When Does Aquascaping Become "Collectoritis"?

[csmith]

Where's the line drawn? Is it merely grouping well versus random placement, or is there more to it? I've seen some awesome aquascapes that have just as many different species as other tanks where people have been advised to cut down on what they're using. What's the difference?

 

[CL_]

I'd say it's based on what the aquascaper/ planter says it is mostly. If someone other than the owner of the tank says it's collectoritis, it probably looks cluttered/ messy, IMO.

 

[dutchy]

For Dutch aquascapes there is a "golden rule", which is max. 1 species of plant for every 4 inch of tank length.

regards,
dutchy

 

[CL_]

Wow, I've never heard that one, dutchy. At least not that I remember. I may have read about it in an old library book years ago where dutch aquariums where basically the only style, and all of the pictures were of metaframe tanks.
Cool information.

 

[shoggoth43]

That brings back some memories. I really miss my victorian tank. 5 gallons, mastic cement, stainless frame and slate bottom for the lamp fired "heater". I forget how it got damaged.

-
S

 

[hbosman]

For Dutch aquascapes there is a "golden rule", which is max. 1 species of plant for every 4 inch of tank length.

regards,
dutchy

Can you post a link describing the rules of the Dutch style? I want to give it a try, it must be in the genes. ;-)

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

NBAT web site. I am sure it has this info somewhere...

http://www.nbat.nl/

The bing translator worked fine....

 

[hbosman]

Hi,

NBAT web site. I am sure it has this info somewhere...

http://www.nbat.nl/

The bing translator worked fine....

Thanks alot. I guess I can get my dad to translate. LOL

 

[Wet]

I like that "rule", too. Also explained in a way that makes me think of the big groupings of single species of stems that make Dutch tanks so striking and pretty.

In another way for csmith's question, if you get a new species because you cruised online forums and just had to have it, then have trouble making room for it or have to toss it in the back somewhere, and try to justify it by saying it's just storage between tanks or something, it's probably collectoritis in denial. Ot at least those are my symptoms.