Understanding The Golden Ratio In Your Planted Tank

Probably, you are here because you would like to know how to improve your aquascaping skill, what is the Golden Mean, look at examples, read some articles or maybe use your own tank photo as a guild.

When we are talking about aquascape, the first thing in mind is to consider the Golden Ratio or Golden Section.

Throughout history, the ratio for length to width of rectangles of 1.61803 has been considered the most pleasing to the eye. This ratio was named the golden ratio by the Greeks. In the world of mathematics, the numeric value is called "phi", named for the Greek sculptor Phi Dias.

The Golden Ratio can occur anywhere. In plain English we can say that two lengths are in the Golden proportion if the ratio of the shorter length to the longer length is equal to the ratio of the longer length to the sum of both lengths. Let S=shorter length and L=longer length. Then using mathematical notation: S/L = L/(S+L).

We can solve this equation for S in terms of L and we find that L=S*(1+5^.5)/2 or approximately L=1.61803S. (If you know how to solve the equation above by using the quadratic formula, then prove to yourself that this is true.) So this is the unique case where the two lengths are in the Golden Ratio.

There are tons of explanations of Golden Ratio on the web, I am not going to describe the mathematical basics of these rules because they are well-described in other places. Let’s start with how to apply in our planted tank.

1. Prepare a photo of your planted tank or an empty tank photo for drawing the golden lines.

2. The first "golden" rule is the "Golden Ratio". It affects the ratio (1:1.618) of a picture size, as well as the placement of the main subjects in the photo. But you need to consider the composition: main subject should lie on one of the four lines or four intersections (subject's eye for example). Creating the “golden” line is pretty simple, measure the length of the tank, and divides the number by 2.61803. For example: Length = 900mm / 2.61803 = 343.76993mm (approx. 344mm), and the second line is easier, 900mm - 344mm = 556mm. Do the same for the tank's height.

3. After selected the horizontal & vertical lines, can draw for another cross line. (The red lines above are the Golden Ratio/Section)

4. Draw the first line diagonally across from the edge of top left corner to bottom right corner of the photo. This line must intersect with the “golden” lines intersection.

5. And now, draw another line from the bottom left corner across to touch the top part of vertical golden line.

6. Temporarily ignore the golden lines and erase the top section of the last drawn line to get another rule is the "Golden Triangles". It's more convenient for photos with diagonal lines. There are three triangles with corresponding shapes. Just roughly place three objects within these triangles and this rule would be kept. (End)

Basically from the tutorial above is just a new beginning for those still confuse about the Golden Ratio,Golden Section or Golden Triangles, and I made it simple to understand on how to divide proportionately.

Below are my tank's photos.

From the above photo, the composition seems to be a bit complicated which I've learnt it from ADA's concept. I am still trying very hard to self learn on the theory.

But, for a basic composition like the photo shown above (single point perspective), is easier to understand how to make your tank look more deeper. The intersection above is the place where main subjects should be there. Well, here is it, enjoy playing around with the "golden" concepts.