Golden Ratio

[IovaykInD]

What does everyone think about the golden ratio. I just finished reading an article about it, and it sounds pretty interesting. Does anyone use it with their tanks, and what effects does it have on the tank?

 

[pseud]

I've read some things here and there, and I think to a certain extent it's a decent 'rule of thumb'. But my personal preference is that it's just that. A rule of thumb.

I agree with the whole focus point, and not having it located too centrally. I'd go so far as to buy into positioning it approximately 1/3 the length of the tank... but this whole 1.615 number goes a little beyond for me... just go with the flow, do what feels right and what you think looks good.

You're not gonna get more skilled at aquascaping by breaking out the tape measure each time, drawing grids, and all the other things that go with it. Instead of practicing mathmatics and graphing, practice aesthetically pleasing lookouts as they come to you. Go with the flow.

And at the end of the day, you're desigining the tank to look good for yourself.

There, I said it.

 

[George Farmer]

The golden ratio is very useful for those wishing to create an aesthetically balanced layout.

Those who have some natural artistic ability will use it without realising, others, like me, use it practically when determining plant positioning, hardscape etc.

And at the end of the day, you're desigining the tank to look good for yourself.

This is very true but on a personal level I also like to create something that looks good for others too (and one day I hope the "others" will be contest judges!) I find the impressing of others one of the most satisfying parts of this hobby (ego issues I know!), isn't that why some of us post photos of our work?

 

[jimbooo]

i only found out about it a week or so ago so no i guess i dont knowingly use it. i just kind of fiddle about till it looks right.

 

[karlp]

I hate anything that applies mathematic principles to what is essentially artistic licence. It is useful for ideas, but bin the ratios.

Lay out the tank how you like. I'm sure nature hasn't read it.

 

[pseud]

The golden ratio is very useful for those wishing to create an aesthetically balanced layout.

Those who have some natural artistic ability will use it without realising, others, like me, use it practically when determining plant positioning, hardscape etc.

And at the end of the day, you're desigining the tank to look good for yourself.

This is very true but on a personal level I also like to create something that looks good for others too (and one day I hope the "others" will be contest judges!) I find the impressing of others one of the most satisfying parts of this hobby (ego issues I know!), isn't that why some of us post photos of our work?

Thinking about it, you're right... there is the desire to get approval by others, which I guess is the same as creating it to impress them!

 

[IovaykInD]

That's about the responses I was expecting I'd get. Artistic people do it without knowing they are actually doing it, but altogether it's about what you like, and what other people like. Its interesting though that people have used it on human faces, as well as fish tanks. Knowing that, it seems to be a pretty good 'rule of thumb' to use, and could create really good aquascapes. More so however, its more of what the plants look like, and not where they are positioned. Of course, their position is very important, but I think that keeping the plant in good condition is definately more important.

 

[George Farmer]

Of course, their position is very important, but I think that keeping the plant in good condition is definately more important.

This is a very good point. A tank with plants in poor condition will never look good, no matter how impressive the layout.

Once you've figured out how to keep your plants healthy and algae free then the next logical step, for me at least, is to concentrate on the artistic side of the hobby - aquascaping. This is currently where my main interest lies. I have a good grasp on how to grow plants well and keep algae away, now I can concentrate on making my tank into a piece of art! Well, that's the intention - whether or not it works is more down to luck that my artistic ability I'm afraid .

 

[oldwhitewood]

You should never place a rock in such a way that contradicts it's essence. That will take some practice.

As pointed out on this thread the golden ratio is useful but I guess most people use it instinctively. I conciously think of certain things when putting them in the tank, i.e either in 3s or 5s to tie in with the zen philosophy. Putting stuff slightly off centre etc, staying away from uniformity, its really quite childish I guess the way I am looking at things compared to amano is like him using oil paints and me scrawling on paper with crayons.