Cubed & Squared
- Thread starter Bello
- Start date
biggles
Premium Member
I actually increased the red,green highlights by about 20% and the blue highlights by about 10% - manually creating a 'whitepoint'. Image - Adjustments - Curves
It is no harder to adjust an LED illuminated image than a halide or T5 image or a combination of any or all.
The biggest mistakes most people make when attempting to color correct aquarium images are:
* Assuming the blue hue to the image is a result of too much blue - quite often it is the lack of red and green highlights and mid tones.
If the amount of red or green that your camera has captured in the selected image is not at a level comparable to what your eyes are seeing - because your image sensor is often overwhelmed by the massive blue levels detected, removing blue will not compensate for the missing red and/or green.
Hope you understand what i'm trying to explain mate.
It is no harder to adjust an LED illuminated image than a halide or T5 image or a combination of any or all.
The biggest mistakes most people make when attempting to color correct aquarium images are:
* Assuming the blue hue to the image is a result of too much blue - quite often it is the lack of red and green highlights and mid tones.
If the amount of red or green that your camera has captured in the selected image is not at a level comparable to what your eyes are seeing - because your image sensor is often overwhelmed by the massive blue levels detected, removing blue will not compensate for the missing red and/or green.
Hope you understand what i'm trying to explain mate.
I'm running with 7.5 alk, 420 cal & 1300 mag now and seeing nicer colors developing than when i was keeping alk at 8.0, what are you keeping your parameters at atm mate ?
biggles
Premium Member
Yes my sleep is all over the place lately, the 2 hour snooze on the couch yesterday afternoon didn't help lol.
I don't suppose there's any chance you can test the Mag at some point just to keep me happy - although if you're not having trouble keeping levels stable it's likely in a good spot anyway.
Bloody fish pics......... very funny Bello.......:facepalm: I like the yellow tang image and i'm still very envious of your setup - i'd love to have a workstation beside my tank/s
I don't suppose there's any chance you can test the Mag at some point just to keep me happy - although if you're not having trouble keeping levels stable it's likely in a good spot anyway.
Bloody fish pics......... very funny Bello.......:facepalm: I like the yellow tang image and i'm still very envious of your setup - i'd love to have a workstation beside my tank/s
Bello
New member
My son is trying to make a Zombie out of his dad.... barely slept last night :furious:
I'll test the Mag out in a bit, last time I tested, it was about 1250. Basically, I've been going close to Zeo recommended params
That's the clean version of the workspace, usually its covered with fish junk :lol:. But, its really useful, I'd imagine I'd be testing a whole lot lesser without that space. I do almost ALL the tank work in that area, so no mess elsewhere. Keeps the wife happy too :rollface:
biggles
Premium Member
Ha - welcome to sleep deprivation training (parenthood) :hmm3:
I forgot you were running the zeo parameters, explains why you're keeping the alk low
I just realised that your work space would look rather less messy if it was covered with a 24x24x10" rimless clam display........... I don't envy you attacking that large piece in the right DT for re-aquascaping, i see stress in your future Bello (and little sleep) :crazy1:
I forgot you were running the zeo parameters, explains why you're keeping the alk low
I just realised that your work space would look rather less messy if it was covered with a 24x24x10" rimless clam display........... I don't envy you attacking that large piece in the right DT for re-aquascaping, i see stress in your future Bello (and little sleep) :crazy1:
Bello
New member
Don't tempt me!!!
I've thought about a tank between the 2 cubes on numerous occasions already, thought about a nice shallow tank for shallow water acropora, but it'll be a bit insane, as this time consuming hobby, will become even more so. Parenthood doesn't allow for reefing dreams :lol:
You're absolutely spot-on about the area under reconstruction!! It's proving to be a royal PITA!!! I'm using KZ Speed Glue, and waiting patiently (trying to) for 24hrs after each application for full strength. Only have an idea in my head on what it will look like, but theory and application are worlds apart :lol:
I've thought about a tank between the 2 cubes on numerous occasions already, thought about a nice shallow tank for shallow water acropora, but it'll be a bit insane, as this time consuming hobby, will become even more so. Parenthood doesn't allow for reefing dreams :lol:
You're absolutely spot-on about the area under reconstruction!! It's proving to be a royal PITA!!! I'm using KZ Speed Glue, and waiting patiently (trying to) for 24hrs after each application for full strength. Only have an idea in my head on what it will look like, but theory and application are worlds apart :lol:
Bello
New member
It's been irritating.... not sure if I'll be happy with the effort...... its definitely the biggest structure I've ever made
One of the plus points about this, is that despite the look, I will probably not tinker with it again..... just too big and too painful.
I'm done with structure, just need to mount the corals, so hopefully, pics tomorrow
One of the plus points about this, is that despite the look, I will probably not tinker with it again..... just too big and too painful.
I'm done with structure, just need to mount the corals, so hopefully, pics tomorrow
troubadour11
Member
Did you say pics.........
Boom ! - direct hit Bello, and here's you with no corals mounted..........no mercy in tank battles :strooper:
TB
biggles - 1
Bello - 0
troub - 0 (cannon fodder)
AH-HAHAHAHA... Nice pic right there.
And I am sooOOooOooOOoo looking forward to seeing "Mr. Da Vinci's" monolith rock work that will be to big to tinker with! :thumbsup:
----And thanks for the KZ Speed Glue tip. It looks like it should be easy enough to work with to sculpt dry rock. Do you think I should I still support the structures with pvc pipe stands, or do you think that stuff will bond strong enough to just the rock pieces?----
Oh, and get ready for it... I may have a few deliveries at home as I type this. I just might have some pics soon of me building my bomb shelter and trenching in for defenses. I may not be able to attack yet, but I can at least build some shelter from both of your bombs. LOL :uzi:
Bello
New member
So without any further ado....I present to you......... something? :lol:
Before
After
Alright, this is what I've wasted 3 days on.... Why?
I've always preferred Minimalistic and Bonsai type scapes. The Acro tank is already very Minimalistic, yet a "Natural" recreation, of a patch of rock. (I've never dived, so "natural" is all in my head :lol.
I found the previous scape to be too cluttered, and I didn't enjoy the fish movement as well. They seem to move and hover better with this. So, would you say this scape looks "Natural"?
KZ is very strong, but it takes a long time to cure perfectly. With dry rock, I would just cement the joints, while temporarily supporting the structure, and leaving it to cure for 24 hours. After that you should be able to carry it around, without any problems. I didn't use any cable ties or anything. The pic below should give a decent idea
Before
After
Alright, this is what I've wasted 3 days on.... Why?
I've always preferred Minimalistic and Bonsai type scapes. The Acro tank is already very Minimalistic, yet a "Natural" recreation, of a patch of rock. (I've never dived, so "natural" is all in my head :lol
. I found the previous scape to be too cluttered, and I didn't enjoy the fish movement as well. They seem to move and hover better with this. So, would you say this scape looks "Natural"?
KZ is very strong, but it takes a long time to cure perfectly. With dry rock, I would just cement the joints, while temporarily supporting the structure, and leaving it to cure for 24 hours. After that you should be able to carry it around, without any problems. I didn't use any cable ties or anything. The pic below should give a decent idea
biggles
Premium Member
I like it a lot mate. The before one looked more man made whereas this one looks very natural :thumbsup: I really like that outcrop on the far left - you've got to get a tabling acro to perch on the tip of that pointing forwards.
How is the water flow through the tunnel, enough ? You could add a small rock outcrop bottom left on the sand down the track if you run out of room, i think it would play off the main structure nicely.
troub........... the pressure's on mate, can't hide down in that tankless shelter forever lol. Show us some rock baby..........
How is the water flow through the tunnel, enough ? You could add a small rock outcrop bottom left on the sand down the track if you run out of room, i think it would play off the main structure nicely.
troub........... the pressure's on mate, can't hide down in that tankless shelter forever lol. Show us some rock baby..........
Bello
New member
One thing I've noticed from the pics is the lack of depth 
, it does look much nicer when viewed in person. I'll take a pic from the side. It's basically a diagonal cut across the tank, one with rock, one with sand :lol:
Good idea on a tabling sps on the outcrop. I'm trying to stick to a theme (no acros in mix sps tank), else I'll end up buying even more acros. Have a Seriatopora that's tabling at the moment, will probably place it on the outcrop.
Yep, and you've seen through my thought process, if I overdose on coral purchases, small flat island coming up on the front left :lol:
I'm beginning to feel real guilty about them coral money, really overdoing it!!!
And my Cal Reactor clogged today, luckily Alk didn't drop much at all...big tank benefits :thumbsup:
troub....show us your rock!!! (somehow that sounds gross :lol...When's that thread coming up anyway?
, it does look much nicer when viewed in person. I'll take a pic from the side. It's basically a diagonal cut across the tank, one with rock, one with sand :lol:Good idea on a tabling sps on the outcrop. I'm trying to stick to a theme (no acros in mix sps tank), else I'll end up buying even more acros
. Have a Seriatopora that's tabling at the moment, will probably place it on the outcrop. Yep, and you've seen through my thought process, if I overdose on coral purchases, small flat island coming up on the front left :lol:
I'm beginning to feel real guilty about them coral money, really overdoing it!!!
And my Cal Reactor clogged today, luckily Alk didn't drop much at all...big tank benefits :thumbsup:
troub....show us your rock!!! (somehow that sounds gross :lol
...When's that thread coming up anyway?troubadour11
Member
I agree... I think your new rock work looks more natural. To me, it looks less like loose rock/rubble stacked together and more like a solid rock structure that has formed over time. And I absolutely love that outcropping overhang on the left side! I am hoping for some of that sweetness in my rock work. :thumbsup:
I do think a short/small structure in that front corner could add some of the depth that you feel like you aren't seeing very well. I think one of the tricks to creating depth is having at least some overlapping structures from the main viewing angle. So if you go nuts on coral purchases in the future, adding a small island could help create a little more illusion of depth.
:idea: Or if you don't want to go with rocks and an encrusting coral or something there... what about a super sweet clam out by his lonesome in the sandbed? :idea:
Not quite as gross as talking about whether biggles has a bare or sandy bottom! :facepalm:
I am hoping to get a start on that build thread this weekend. The Box 'o Rocks got in yesterday! 3 brand new boxes, with a layer of bubble wrap padding on all interior sides, and each rock individually wrapped within! Impressive packaging I will say. I unwrapped a few to check it out... looks like very little breakage!
From peaking into the boxes, the 75 lbs looked like at least 2-4 good rocks the size of a small oddly shaped volleyball. Then another maybe 4-8 softball/small football (American Football shape) or so. Plus the 20 lbs of their "Prime Cut" rock that is cut flat on one side. So I'm excited!
But as I mentioned, I only unpacked a few of them to take a look. My inlaws fly in tomorrow to visit for a week. So it was, take a quick look and move them the to the garage so we can clean the floors today! (so said the wife). So if I have some downtime while they are visiting, I'll be unpacking the rocks and stacking them in the empty display to start laying out the scape. So the thread and pictures are definitely on their way :beer:
I do think a short/small structure in that front corner could add some of the depth that you feel like you aren't seeing very well. I think one of the tricks to creating depth is having at least some overlapping structures from the main viewing angle. So if you go nuts on coral purchases in the future, adding a small island could help create a little more illusion of depth.
:idea: Or if you don't want to go with rocks and an encrusting coral or something there... what about a super sweet clam out by his lonesome in the sandbed? :idea:
Not quite as gross as talking about whether biggles has a bare or sandy bottom! :facepalm:
I am hoping to get a start on that build thread this weekend. The Box 'o Rocks got in yesterday! 3 brand new boxes, with a layer of bubble wrap padding on all interior sides, and each rock individually wrapped within! Impressive packaging I will say. I unwrapped a few to check it out... looks like very little breakage!
From peaking into the boxes, the 75 lbs looked like at least 2-4 good rocks the size of a small oddly shaped volleyball. Then another maybe 4-8 softball/small football (American Football shape) or so. Plus the 20 lbs of their "Prime Cut" rock that is cut flat on one side. So I'm excited!
But as I mentioned, I only unpacked a few of them to take a look. My inlaws fly in tomorrow to visit for a week. So it was, take a quick look and move them the to the garage so we can clean the floors today! (so said the wife). So if I have some downtime while they are visiting, I'll be unpacking the rocks and stacking them in the empty display to start laying out the scape. So the thread and pictures are definitely on their way :beer:
