2.5G – Suggestions Used + Photography

September 2nd, 2008

Two weeks ago, I posted a rather pathetic version of my 2.5G aquascape. I got some great comments from everyone, and have updated the scape in a few areas. It’s amazing the difference that the Blyxa japonica, in particular, makes in this scape in the back left. Otherwise, I added some Anubias barteri var. ‘nana’ and moved all of the Java Fern to the right side of the tank. What do you think?

2.5G - 08-31-2008

I also decided to practice some of my photography skills for this picture. With these smaller tanks, you really have the luxury of being able to flash the heck out of the whole tank evenly, using just a couple of strobes. You can see my setup below. I sat one flash on top of the light fixture pointing upward into a domed piece of computer paper. The dome reflects the flash down the back of the tank, illuminating the white paper background sitting about 3-4 inches behind the aquarium.

Photographing the 2.5G

Then, I have a second strobe suspended, using an improvised snoot to focus the light into the tank, which illuminates the front of the scape, which would normally be shaded by the rocks. Of course, the aquarium light itself provides pretty decent light as well, so these strobes are really just for a bit extra refinement. Any suggestions?

Posted in 2.5G Tank Log, Photography | 2 Comments »

2 Responses to “2.5G – Suggestions Used + Photography”

  1. Mark F. Says:
    September 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 am

    The improvements definitely work – the Blyxa is a nice counterpoint to spiky leaves of that unusual breed of Java fern (what was it called again? “Dragon sword”, or something like that?). I wouldn’t do anything else to the tank at this point – it’s now a fully realized, well-balanced landscape.

    Could you email me the street address of that store in Frisco (from your previous posting)? Is it the same place that Luis Navarro mentions in his web site? My wife’s family lives near Frisco, so I’m sure I’ll be out there myself eventually.

    Thanks,
    – mf

  2. guitarfish Says:
    September 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    Thanks Mark! The Java Fern is being called “Trident” in the hobby. We don’t currently know whether it is it’s own species, or just a variant.

    Here’s the Aqua Forest website. You can pull all of the info you need from there:

    http://www.adana-usa.com/