Aquascaping Software?

[kev_kb]

Hi all,

I'm currently redesigning one of my tanks, and I got thinking how I should layout everything. While I have I'm pretty good at mentally getting a picture of how different layouts will turn out I think having a picture of it would be a lot better. So that got me thinking of software to create aquascapes for the PC.

I assumed such an application would already exist, as I've seen Garden designers and such and the theory is no different, but I can't find anything using Google. So does anyone know if such an application exists?

I had two ideas, one would be 2D using photographs, and the other 3D using models of plants and bogwood and such. Obviously the 3D version would be better, but it would also be more work. Whilst I could knock up a 2D solution using a graphics program such as Photoshop I'm tempted to create an application to simplify the process for people with no/little experience of graphic manipulation.

So here's some more questions...

Would you like to see software such as this? Providing it doesn't exist already..

Would you pay (a little only ) for it?

 

[kev]

Yeah thats something I'd like to see - It would have to include loads of info as well though - So not only would I be able to see what the tank looked like - I would learn the benfits and Disadvantages of any choices I make

Also an extensive Plant database would be essential

Would I pay? Probably a small amount - Not enough to make it worth your while

 

[bunjiweb]

I would love to see a 3d program for aquascaping.

All you need is to create various models for different plants, a few varieties of bogwood, rock etc, that can be stretched (like transform in photoshop). to the right size.

It could have an input field to create the size of the tank and various other parameters could be included.

Theoretically it isnt that hard, that is if you have a simple grasp of 3d modelling and programming.

Unfortunatly my programming doesnt go above VB and Basic lol.

Oh, and I would pay a small ammount for a program such as this (up to £5?)

Ben

 

[Kerryk]

An aquascaping program would be awesome, I can't count how many times I've rearranged everything just to do it all over again. I'd pay about 15 bucks for it, I'm not sure how that equates into Pounds .

I'd be cooler if there were some sort of dumbie software so you can set up your hypothetical tank with your "wish" fish and plants etc. that would tell you if your making a dumb choice, and give you alternatives.

 

[BobK]

That would be great because I'm about as creative as a wet noodle. I'd pay for it.

 

[Def]

You guys would seriously pay for that?

I'll code it, if someone wants to help with the stuff I can't do/can't be bothered to do (for eg, find pictures of plants, descriptions of plants, pictures of rocks etc etc etc)

Anyone else want to help? I'll do it in C++ using DirectX 9...

 

[dirtydogg]

That sounds like an awesome idea, and yeah it'd be worth a couple of bucks to me also. If you are interested I'm in the midst of working on an XML database of common aquarium fish. It'd be willing to contribute some time doing the same for plants/rocks. PM me if interested.

 

[bunjiweb]

If you need any help with the graphics, I can do quite a bit in Photoshop... MSN me : chinaey@hotmail.com

Ben

 

[CathyG]

I'd pay! My creative streak leaves too much to be desired at times!

 

[jflowers]

Cool Idea, any help with the programming, C++, MFC or anything let me know. I also have commercial webspace to donate and program in ASP,PHP if needed.

Jon

 

[Kerryk]

*YAY*

unfortunatly I'm not only bad at being creative I'm lacking computer skills as well

But I'd chip in

 

[catwoman]

I'd pay! Can't help with the programming, tho. It is a great idea.

 

[knvb7741]

Hi bunjiweb,

I think this is a great idea and I would pay except I'm very short on money (only about 80 dollars to my name) but I guess its not terrible cause im only 13. But this is a great idea! I know very little about the kind of things you need to do to create those types of things... good luck with it though!!

 

[CatLover]

Great idea! I would love to see a program like that, with a database of fish info (if they're compatible with the aquarium you designed, and even stats on the fish species itself). You should have a nearly endless selection of tank sizes and designs to choose from, then tons of plant/substrate/wood/rock choices to play around with.

It would be very neat to be able to save tanks you create, and be able to open up a tank you saved and have an option that shows a list of fish/aquatic life that would be best suited for that tank.

Depending on quality and how close it was to the program I have in mind, I would pay $25, maybe even $30. On the market, most computer programs like that are around $23-$28 - at least where I shop.

 

[kev_kb]

Thanks for the replies everyone, not sure if I will actually make anything as yet but its good to know it would be used if I did.

Does anyone have lots of experience of 3D modelling that wouldn't mind lending a hand?