Final Photos "Hau Coast"

[reiverix]

You may remember this lay out, and that it was originally called "Naupaka Coast." The HC that was supposed to represent Naupaka did not make it, so I filled the area, and you get "Hau Coast" (the hawaiian tree that the umbrossums are representing).

Anyway, these are not really "final photos." I will continue taking photos of the tank all the way up until it has to be taken down (I return to Hawaii for winter break on Dec. 16). I will keep trying to get better and better photos for future contest use. But enough explanation, here is the tank:

 

[Tom Barr]

Looks better!
Get the sand off the rock/wood though.
Add some L acruata perhaps in the rear corner for color also and see if you like that effect.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[reiverix]

I can see what you're thinking Tom, and I'm sure that would be pretty too. But those decisions (putting sand on the rocks, and not including red plants) were done conciously.

-- If you put sand into the crevices of the rocks, those crevices are high-lighted, giving visual texture. Basically, the scape gets added contrast and visual complexity. Not to mention, if you go to the beach, you don't find the rocks spotless of sand.

--There are no thin-leaved red plants (or red plants in general) growing on Hawaii's coast lines. Or at least none that I've seen and since this scape is reflecting my memories and sense, (which are definitely "cool" in color temperature) there should be no red plants.

I understand the idea that different people have different memories and so connect with different images but, I'm of the mind that a strong aquascape should be able to bring memories to the viewer. Ie, when you're striving for excellence, instead of compromising for the sake of conforming, keep the purity of your vision and build off of it. That's just the way I feel about it.

 

[Tom Barr]

This is what judges will say so you need to explain that prior.

There are red "plants" along the coast, but they are macro algae and in the water. But nothign wrong without it also, just a simple thought to add later after you get a few good pics here.

I've been in many white sand aquatic environments, it still looks odd. I know it's conscience, but my eye still does not like it for some reason.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[reiverix]

explain huh? I guess that would be in the context of the AGA only-- in which case I probably would say something about my motive.

Thing about those macro algaes, is that since they're underwater even when you look at them through the water they look brown or yellow. The "red" light doesn't reach them very easily. Same thing that stopped me from adding a bunch of obviously red fish. Even if you dive underwater and look at a goat fish, it looks brown instead of red.

You're right though that things like "dust sand off of rocks" or "insert some ludwigia arcuata" are things that could be done at any time, and then see if you like it.

 

[reiverix]

Set 2:

+ Some Arcuata

 

[phanmc]

Very nice scape though I can see where Tom is coming from in regards to the sand. When viewing a coastline from afar the hard details and impurities, like specks of sand, meld together to form a smooth image. Since we are dealing with a closeup image, the specks of sand against the dark stone are creating too much detail and contrast that draws the eyes to it and away from the smooth plant growth on top.

Dusting away the smaller isolated sand particles while leaving the larger sand banks may create a smoother transition while still maintaining your goal.