Another Idea- lowering the top level of gravel

Kent · 09-17-2003, 12:11 PM

I was told that the gravel in an aquarium is lower at the front of the tank and gradually builds up toward the back of the tank. This is so debris will collect at the front of the tank for easy cleaning.

If this is true, lowering the top level of the gravel so that it is flush with the base of the viewing screen will give a larger viewing area and make the screen saver aquarium look bigger.

cjmaddy · 09-17-2003, 02:01 PM

IMO - I don't think it would then look like an aquarium. There has to be some depth of gravel for the plant roots. If we say there are no plants in the centre front, so there needs to be little or no gravel there, then I think it would look odd. - Perhaps it's just what you get used to, - all mine always had a good depth of gravel. - But then I used under gravel filters!

Jav400 · 09-17-2003, 02:05 PM

I agree with Cliff, mine did also. But I might offer another point of view. Maybe the gravel is lower in the front because thats where people clean the most. Its easier to reach than moving items and doing what you should.

Jim Sachs · 09-17-2003, 02:44 PM

The gravel is already lower at the front than the back. Any lower, and I wouldn't have room for my signature

raven · 09-17-2003, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by Jim Sachs
The gravel is already lower at the front than the back. Any lower, and I wouldn't have room for my signature

And we couldn't have that, could we ?

I like the gravel 'against the glass'. To me it's how an aquarium is supposed to look. I also like the width and hight aspect-ratio the tank has, if anything I'd like it to be wider, not higher. ( my 2 cents of course )

cjmaddy · 09-17-2003, 05:06 PM

raven, - Yes, that's the very reason I prefer the SSA1.1wide version, - the black bars top and bottom add to the effect!

/Tiny Anamorphic Widescreen!

raven · 09-17-2003, 05:48 PM

I must say; the widescreen version is very beautifull but unfortunately my computer is not capable of running it at a decent speed so I'll stick to the normal version.

Panthera · 09-17-2003, 09:59 PM

I've never seen the wide screen.. but.. doesn't it look funny on a regular sized monitor? How can it be "wide" if we are using the same sized monitor.. or maybe I'm misunderstanding the wide screen.

fishbowl · 09-17-2003, 10:53 PM

It doesn't completely look bad, but a bit disproportionate as everything is slightly distorted/stretched vertically in full screen mode (this is when using a standard 4:3 monitor).

Note: that there is ~25% more tank horizontally as well as some new coral(purple) added in the aquarium and the bubble column has been relocated. There is also the ability to have 8 fish on screen at the same time (this is not including the starfish).

fishbowl · 09-17-2003, 11:03 PM

I prefer to run it in windowed mode (like Cliff) and have borders on top and bottom to make it look much like a widescreen movie would look like on a standard 4:3 television. When you run it this way everything is perfectly proportionate (and in window mode you usually get higher frame rates). IMO the widescreen is the most beautiful version (especially with CalcNorms on) of Jim's Aquarium thus far (until he gives us the new 3D-Version).

Panthera · 09-18-2003, 12:07 AM

Very nice.. thanks.

Tiny Turtle · 09-18-2003, 02:00 AM

Also, most modern monitors remember the size and position settings for individual resolutions (and color-depths). This makes it possible to set the SS to run at a resolution not used by other Windows work, and then adjust the monitor settings (i.e. w/ the buttons/dials on the actual monitor) until the vertical size is correct.

If I recall correctly, you use a LCD monitor and those normally have a native resolution and the SS might (note: might) look jaggy at other. If so I suggest FishBowl's windowed-mode suggestion albeit you'd have to press "F" and adjust the size of the window every time.

/Tiny Proportions.

That Queen Angel with its cartoon eyes is the sole reason I don't run the wide wersion myself...

cjmaddy · 09-18-2003, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by fishbowl
It doesn't completely look bad, but a bit disproportionate as everything is slightly distorted/stretched vertically in full screen mode (this is when using a standard 4:3 monitor).

You use the wide version, and then stretch it to 4x3 ...... Why?

Fishbowl, - IMHO that is a very misleading description of SSA1.1wide!
I am amazed!

...... this subject has been brought up a number of times in the past!
I have posted numerous screen shots of the wide version, the last one only 5 days ago in Seafoam's thread, here:-
https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...&threadid=1920
I don't know where the idea that I use it 'Windowed' mode came from, - I don't! - As I have already said, I use it full screen with black bars top and bottom. The correct proportions are 'remembered' by most modern monitors, - as Tiny has just pointed out, - this was also discussed in some detail here:-
https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...0&pagenumber=4
There is no appreciable difference in running speed (fps) between the two versions on my system!

Panthera · 09-18-2003, 09:44 AM

cjmaddy, what do you mean with black bars top and bottom?

Edit: Nevermind.. I read the thread that you linked and got my answer. And even reading through the thread I still can't understand how you can change the size (vertically) while the SSA is on.. and it NOT affect the rest of your applications. Is the wide screen still available to test?

Yellow Tang · 09-18-2003, 10:00 AM

It depends on your monitor. In my case the monitor switch to another mode when I start the widescreen version. Now I can adjust the screen height (with the little buttons on the monitor) and I have those black bars at the top and bottom.
The monitor automatically switches back to the normal desktop resolution when closing the screensaver.

Panthera · 09-18-2003, 10:03 AM

Ok, I found it and d/l it, but I guess my monitor doesn't have that option. When I click on my monitor buttons.. those options are greyed out because my cable is a different type, not the typical cable. I forget the name.. video cable? Anyway.. well I tried.

Edit: I can see how the black bars on top and bottom might give the illusion of it being on a wide screen. Bet it looks good.

cjmaddy · 09-18-2003, 10:15 AM

Panthera, - Yes, as far as I know, the wide screen version is still available!

I'm sure Morgan will give you a link.
To change the size (vertically) whilst the wide version SSA is on, is just a matter of adjusting your monitor settings, (if required!), to the correct proportions. - Once set, your monitor will remember them and always show the wide version correctly, - it will NOT affect the rest of your applications ........ trust me!

(Unless you have an old monitor!)

Edit! - I've just seen your above post ...... When you say "greyed out" where are you looking?

Panthera · 09-18-2003, 10:45 AM

I clicked the "OSD" button on my flat panel monitor, and on the screen it shows me everything from contrast to position, however the 'position' is greyed out and when I try to access it, it brings up a window that says "Digital Video Input .. No Access."

Jav400 · 09-18-2003, 12:06 PM

Panthera, do you not have actual physical buttons on the front of your monitor somewhere that adjust these things? I have a whole row of them.

cjmaddy · 09-18-2003, 12:09 PM

Sorry, I can't help on that one!

....... but I'm sure someone else will be able to!

........ HELP!

09-17-2003, 12:11 PM	#1
Kent Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 21	Another Idea- lowering the top level of gravel I was told that the gravel in an aquarium is lower at the front of the tank and gradually builds up toward the back of the tank. This is so debris will collect at the front of the tank for easy cleaning. If this is true, lowering the top level of the gravel so that it is flush with the base of the viewing screen will give a larger viewing area and make the screen saver aquarium look bigger.

09-17-2003, 02:05 PM	#3
Jav400 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,725	I agree with Cliff, mine did also. But I might offer another point of view. Maybe the gravel is lower in the front because thats where people clean the most. Its easier to reach than moving items and doing what you should. Michael Administrator of Inside:SereneScreen Aquarium Forum, Chatroom, Fan Site & *Gallery* DVD Collection

09-17-2003, 02:44 PM	#4
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	The gravel is already lower at the front than the back. Any lower, and I wouldn't have room for my signature Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

09-17-2003, 04:00 PM	#5
raven Perculiar Clownfish Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 147	Originally posted by Jim Sachs The gravel is already lower at the front than the back. Any lower, and I wouldn't have room for my signature And we couldn't have that, could we ? I like the gravel 'against the glass'. To me it's how an aquarium is supposed to look. I also like the width and hight aspect-ratio the tank has, if anything I'd like it to be wider, not higher. ( my 2 cents of course ) Remi

09-17-2003, 05:48 PM	#7
raven Perculiar Clownfish Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 147	I must say; the widescreen version is very beautifull but unfortunately my computer is not capable of running it at a decent speed so I'll stick to the normal version. Remi

09-17-2003, 02:01 PM	#2
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	IMO - I don't think it would then look like an aquarium. There has to be some depth of gravel for the plant roots. If we say there are no plants in the centre front, so there needs to be little or no gravel there, then I think it would look odd. - Perhaps it's just what you get used to, - all mine always had a good depth of gravel. - But then I used under gravel filters!

09-17-2003, 05:06 PM	#6
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	raven, - Yes, that's the very reason I prefer the SSA1.1wide version, - the black bars top and bottom add to the effect! /Tiny Anamorphic Widescreen!

09-18-2003, 02:00 AM	#12
Tiny Turtle is pleased Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 7,365	Also, most modern monitors remember the size and position settings for individual resolutions (and color-depths). This makes it possible to set the SS to run at a resolution not used by other Windows work, and then adjust the monitor settings (i.e. w/ the buttons/dials on the actual monitor) until the vertical size is correct. If I recall correctly, you use a LCD monitor and those normally have a native resolution and the SS might (note: might) look jaggy at other. If so I suggest FishBowl's windowed-mode suggestion albeit you'd have to press "F" and adjust the size of the window every time. /Tiny Proportions. That Queen Angel with its cartoon eyes is the sole reason I don't run the wide wersion myself... Thanks to Morgan, Tiny Snapshots is up and running again with "Tiny Järvafält" as the latest addition – Go have a look and tell me what you think. "We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent. I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita. Vishnu is trying to persuade the Prince that he should do his duty and to impress him takes on his multi-armed form and says, 'Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.' I suppose we all thought that, one way or another." /Robert Oppenheimer on witnessing the first thermonuclear detonation in history.

09-18-2003, 09:32 AM	#13
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	Originally posted by fishbowl It doesn't completely look bad, but a bit disproportionate as everything is slightly distorted/stretched vertically in full screen mode (this is when using a standard 4:3 monitor). You use the wide version, and then stretch it to 4x3 ...... Why? Fishbowl, - IMHO that is a very misleading description of SSA1.1wide! I am amazed! ...... this subject has been brought up a number of times in the past! I have posted numerous screen shots of the wide version, the last one only 5 days ago in Seafoam's thread, here:- https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...&threadid=1920 I don't know where the idea that I use it 'Windowed' mode came from, - I don't! - As I have already said, I use it full screen with black bars top and bottom. The correct proportions are 'remembered' by most modern monitors, - as Tiny has just pointed out, - this was also discussed in some detail here:- https://www.feldoncentral.com/forums...0&pagenumber=4 There is no appreciable difference in running speed (fps) between the two versions on my system!

09-18-2003, 10:00 AM	#15
Yellow Tang YT Join Date: Jan 2002 Tournaments Won: 1 Location: Germany Posts: 729	It depends on your monitor. In my case the monitor switch to another mode when I start the widescreen version. Now I can adjust the screen height (with the little buttons on the monitor) and I have those black bars at the top and bottom. The monitor automatically switches back to the normal desktop resolution when closing the screensaver.

09-18-2003, 10:15 AM	#17
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	Panthera, - Yes, as far as I know, the wide screen version is still available! I'm sure Morgan will give you a link. To change the size (vertically) whilst the wide version SSA is on, is just a matter of adjusting your monitor settings, (if required!), to the correct proportions. - Once set, your monitor will remember them and always show the wide version correctly, - it will NOT affect the rest of your applications ........ trust me! (Unless you have an old monitor!) Edit! - I've just seen your above post ...... When you say "greyed out" where are you looking?

09-18-2003, 12:06 PM	#19
Jav400 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,725	Panthera, do you not have actual physical buttons on the front of your monitor somewhere that adjust these things? I have a whole row of them. Michael Administrator of Inside:SereneScreen Aquarium Forum, Chatroom, Fan Site & *Gallery* DVD Collection

09-18-2003, 12:09 PM	#20
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	Sorry, I can't help on that one! ....... but I'm sure someone else will be able to! ........ HELP!