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Thanks chaps. I must point out; these are not in fish tanks. There's no water. They're just 'scenes' that I wanted to create but with aquatic ideas in mind. Hi Grathod. To be honest, I'm not sure flooding it (or putting these mosses in water) would work. I think they may die. They're not...

Cheers Lancsrick. Here#s the basics in the following image... light-tent by saintly's pics, on Flickr It's a proper photography tent, which diffuses the light from every angle. Even the front if I put the front on. Don't need that though with no shiny surfaces. There's 2 x 500w lamps...

i had something similer to that Ian. I thought it was a sought of riccia...obviously wrong. Here's the last of the test photos' A ripple added. Time to move on to more land based layouts. gumi-ripple by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Heres one last shot with stone... gumi-7 by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Here's the stone.You can use either copper green granite (if you can find it, or purple schist #(i think is similer) stone by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Cheers George. I've changed the title. Still not sure it's great. I've got some more ideas coming to me. I have a thought, that at a seminar, creating an iwagumi but using terrestrial mosses. This will help in giving an 'instant look' rather than letting the brain decide on how it may look 4...

Cheers Time. Here's a few more. All Ps'd, but then how how would i create them. There's one with a sunset vibe, which is slightly different. gumi5 by saintly's pics, on Flickr gumi-6 by saintly's pics, on Flickr sunset-gumi by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Thanks for looking and commenting Antoni, The plants are indeed terrestrial. The forest gets an overall yearly with (mostly) the silver birches getting lopped. There's a lot of debris and piles of moss all over the place, so I don't feel bad about taking from nature. And to be honest, if you...

Wasnt sure if this is photography or aquascaping. After trying to recover from a chest infection, i'm getting bored, amnd as usual, doing too much when i should rest. Anyway, here's a few Iwagumi layouts. The 'false' way. gumi1 by saintly's pics, on Flickr gumi2 by saintly's pics, on...

Like the idiot I can be, I lost the contact details of the guy I bought these off. I purchased them @ Vivarium. I know they're made in Germany. I've put these side by side with ADA tools, and they are seriously, no different. When I bought them I tried 3 or 4 of each (even though they are...

Here's what I have. The smallest pair of scissors are my fave. Great for heavy stem trimming. The angled ones are great for getting into awkward spaces. tools by saintly's pics, on Flickr

When it comes to scissors, buy the best you can afford. Scissors are the most important part for me. No 2 pairs are the same. You need them slightly tight at the intersection. If the UKAPS kits are still available, they really are quite good. The finer the point on the tweezers, the better.

They're fine to use. Don't be confused with wet stones. When underwater, they tend to look as they do dry above water.

There's some awesome tanks. The level is so much better this year. I dont hold much hope, but with my tank being heavily featured in the new Tropica catalogue, i'm not too fussed about an ADA result :)

Looks nice. I have a few clips of this tank. I'll see if I can string them together. What W/ B did you use? It looks a little 'cold' you could pull that back in post processing though.

Can't see the vid mate

Do it aquadream :P I dare you

I'm itching from all of the morphine I'm on :lol: seriously.

Who's prepared to show their IAPLC entry for 2012?...i'm itching to.

Here was getting ready for the shoot... blue by saintly's pics, on Flickr Then remove all harware, and fire away. square by saintly's pics, on Flickr tidy all rough edges....stray bits like glosso in the bottom.... gouramis1 by saintly's pics, on Flickr

If that were the case, i couldnt enter, as i have a 2 page spread in the new Tropica catalogue. This is why i took numerous shots, thus allowing me to use a shot that no one has seen. As good as the photo is for Tropica, the one i have for IAPLC, Is just that little bit beter :wink:

That rule is daft and often ignored. George for example, entered a tank that was previously featured in PFK...nothing happened. Last year, i did show off my tank which came 95th a dozen times on dozen of different forums. They really cant police it, and to be honest, it's a stupid rule anyway.

Remember, it's not a photgraphic competition, but that said, the better the photo, the more serious the judges will take your entry. Hopefully, a good judge, will see the potential within the scape, good pic or not.

Just grab a snap, and enter it. There's about 13 days left.

Me I believe. Last year pos.95 for UK...top 100 winning works. I think peter kirwin was Ireland, not UK he got 16th

Thats good to know Viktor. I wish i could have been there to see the fruits of our labour. To be honest, i've watched those videos so many times, i can tell you every single part of each scape' :shh: My next video project is the 1-2grow! hopefully with a little more artistic control.

Theres always old scapes' to enter....I believe George has entered... no? I have a couple that i could enter, but i reckon i've put the strongets one in, that being the 120cm It's not about glory, but rather being seen by the world as a strong force.

Thats my point. We need as many entries as possible. On so many points, companies abroad could take us more seriously, and then maybe start dropping prices. Silly things like this help, i'm sure. Lets put the UK on the map.

So there's about 5 from the UK?....Really, this isnt very good. There are some crackin' UK scapers on the forum.

Well, the plant is renound for its fast growth, but i didnt realise how fast. Not steroids mate, infact the opposite....very little these days.

I'm going to go and venture into my local P@H store, and see what they have in. I might just get a few pots of stems, and see what happens. I'll cut the whole back part ofthe tank down to the ground, and let it recover. This will mean that the HC will need flattening to an inch of its life if...

It's totaly possible Ady. I could remove the 2 visible rocks, and really shape the rear stems, and add a group of real fast growing stems. It would be interesting to see, not only that, i could still beat my personnel best for 'longest running tank'

The stone nearly went through the patio window though in a fit of rage! this tank was a breeze to. i suppose theres still a chance to make something of it somehow.i'll have to see what i can pull off

Last night, I had a massive disaster! I moved the tank to take some photos (which I've done about 7 times) but this time, the rocks caved in. The biggest fell over, and the other toppled. I've had to take one of them out. I'm a bit gutted, as it was starting to look quite nice. Thankfully, I...

Gotta keep the numbers up mate. :thumbup:

Cheers Viktor. I take it they managed to move it OK?

I know. i'd like to show mine too. :?

14 days left mate Nice as that would be, i dont think it's strong enough. That said, it's featured in the new Tropica catalogue...double page spread, front cover and a full tank shot. It doent break the rules, as the image Tropica used is different to the one i've submitted. :angel: i don't...

I was in 2 minds whether to enter, but thought best keep the numbers up. I don't feel it's strong enough to compete, but lets see the outcome... Anyone else entering?

Thanks Ady.

I do send them out. Stems mainly. do you need any? They may well be available after interzoo. I'm not fully sure. I've just received my new Tropica catalogue, which again should be available pretty soon.

Thanks. There are 11 in total, all done by UK guys. I edited them all, under Tropicas instruction. I designed, planted and filmed the layout above, and Tropica took care of it, and then provided me with the latter shots. My 90cm was crying at me....trim me please. I thought i best do it, as...

here's one...

Its a total rebrand almost. Check out their you tube channel. You may see one or two scapes' done by a few familiar people :wink:

Thanks for the support guys. I'm hoping to get this sorted once and for all. and your trimming scissors mate. :thumbup: I don't think it would be possible to do what I do with just gravel.

Hi everyone. Sorry for not being around much, but with an operation looming, and having to work 7 days a week whilst ill, i've not got a great deal of enthusiasm for anything at the moment. Thanks to my friends who have been supportive recently. Hopefully, in 4 or 5 weeks, i'll be plaguing you...

You can see it here.... last-time by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Good question...and your pretty much correct with your thoughts. On the bigger tank, I'll always have opposing configurations. what will change is which side I have the outlet, depending on whether I have stems, and also, which way i would like the stems to sway. filter one... inlet rear...

Lower light intensities Chris. On start up, I'll run the lights for 5 hours, and whether it be T5 or Halide, I'll suspend the light pretty high. Algae crew is a must. Ottos and shrimp. I've also used phos and silica remover, but whether the science behind these work, still remains to be...

Mike, it has taken time to acquire the Amano shrimp. Occasionally, buying 1 or 2 here and there. The cherries, I bought. 12 and they have just bred and bred. When I took the 120cm apart, I must of killed hundreds. It was impossible to catch every single one. I've had my CRS breed too. Of...

Yes, Plenty. I have about 40 or 50 Amano shrimp, about 20 ottos, and about 100 or so cherry shrimp, which have just bred. I have babies that are about 2mm big, and they never get devoured by the Gouramies. Here they are playing happily together. shrimp by saintly's pics, on Flickr detail1...

Re: Keep your surface clean With a busy working life that i have, its not always possible to do this sadly. :angel: I was a little 50/50 weather to post about Gouramis, as i expected someone to say they didnt do the same job as they do for me. It kinda disproves my theory. For me, they...

I've said a few times about how I keep my surface clear from 'surface scum' One of the best additions I've had is the good old Gourami. I've had a few different types, and they all do the same job. These ones are discreet and don't clutter up the over all look. I think, because they are...

another thing that I did, was to pin it using a tooth pick angled. This helped in an already up and running scape. So, it wasn't actually in the substrate, but rather 'pinned' roots will find their way down.

Treat it a bit like potted HC. Cut into cubes, or small clumps. either wash it under quite high pressure with a tap, or even better still, if you can, use a shower head (not hot obviously) :thumbup:

It's nice to see it, but i dont long for it. For the most part of this tanks life, i never had it. Lights were not strong enough,but, i does not bother me. It just grows slower. drop-checker by saintly's pics, on Flickr To help the tank, and to keep algae at bay, shrimp are invaluable. I...

I dont know. 8) What a bummer eh?... Ady! Thanks mate., but far too kind. 5ml daily. The solar 1 is on for 6 hours, and the t5 comes on for about 2 hours. Sadly, unlike Tom Bar, i don't poses the required knowledge to know exactly what I do. :) Green mate. :thumbup: Cool eh... :D

Here's a clip from my 90cm

I'm aloud to show the hardscape for this tank which is in a 160 x 45 x 45. I cant show the planted version as it contains some new 1-2 grow plants. It was a fun 2 days at Tropica headquarters and me and the lads had a great time. I just thought i'd share my hardscape layout. The stone is...

Guys, the 2 names are for the same stone. Thats all. It's the same rock. Google both names, and you'll see what i mean. :wink:

No. It's definitely mini landscape rock AKA seryu stone. :angel:

I think that's the plan Antoni. Terrestrial moss would work a treat. I've got some really nice stuff in the back garden :thumbup: I'm a lucky git :lol:

Aww, cheers Mark :thumbup: I'm on the hunt for a nice bowl. I might even do it above water with 'outdoor' mosses as they are much 'finer' in appearance. Anything aquatic is just too big.

How much? :lol:

cheers mate. Hopefully, you should be seeing this in the competitions...nano category. :angel:

Yeah thatd do. :thumbup:

Your not kidding mate :shock: I had to try and show it in better light I'm goinf to google that word now stu.

It's about 11cm wide. This looks a bit better...

Yesterday saw me smashing up stone to get some nice pieces. I took a diamond blade to one of my bigger bits and went all the way around. I then hit it with a hammer and bolster. I got some really special bits, but what was left on the main piece was just lovely. I plan now, to cut this off...

For those that follow George, on Twitter, some may know that we had the chance to scape a large aquarium for an up and coming PFK feature. I cant give too much away via images, but here's one of Mr James Starr Marshall getting his crypto hands wet.He is indeed in the aquarium! There will...

Really?...to me, they both have rules. :eh:

Quality pics clonitza! :thumbup:

here's a layout using a lighter stone... and ends up looking something like this... :thumbup:

just manzi manzi and minilandscape rock combo

It is the world over. For me personally, i learn with my eyes, not words. This is why when people bleat on about AJ's being in Japanese, i always suggest to look at the pictures for an insight into layout and composition. I'm by no means a great scaper, but after about 5 years, i feel...

It almost sounds like you like the idea garuf? Imitation of Amano works? how can you better Nature? It also sounds like you'd like to pigeon hole everyone. So, for us 'Europeans, we should have our own style you reckon?...So i guess, strictly speaking i can fit into the 'European' look and...

As the title suggests, an image :D I often go back over older photos, and find one or 2 that i like. This is one.

I've got to say, they do look like cobbles. I've seen similer in my LGC Hakkai stone is the mother of all stone, i'd love the real thing.

you want this edition... :thumbup: order direct from ADA japan http://www.naacademy.pl/Aquajournal/Vol ... earch_1=13

This is why I've suggested that the final image is key to this layout. It's not the style of tank you'd want to look at everyday, because it just doesn't work in 'live mode' so to speak. :D As soon as i saw the tanks, i knew exactly what he was up to. It's from an aquajournal Ben. not one i...

They dont work, when viewed like this IMO, but amano is looking further ahead it appears.

I've said to many people recently, that i think the final images are the test for this type of layout. here's a final shot from this style of tank...incredible IMO!

Re: Scaping a 60cm tank with Mini Landscape Rock and Amazoni I'm not so sure about the reckinii. I'd also consider leaving the planting until you've got pressurised co2 :geek:

one of the best for holding shape. nature soil is the worst, due to maybe it's weight. Any kind of wafting and floats around. ADA is pretty good at holding shape. Plastic barriers are good as are rocks to hold in substrate. I've found that plants themselves will stop subsidence too.

It's interesting to think about rocks that 'disappear' in an iwagumi. Although this can be true for many stone layouts, it's not always the done thing to keep them visible at all times. I mean, just look at amanos iwagumi layouts. Many of them start with 10 stones, and in the final shot...

it'd just feel wrong to state one thing knowing it's something else. :D vallid point Tony. I look at from the perspective, ' i wanted to create something in a 45cm tall tank, wasn't good enough, but oooo, look! it works if i lower the water level.' down marked for not having the 'vision'...

yeah i guess. But stating a tank is lets say, 120 x 45 x 45 but the pic shows 120 x 45 x 30 it's not the whole truth. On the other hand, there is plenty of rule bending on IAPLC, so i guess this is a minor issue. Maybe others have views on the matter?

My question is, does lowering the water level for images for competitions such as IAPLC breach rules? This image, is a snap of my tank with the water about 15cm lower. It suits the tank much better, but does it comply to rules? I believe, reflections can play a huge role in a final image.

There's some very skillful rock placement.

maybe because it's got the 'appearence' of half a stop under exposure, rendering the background a bit darker. The 'final' ful res image viktor has posted, looks over exposed to me,maybe by a a good full, stop! a tad washed out. i'd of looked to get the stones, partially in shadow. it's a...

OMG! no.4 :shock: incredible! thats said, for me, theres some strange results.

just like to add, maybe what Devin (hydrophyte) is doing, could possibly be expanded? viewtopic.php?f=35&t=8775&start=120 or is maybe tweaking nature style?

well said Neil. You've picked up on many points I didn't see. When we think about innovation, trying something new, It becomes difficult to think, actually, what could be done?

i reckon it's bolbitis paulo. It's insane isn't it. it must of taken years to get it that big.

if you register, there's tons of great images from NAG. it's in polish, but use google translate to help register...

here's a good example. http://naacademy.pl/Galerie/JAPAN-2009- ... ?photo=224

Me to, But I reckon your right with this... You've got oli knott, doing the mad and bizarre stuff...which he does well by the way Amano doing the Nature thing, like no other. You've got maybe biotopes, which George covered, and did really good. Then onto the Dutch themed tanks. Maybe...

it is an opinion :wink: so, who's better then? Just look at the past 20 years of his work. There maybe some that produce 2 or 4 stunning tanks, but Amano, produces them tank after tank after tank after tank...when should I stop? :lol: no one can lay claim to that! for me it is...

I didn't mean literally. hypothetically speaking. OK, do it how you see fit. :thumbup:

not really. you could have a 400w bulb if it was physically suspended high enough. I've run a 150MH over a 60L with no issues what so ever.