An Aesthically Matching Aquarium Setup

[John N.]

Please discuss and comment on Kristoffer Willerslev Jørgensen's article, An Aesthically Matching Aquarium Setup here.



-John N.

[Anti-Pjerrot]

I think this is a good place to discuss the article and debate on whether or not its important to focus on equipment looks.

How do you decide what equipment to choose? Do you focus on your wallet or on whats accesable nearby?

How a bout ADA gear and knockoff brands? Is the difference worth the price ?

I dont feel that a lot of people from Denmark share the same aesthetical taste as I and thereby I feel alone with my approch to aquascaping and my approch to how a setup should look.

So you feel like its ok to promote and "teach" people to use better designed equipment and tell them to choose with an aestheticly set mind?

I think it is.

[John N.]

I'll bite on this.

When it comes to aesthetics and planted aquariums I would love to have a rimless tank, but wouldn't enjoy having glass lily pipes. I've had the glass pipes in the past and they would get mucked up with brown gunk pretty quickly. More trouble then it's worth in my opinion. But in truth they do look good when they are perfectly clean.

I agree with the article, and think equipment/stands/aquariums should all aesthetically match if you can get your hands on the right stuff. Aquascapes are a pieces of art. I don't think anyone takes the equipment out everytime someone comes over to their houses, so having nice stand, over hanging light, and clean pipes make the whole setup look more professional.

If you ever been to an ADA gallery (closest I've been to is aquaforestaquarium here in San Francisco, CA) not only are their scapes beautiful and clean, the whole stand/glassware, lighting, etc. are beautiful elements too. The extra stuff doesn't take away from the scape at all, but draws my attention to it.

So yes, I agree advising newcomers and promoting an aesthically pleasing setup is a good idea.

-John N.

[Roy Deki]

I agree, I've walked into someones house only to see his tank stand was made of cinder-blocks and 2x6's. Kinda takes away from his beautiful tank. I like to think of the aquascape as art and the equipment as the frame.

[echofish]

I think it's really important to have non invasive equipment. Expense is of corse a different matter. We all can afford only what we can afford. but as a visual experience , which is what an Aquascape is, it is of corse important that it not be marred by huge unattractive heaters and other unsightly appendages. For myself I can;t stand seeing huge heaters and other stuff in an Aqua scape.I look at them as works of art and am completely distracted by ugly equipment. It disrupts the image. Is my set up exactly were I want it to be? Nope. Not yet, This stuff gets really pricey. And we all have our priority's. Mine have been spent on glass lily pipes and external filter and heaters but I would still like an ADA stand and..well still a lot more then I am currently willing to spend. But we all have our priorities/ yours might be on such gadgets as automatic water changers and pressure regulators and solenoid valves for your co2. While I still use the less expensive DIY yeast mix. So as they say beauty as in all art- is in the eye of the beholder. And part of the fun of this hobby is it's on going quest to "get it right". we all have our opinions and that is just my own humble thought. peace and happy Aquascaping to all.

[Park]

If it wasn't for your pictures an treads on the danish fish-sites, I would be the owner of an aquarium with alu frames...

But now I've been around europe in search for the "perfect" tank and I've found it in Germany without alu frames

So here's to You Anti-Pjerrot thanks for the inspiration...

[Erirku]

IMHO. The topic is always up and about, and really matters to the individual who is doing the aquascape. These days it is all about what is appeasing to the eye. Just like the fashion and the physical looks of appearances on a human being. It is nice to go all out with the ADA stuff and knock-offs but it does get quite expensive. Sure everyone can cut corners by making their own ADA stand, but it really boils down to how the tank and aquascape appeases to its master. I for one love the ADA products, but knows it is a gimmick for taking my money, which I am quite alright with. Since in the land of America, we are all consumers that what only the best!
Might I add "I have a bigger and better gun, so what you got?" LOL. Sure wish I had the time and money to have that set-up. I hope not to offend anyone, since this is an opinionated thred. Thanks, E

[pfertz]

I believe the aesthetic integration of an aquarium to its room is just as important as the aquascape itself. I tend to view aquariums as a combined furniture/art item that needs to be chosen and placed so that it flows with the entire room and not as an autonomous unit that has no regard for its surroundings. But maybe that's just me

[Anti-Pjerrot]

I believe the Senske Brothers has a book on that topic. When you look at their gallery is clear that they know how to get a tank to fit into a specific interior.
(Then we can discuss wheter we like the specific styles or not)

[George Farmer]

I like my aquarium/gear to match the style of my home. It's part of the living space and interior design is an important consideration for me.

[planter]

I agree that an aquarium in the lounge of your home looks at its best when chosen to fit with the decor of the room. However, Some of the best tanks Ive seen have been tucked away in dusty garages and fishouses on building blocks or metal stands. Just because you cant afford (or dont like) An expensive peice of furniture doesnt mean you cannot be a world class aquascaper. In some cases the aquarium and equipment is purley functional, If your on a budget then save money on expensive fixtures and fittings and spend it on the welfare of your fish and plants

[Anti-Pjerrot]

But its sad when the master piece of a scape is tucked away in the basement because its "frame" looks like a sellout of the scrapheap.

Thats why I focus on the aesthetics of the equipment. It should not be expensive to do this. I know its cheaper to make a good tank and stand than some of the BS ive seen in most shops. People just gotta demand quality and good style instead of what some fishshop has to offer. If people do that ADA and knockoff brands will be available in most stores at decent prices. Just ignore the other stuff and tell the beginners to stay away from it.