The Amano Takashi inspired viv

[distaff]

For anyone not familiar, Amano Takashi was a revered master of aquascape. These are underwater compositions of rock, wood, and plants (usually, but not always minimalist) that are evocative of a larger landscape. Fish are almost more of an afterthought, with tiny schooling species added simply to provide movement to the display. In this rarified world, the tanks are rimless, and even the CO2 delivery system is beautiful, and fit for viewing. The reality of tangled wires, ugly blue t-stat lights, second-hand scratched glass tanks (with a chipped plastic edge) just doesn't exist in an Amano Takashi aquarium.

Decided the old 30"X12"X22 wasn't great for tropical plants. I had them all on boxes so they could reach the above light, and the whole thing looked ugly. Removed all the plants and boxes. Pulled out my collection of decorative scavenged "driftwood," and came up with a pretty interlocking arrangement. This ended up looking just like an aquascape (if you soft focus, and ignore the chip and glass scratches). Might be a good home for a small Kingsnake, that likes to climb... No, my snake will not be under water.

Back to reality: Kingsnake is digesting in his original home, so the usual life support of tangled wires, UTH, RHP, thermometers, t-stat, and mis-matched hides are still with him in the original 10 gallon. Later this week, I will switch everything over, and see if he enjoys the larger space.

[Kokorobosoi]

Bah, I was hoping for pics!!! 😅

[distaff]

There is some good eye candy if you look up the Amano Takashi instillation in Portugal. It is HUGE. Minimalist, but I like it.

Actually, I generally prefer the work of aquascapers (sorry for typos and mis-spellings - I can't find the eye glasses I can actually READ with..) who found inspiration in his work. (There is a you tube of the Amano Takashi museum with his work, but I find those tanks disappointing - they just look overgrown and boring - maybe just because he is no longer around to maintain them. IIRC, he died last August.)

[Kokorobosoi]

I'm familiar with his work, though I didn't know he died. I love the inspired tanks so was excited to see a reptile version lol

[Lizardlicks]

You should definitely take pics when you put the snake in there though