[John N.]

If you watch American idol, or some other talent show, the judges often say "We're looking for that something that makes you stand out as a star. We're looking for that 'X factor'." Does your aquascape have an X Factor?

Aquascaping layouts have become one dimensional. I know there are many who share this sentiment, and believe that too many aquascaperes are trying to emulate the popular Amano Nature Aquarium Style. Though there is nothing really wrong with aquascaping to what's current and what we are told/believe to be beautiful, there comes a point where many aquascapes seem to blend into one another. So what can an aquascaper do to get that "X Factor" in their aquascape?

Well, one thing I haven't seen in many aquacapes are the use of Toninas species. Theses are the more difficult species of plants to grow, but if an aquacape has a forest of Toninas incorporated into a more traditional aquascape, I believe they could make their aquascape stand out. What would be even better to see is an aquascape focused around Toninas and maybe Eriocaulons species as a foreground. The possibilities for innovation are endless, and I believe this is a style that could be far more beautiful and striking then the more traditional styles we've come to know. What do you think?

-John N.