The Chronicle ran a fascinating piece about Aqua Forest, interviewing Steven and George Lo, who own the shop. The Lo brothers, it seems, are really artists; just like designers who create gardens in urban backyards, they produce incredibly intricate plantscapes designed to replicate the layered ecosystems in rivers and lakes. They use driftwood, rocks, plants and mosses to create appealing habitats, then introduce the animals only once the plantings have been fully established.
Unlike terrariums, these aquariums aren't exactly easy-care. They require careful monitoring, pruning, and fine-tuning, and because of the amount of meticulous artistry that goes into creating them, they can be quite expensive. But even if the idea of owning an "aqua forest" isn't practical for everyone, aquascaping is a truly amazing art form, and the photo gallery on Aqua Forest's website is transporting in itself.
Read about the Lo brothers and their creations in more detail here at SFGate. Or if you're local, you can go visit Aqua Forest at 1718 Fillmore Street in San Francisco.
(Images: Michael Macor for The San Francisco Chronicle; Aqua Forest)
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Comments (12)
Well, I can't see that it's the same as living out there in the real world of ecosystems.
Poor fishies.
Hm... the world of ecosystems inhabited by predators, with stuff like harsh weather, lack of food, and pollution? Fish in planted tanks are generally quite well cared for; the water quality is better than the air we breathe and they frequently show their approval by producing offspring. I'm not saying that there aren't irresponsible collectors and fish-keepers out there, but if you're looking for something unfortunate, check out the sad inhabitants of goldfish bowls.
Please! Those fish have more square footage than most New Yorkers!
How beautiful. Don't you just love all that green? They make ordinary aquariums look positively dreary by comparison.
Evangeline
So lovely. The fourth picture is incredible.
I had a small aquarium for a few years and my favorite part was choosing and nurturing the water plants. It was gorgeous and soothing -- I gave it to a friend who already had an aquarium when I moved to Texas, but I've been wanting to start a new tank -- this is inspiring.
I would LOVE to know what plants were used in the 4th picture -- especially the grass at the bottom.
I've been in love with these works of art for years.
Check out the AMAZING ADA gallery: http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?main_page=afa_portfolio
Thinking of childhood aquariums, I never would have thought that the freshwater aquarium could be elevated to this level!!!
I love Aqua Forest! They have the best plants. For those who don't want to keep fish, just buy a few cherry shrimp which I did from them. They breed like crazy and they are pretty to look at.
@jeffnyc, thank you so much for the link. Who knew? I am inspired and have new desktop background thanks to you. :)
Takashi Amano is my hero.
Having planted "Dutch" and "Amano" style tanks, I cna say it is hard work.
mlleErica, I may be wrong but I think the grass in #4 is dwarf hairgrass, or something very similar.