resources and creativity

and the worse combination is:
resources and creativity

In the normal distribution, 80% of us will fall somewhere in between.

The next question is what do I want to acheive?
1) A tank at home that my family and friends can enjoy, don't care about what other thinks as long as the plants and fish are growing well.

Or

2) World Champion!!!!

For a beginner like myself, I am starting with 1) and I believe will go to 2) through normal progression once I have more experience.

Going for 2) will definately take its toll on resources (time and money) and this is the trade off I will have to consider before deciding to take on the world best.

Finally IMO, the current planted tank population in Singapore from the business perspective do not warrent support that you are expecting from the likes of LFS from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwen etc. It just do not make business sense for them to do that.

Hence, enjoy what you have, create what is needed and fate will decide if you are the ONE

Ben

[newtank]

I agree with what "newtank" has said. Any rocks and wood can make do a nice scape, you just need to do some tweeting on it. Plant itself can also be scape which lots of people has missed this out. Many people gave up on this not because of the hardscape but rather the plant grown and the algae attack issue. Healthy plant grown is very important, from there you scape the plant to blend in whatever hardscape you have there.

Even for those top winners, their hardscape is through a period of finding, hardscape has never being easily come to anyone. Is the passion they have that drive them keep sourcing till they find it. Same for my "Rocky Mountain", if you see the rock personally, you wouldnt have chosen it also, they really look ugly and ugly usually people dont want it, but it make good scape for "Iwagumi".

Take below picture as an example, if you look at those hardscape, those rocks can be found in our LFS, there are many rocks that form the mountain. The only thing that stands out is the grown of plant it has and the slope it created. Can it be created, my answer is "YES". The only thing i cant guarantee is the plant that everyone can grow.

Image from genes.

I think you have hit the nail is the right spot somehow, as a newbie myself, I struggle to imagine how you guys find such "nice rocks". But after looking at the rocks in the workshop and some forumers who were kind enough to showcase their "raw" materials in their journal, most of the rocks were really so-so only.....at least in my eyes.

I think most newbies struggle to understand how the growth of plants will blend with the rocks and woods to form a nice picture.

Allow me to be a bit corny here, if you split the colors of a rainbow and appreciate each color seperately, they are really just that....colors. But if you combine them together, you get a really nice rainbow that sometimes take your breathe away

[blue33]

BINGO!

I think you have hit the nail is the right spot somehow, as a newbie myself, I struggle to imagine how you guys find such "nice rocks". But after looking at the rocks in the workshop and some forumers who were kind enough to showcase their "raw" materials in their journal, most of the rocks were really so-so only.....at least in my eyes.

I think most newbies struggle to understand how the growth of plants will blend with the rocks and woods to form a nice picture.

Allow me to be a bit corny here, if you split the colors of a rainbow and appreciate each color seperately, they are really just that....colors. But if you combine them together, you get a really nice rainbow that sometimes take your breathe away

[ranmasatome]

about plant growth....
Personally, i feel one has to know each plant before they do any scape using that plant. Most people, when starting out, simply pick and choose and plonk the plants that are pleasing to their eye into the tank. This usually results in a linear/stiff outlay and un-natural look. For me, i was lucky enough to have gone through a period where collecting plants was a fun thing to do. i remember that i even had a small "collectoritis" tank which i used to try to grow all sorts of rare plants. This allowed me to understand each plant's growth and characteristic..you'll be surprised that once you know that... you also know what and where to use them. Sometimes they even inspire you to create and try a whole new scape. Nowadays, you hardly get the chance to see the rare plants anymore.. its every now and then rather than in your face when the rage was on. What happened to ranunculus? or hong yu san (red umbrella..anyone can tell me the sccientific name? ) or ludwigia "araguia"? just to name a few?
Its through growing and learning/observing the growth of each plant that you realise their differences and understand how to use them to apply to your own individual distinct scape. That is when you learn to blend them like the colours of the rainbow. So all i can say is.. practice practice practice..observe and learn..then adapt to become better.
in short.. using plants kind of becomes like using hardscape. So are you an (a) or (b) in choosing your plants?

[James_C]

of course everyone would like to be a grand champion but let set a realistic goal for our self. It is not just about your rank at the current moment but more important is how much can you improve on the next scape.

just my 2 cents

[Blue Whale]

=) Resetting tank does not mean I am qualify yet to be in the competition. Now firstly you need a right tank, I would prefer 3ft and above to create a decent one. 4ft best. Now I have posted a few picts of 2009 IAPLC Winning rank photos at http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=65456 so you can look at the measurement of each tank.

My current tank do not have the right height and the width so I cannot create a very good depth there. That does not mean I cannot practise with it. To say only and not do is call NATO aka No Action Talk Only. So for myself, just go ahead and try to practise first. Who knows, down the road I might get the financial means to do it. If I am good enough I might just go for 2011 instead.

The other thing that currently in my mind is plants. Like Ranma san have said it. You need to know your plant. No choice lah, learn lor...don't complain so much, just go ahead and learn it. Basics Chapter 3. What is Heliophytes, Sciophytes, Cryptocoryne...its a wakaoz...wt* thingy...no worries I will still go find out. You just have to start off the first feet, who knows, might be an interesting domain to enter into. Hee Hee. I just came back from Biotope with a $5 NA Book 2009...who say Biotope don't have cheap stuffs....kaka...of course and other goodies like Bac. 100. I can't say I will be successful but sure can tell people I am trying. ^^Y Yeah.