How can I use the rule of thirds to make my aquascape aesthetic?

[Miami Reef]

I positioned the first structure on the left points.

This is the tank right now.

The right side of the tank will have a structure that looks like this

My question: should the structure be tall enough to hit the highest intersecting point?

or should the structure be lower that it will only hit the lower intersecting point?

 

[JCTReefer]

Have a read on this link. It’s very helpful.

Aesthetics of Aquascaping, Part I

By Paul Whitby When setting up a new tank we all have a very similar desire to create a living image of a reef, or other biotope that is best suited to the i

reefs.com

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Use the rule of thirds from the top down also. It will negate the 2 dimensional feel of your reef. I usually put something small but eye catching on the back one third where it meets the right or left 1/3.
Then put your largest structure on the opposite (left or right) and front 1/3. This will draw your eye to the small feature at the back third then as your eyes wander they will track naturally to the main focal point in the foreground.

 

[Weasel1960]

Haven’t read the recommended article posted above yet but here’s my 2 cents worth...

WOW. love the tree and love the rock scape. Is it glued already? If not... Maybe move the tree a bit more left and 2 clicks counterclockwise, take just a little height off rocks put smallest height in back right corner as suggested above and open up your two ridge lines a bit more so the back one ends around 8:30 and the front one around 7:00 when viewed from above.

Looking forward to another post

 

[Miami Reef]

Haven’t read the recommended article posted above yet but here’s my 2 cents worth...

WOW. love the tree and love the rock scape. Is it glued already? If not... Maybe move the tree a bit more left and 2 clicks counterclockwise, take just a little height off rocks put smallest height in back right corner as suggested above and open up your two ridge lines a bit more so the back one ends around 8:30 and the front one around 7:00 when viewed from above.

Looking forward to another post

I am able to move and trim the tree.

I understood everything you said but I didn’t understand this part:

“open up your two ridge lines a bit more so the back one ends around 8:30 and the front one around 7:00 when viewed from above.”

Is there a way you could draw something out on paper or elaborate more?

Im going to tilt, move , and trim the tree and check back for my next instructions.

 

[Miami Reef]

I tilted and moved it and it looks better. I don’t know if you can tell. Should I tilt it more? I’ll post a video too

 

[Miami Reef]

The video as promised

 

[Weasel1960]

I am able to move and trim the tree.

I understood everything you said but I didn’t understand this part:

“open up your two ridge lines a bit more so the back one ends around 8:30 and the front one around 7:00 when viewed from above.”

Is there a way you could draw something out on paper or elaborate more?

Im going to tilt, move , and trim the tree and check back for my next instructions.

Will sketch something but I wouldn’t trim the tree leave it unless you need the room....give me about 15 minutes

 

[ZoWhat]

I love informative lower third graphics on reef tanks

..... especially when they show time, temp, and sports scores

 

[Weasel1960]

Here is a quick sketch of what I was thinking hard to tell if rock structure will fit in tank with tree but am assuming you are planning on it

 

[Weasel1960]

Another thought

 

[Miami Reef]

THANK YOU SO MUCH @Weasel1960 !!!

I really appreciate you taking your time to personally sketch me drawings! I’m so grateful!

when I saw the first sketch, I was so happy because I love little islands. Those islands were what made me inspired to redo my aquascape.

when I saw the 2nd picture, it all made sense. The way the islands naturally interlock with the branches. It looks so much more balanced in the 2nd picture. I am going to replicate the 2nd drawing.

I’m so grateful! Thank you thank you!!!

 

[Weasel1960]

THANK YOU SO MUCH @Weasel1960 !!!

I really appreciate you taking your time to personally sketch me drawings! I’m so grateful!

when I saw the first sketch, I was so happy because I love little islands. Those islands were what made me inspired to redo my aquascape.

when I saw the 2nd picture, it all made sense. The way the islands naturally interlock with the branches. It looks so much more balanced in the 2nd picture. I am going to replicate the 2nd drawing.

I’m so grateful! Thank you thank you!!!

No worries that’s what R2R is about. I am sure you will get other suggestions, try them out and see what you like....because at the end of the day its about what makes you happy. Good luck.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

@Ardeus might have some helpful input

 

[Miami Reef]

I finished it already.

 

[FangsAndGames]

That was what I am shooting for in this tank. (Not a reef but still applicable)

 

[Ardeus]

There are different ways to approach aquascaping.

You can recreate something close to what you can find in nature (in real scale or miniature) or you can create something completely out of your imagination, which I think it's what you've done.

Either way, I would strongly advise you to watch this masterclass by Josh Sim, not just once, but 2 or 3 times. It's about freshwater aquascaping but there's a lot that can and should be applied to reefs.



Let me emphasize the following:

- Have a concept.

Unlike freshwater, where the concept can be a forest, a fallen log or mountains (those would look weird if used in a reef) the most obvious themes for reefs are things like a lagoon, reef crest, bommies, drop-off, mangrove forest, transition area.

Look at pictures and videos of both tanks and natural reefs and observe with analytical eyes.

Find something you love and try to figure out why you love it and then try do apply it to your tank.

 

[schooncw]

I give more thought to what I think may suit my fish and as I tend to overstock, I use way more rock, so that my fish have their own personal areas, it gives me more stability and filtration and aids with denitrification.

 

[Ardeus]

It depends on the fish you want to stock. Right now there's no caves, it's all very aerial and at night lots of fish look for caves.

 

[Miami Reef]

I can add caves and islands to the sides of the tank. It look barren on the bottom anyway