Aqua Forest Aquarium in LA is the first stateside shop to specialize in “nature aquariums,” a type of aquascaping popularized by, among others, Japanese nature photographer Takashi Amano. He popularized the move toward natural, green underwater conservatories in the 1970s. Amano’s aquariums draw on various traditions:
Japanese flower arranging, Zen rock arrangements and the idea of wabi-sabi — that imperfect is beautiful. “It is important the tank doesn’t look too symmetrical,” Steven Lo said. “There is a lack of dynamic tension.”
Tension-filled dioramas, with fish darting and fluttering between carefully selected plants.
Aquascaping: Aquarium Meets Terrarium in the Japanese-inspired Design Practice [LA Times]
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