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That was another thing - the sequential shots. I think there is one in Book 3, unless I missed others. I thought it got ugly near the end as one of the plants took over the tank. The time that had elapsed was only like 8 months, if not a year. That is what had me thinking about how long his tanks go.

I was hoping to set up a beautiful planted tank, but also was hoping to have it for many years, not one year. I'll have to really research my plants. I can already see that stem plants will likely be out as I don't want the maintenance associated with them.

I have an affection for microsword for a foreground plant, for whatever reason, and would like to create a tank with that. But how would that be kept in check, or would the tanks own checks and balances be built in?

I like the shrimp, but I love cories. It is so cool to see his shrimp all over the plants. Looking at any one of his photographs becomes a "where's waldo" exercise as you look at the fine details. I find it interesting that he has otos in every tank, yet they are never mentioned among the stock. I would like to have known the quantity or rough quantity with which he stocked each tank.

In all, those are real eye candy. I'll have to get the other two books. Do either books 1 & 2 focus on smaller tanks? I'm going to redo my 20 gal long in the spring and will be looking for ideas. It will be my own creation, but I like to look at effects. Mine will have cories, so I'll need to make sure there is substrate.

But, I wonder if cories and shrimp can co-exist in the same small tank? I have to keep my cories. I thought cories would simply look for food within the "grasses". I plan on making a small area that is specifically for them - where I would drop their food. But, I need to know if anyone keeps cories with shrimp - especially the tiny habrosus species. I wouldn't want the shrimp harassing the little guys.

Hi,
I have the three books and they are frequently termed
"coffee table books." They are large, and contain truly
beautiful pictures of (in some cases) really huge aquariums.
These are books you would leave out on the coffee table
of a Better Homes and Gardens living room.

I have never chatted with him, or a member of AGA that has,
but I believe he prefers the shrimp as they scamper across
the surface of the plants eating (cleaning) their way
to bliss.
Catfish root through the substrate, an in Amano's tanks
there is little exposed substrate for them.

He changes as much as 50% of the water every week or
every two weeks. I believe this is done to achieve
a balance between the fish, quantity and type of plants,
and nutrients. He seems to be striving for the
"pure" soft, acidic water that Discus are reputed to thrive
in.

As far as how long a specific tank is kept, that is a good
question. Some of the tanks pictured in the earlier books
have pictures of the same tank over a lengthy period of time
showing how the look changes as the plants mature.

Looking at those secquential pictures truly brings out
the point that a planted tank is a living creature,
and needs constant work to maintain a specific look.


Frank



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