The state of Singapore aquascaping

[StanChung]

A little haphazard but the important thing is you can achieve the same result with the substitute. Sometimes even knowing the plant name is not enough since the seller may have poor knowledge and give you the wrong plant anyway!

[Blue Whale]

They don't. Ask 3 questions can't even answer 1. Normally you rely on the red marker on the plastic to tell what is it. Seaview I compared two moss of different names. Taiwan Moss, Christmas Moss...every angle also look the same; I decided they are the same and did not buy it. We have to rely on Wackytpt's knowledge for other plants. So still essential to learn it.

Very shack here...left lights and plants...

[[C]irRuS]

A little haphazard but the important thing is you can achieve the same result with the substitute. Sometimes even knowing the plant name is not enough since the seller may have poor knowledge and give you the wrong plant anyway!

I agree that it will be good if the substitute can yield similar result.

In many circumstances, most local seller but not all got very little knowledge of the name of the plants that they are selling. But one thing they will be sure is how it grows. Naming might not work at all, as there are alot local names. For instance "Ah Pek Plant". I feel that picture can tell a million word, and you must also be sure whether the picture of the plant you have is in wet or dry form, as some plants differ greatly.

In conclusion, aquascaping scene in singapore can only flourished if there is a much in depth discussion of our aquascape.

I would suggest fellow aquascaper who wish to have a more in depth discussion on their aquascape may have their thread entitled "Detailed Discussion: Title of Scape" (Or something simliar). I will be compulsory to state the following.

1) Size of tank
2) Lighting
3) Photo Period
4) CO2
5) Floral List
6) Fauna List
7) A brief description for your aquascape (inspiration)

This are some of the fills that are required by IAPLC.

Then it will be good if the thread is only used for discussion, critics, and suggestions. And not use for post like "The scape is impressive" (Or simliar praises") which I myself also post such comment some time.

The thread only strictly use for discussion for improvements.

Thread starter may also want to think of what he would like to improve for the aquascape from selected suggestion and post the final results of the aquascape after improvement.

I feel that this will greatly help in improving the quality of our aquascape.

[Blue Whale]

Cirrus, to sum it all, subject to critics. What Thio had said, each one starts a thread, subject to criticism, then from there improve. It can be tiring, can be fun, or even fill with explosive. If everyone agrees, then you must also agree where it would lead you into. I see no harm. I worry if one gets so battered up that he/she gave up the hobby. So someone must step in at times.

[Shadow]

Taiwan Moss, Christmas Moss...every angle also look the same; I decided they are the same and did not buy it.

Moss is a bit difficult, because on different condition it grow differently. for taiwan and christmas, you need to take it out and feel it. chrismas moss the original one feel rough

[Shadow]

I worry if one gets so battered up that he/she gave up the hobby. So someone must step in at times.

YEs this is a big problem in all forum. Most member normally will post great scape, nice scape, good try, etc although it is totaly crap

What if we have a section just for Aquascping critics. It mean any post inside will be heavily critics, no more nice try, good scape, etc.

[[C]irRuS]

Cirrus, to sum it all, subject to critics. What Thio had said, each one starts a thread, subject to criticism, then from there improve. It can be tiring, can be fun, or even fill with explosive. If everyone agrees, then you must also agree where it would lead you into. I see no harm. I worry if one gets so battered up that he/she gave up the hobby. So someone must step in at times.

That's the reason why I feel that there is a need for us to differentiate between thread for normal sharing of aquascape and thread starter who have the intention to open up his aquascape for a more in depth critics but using a different header.

No matter how, aquascaping is meant to be a fun hobby, so thread starter who would wish have a detailed discussion on their artwork should have an open mind. Take everything with a pinch of salt. Take in what ever you think that it will help you improve, and disregard those that you don't like. There is no point being explosive, or denfensive.

But honestly, I feel that this community is full of nice people. Things shouldn't get too out of hand.

[[C]irRuS]

What if we have a section just for Aquascping critics. It mean any post inside will be heavily critics, no more nice try, good scape, etc.

This is where I am heading to. We could differentiate post that is really open up for critics.

Actually other than critics, many experienced aquascaper here can also point out the actual good thing about an aquascape, that fellow forumer can pick up and learn from other people's experience.

Hence the whole thread will be a more fulfilling one, as it discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of the art work.

[Blue Whale]

Guys, I have done so with my thread. I am starting the ball rolling. If this can snow ball to everyone else, I also hope everyone benefits.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=65563
My healthy christmas moss is in the post if you interested to see it.

One thing for sure, I know Adrian aka Blue33, BFG, Wackytpt all can be critical. I should benefit from their comments. Just don't be too harsh on me...lol. Try lah hor?

[Shadow]

there is no scape yet, so will wait until then

[blue33]

Wow full name, Adrian aka Blue33. It should be blue33 aka Adrian. My advice is "Just Do It".

[dkk08]

YEs this is a big problem in all forum. Most member normally will post great scape, nice scape, good try, etc although it is totaly crap

What if we have a section just for Aquascping critics. It mean any post inside will be heavily critics, no more nice try, good scape, etc.

that's a great idea! Admin anyone watching this space?

Frankly speaking does Aquascaping encompass scaping of any type, example vivariums/terrariums? I feel that any scape can be inspirational just like how we're trying to imitate real life landscapes of mountains or forests in Aquascaping... sorry just coming from the vivarium stand point of view

[reveru]

i think it would be a great idea to have honest, constructive criticism. perhaps a dedicated sub-forum can be set aside for this? however i would like to suggest that instead of merely suggesting improvements, good points can be pointed out at the same time so that others reading the thread will know about it too.

[blue33]

Aquascaping, if you break them up it will be Aqua-Scaping, that means underwater scape. Unless vivariums/terrariums also involve greatly in underwater scape, then maybe. Aquascape usually takes up full tank water and not half or lesser water tank.

[felix_fx2]

Wow full name, Adrian aka Blue33. It should be blue33 aka Adrian. My advice is "Just Do It".

I 2nd to the Nike slogan. "Just Do It"
P.S: someone donate me small amount of lapis so i can "Just Do It" also

[felix_fx2]

i think it would be a great idea to have honest, constructive criticism. perhaps a dedicated sub-forum can be set aside for this? however i would like to suggest that instead of merely suggesting improvements, good points can be pointed out at the same time so that others reading the thread will know about it too.

I think its something very much important.
When i posted my 2 ft tank, not much criticism where i can improve on.

but i think i have the itchy fingers so i kept redoing, but hesitant do do a major rescape. Fearing i may not do better, as i don't know where to improve.

[StanChung]

Back here we have guys that have already tanks tha are ready to be photographed for contest[IAPLC] at this time save a few that are last minute.[me]

Can anybody produce something good in the heat of the moment? IMO-rarely but still possible, then your knowledge of plants and other things come into play. What can grow in time?

My advice is to really plan ahead so that you have time to make adjustments.

My tank right now is like a freight train speeding. I really have to gallop along with it to prevent it from crashing and picking up all the things that are falling off it's carriage.

Some plants melting, some plants half eaten by SAE[catch SAE], Trim plants to shape it. Make tighter bunches of plants, Trim old leaves, keep the sand white!, scrape the glass, bla bla... long list. Haven't decided on the final fishes as well. Have to take the photo soon-eh how to light ah.

Anyway you get the idea.

[checkerboard]

This is my view of the aquascaping as a hobby. I’ve been in this hobby for sometime now, keeping fishes for more than 25 years and plants maybe around 10 years. I’ve only started participating in ADA competition last year and these are my thoughts.

Firstly, if you want to do well in competition, you have to be serious about the hobby. I started by reading lots of books firstly on plants, then on aquascaping. I had tried to grow most plants with moderate success. Scientific names are not important (you can always ask someone when you need to submit a photo), but understanding how to grow and use the plant in your scape is key.

For stem plants, understanding the speed at which they grow, the density in which they can achieve is important to ‘time’ your trim for the perfect look. For instance, P. gayi and R. indica have very different characteristics when they grow though both are stem plants. For rosette plants, it is important to understand the size that some of these can reach and how it impacts a scape when the plant grows and reaches its potential. Many rosette plants looks great when small, but soon grow to monstrous proportions as in the case of many Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus. For ferns and mosses, understand how they can enhance your scape as they tend to make things look more natural (example, the roots of java ferns or A. nana draping down from a overhanging branch could be really nice like the Taiwanese scape in ADA 2010 No.7). So if you understand these characteristics, you are more likely to be able to come up with the scape you have in mind.

As for restrictions in the hobby, I agree cost and availability of raw materials (stones/wood) are prohibitive in Singapore (though Singapore is still cheaper than say Japan or HK). There are many time in my holidays where I see rocks that I wished I could bring home. But we have to be realistic and plan a scape around what we have. I usually draw 3-4 different scapes before I settle on one though I plan in detail how to execute all 3-4 of them. I sketched based on the ‘final look’ I desire, then I start to think of the plants that will be able to deliver the scape, which is why understanding the growth characteristic of plants is important as usually changes can be disruptive (for instance, you do not want to grow a patch of C. parva with only 2 months left before submission deadline).

As for inspiration for scapes, personally, I prefer scapes that depict a natural scene. I like classical scapes as well, but it is hard to get noticed unless it is truly magnificent and often, I find it less interesting. The biggest frustration for me perhaps is that sometime you have something in mind and started the process, only to realize after the ADA competition book is published that someone else has done it. Hence, this brings me to the point of timing. ADA competition deadline is end May with results published in July/August and the book available maybe in September or October. This year, I will tear down my tank and restart a new scape after the book is published (I’ve already committed to a scape for 2010 unfortunately and the idea was already used). This allows you to choose from the 3-4 scapes that has been drawn, the most original one and you have 8 months to come up with a nice scape, enough time to make some adjustments if needed. Personally, from ADA competition 2009, my favourite ‘unique scapes are ADA ranked 4 and 11, and my favourite classical scapes are No. 3 and No. 16. Also, think very carefully about the fish you use. Are their colors/size appropriate and enhance the scape? Do they school? Also, do they swim at the level of the tank that best suit the scape?

I think to achieve a great scape, other than the above, we need to critically evaluate our scapes and have patience (no one will win with the first couple of scapes). Always look at other scapes for interesting uses of plants and materials to see how you can enhance your scape. Scrutinize your scape: do you feel that it is a) nice, b) interesting, c) powerful (especially for rockscapes), d) gives a sense of serenity, e) finished. If you can check 4 of the previous 5 criteria, I think you should do pretty well. If you can do all of the above and still enjoy the hobby like many serious aquascapers are, I’m sure you will truly enjoy your scape and also do well in competitions eventually if you so desire.

On the topic of how to improve the state of aquascaping, I believe in making micro studies and discussions. For instance, discussions specific to the use of certain plants (e.g. how/where to use bolbitis?), or discussions on creating an interesting fore-ground, unique ways to use cork bark, white sand could be really helpful to bring ideas and inspiration to people.

These are my views on aquascaping that I like to share.

[StanChung]

I think you've outlined most of it. I would say it's possible to win with one two scapes if you're very good but most likely if you've got time to read this whole thread you probably are seeking help as well.

Singapore is small-size of KL PJ perhaps, it does not take much effort to go round to your buddy's houses to peek at their tanks and have gatherings of this sort.
Go yumcha with your ADA distributor, find out something helpful from your favourite LFS.
Shop together and exchange ideas. Host your own workshops!

Don't stick to your computer for too long! [I almost forgot how to write recently from typing too much]

[BFG]

One thing for sure, I know Adrian aka Blue33, BFG, Wackytpt all can be critical. I should benefit from their comments. Just don't be too harsh on me...lol. Try lah hor?

Ho Say Liao! Got green light to critic! Hahahahaha........ Must be my lucky day!!!

On a serious note, to critic also must be politically correct. The use of the Queen's English might be needed or must be used. For example " Blue Whale, your aquascaping sucks !" or "Blue Whale, your aquascaping CMI ! ( shortform for Cannot Make It )" is a bit harsh in my opinion but we as an informed critic could soften the blow a bit by rephrasing our comment more to the Queen's English side like "Blue Whale, your latest creation left little to be desired" or " Blue Whale, I do not know what's going on in your tank". This kind of phrase would let the tank owner know that something is off in his setup. Another option to let the tank owner know is to not reply in his thread.

But there must be a rule that the tank owner should not solicit favors from other members here in order to project his setup positively. Sometimes, the tank owner already have a group formed outside of the forum and might ask favors from his friends to comment favorably on his setup. This will led to a false impression being created in the respective thread. Everyone can see and judge the setup and if a so-so setup gets a lot of positive remark, something is definitely up. Everyone must be mature enough if they wants this to happen.

Hope this helps!