The real tank would be about 10 feet across. The camera distance and zoom amount are the result of weeks of experimentation. The tolerances in the Aquarium are exceedingly close - a 1% change in many of the parameters would result in a scene which would not be at all convincing. I guess I should be flattered that people see these lighted pixels as something in the real world which would follow the same laws of physics and optics that govern real objects, but it's really all smoke and mirrors.
From the beginning, I've considered developing the Aquarium as Walking the Razor's Edge - a millimeter to the left and the whole illusion evaporates, a millimeter to the right and I'd spend a lifetime creating the environment. But if the camera angle and factor are just right, and enough of the object surfaces are done to cover the gaps, then it's just BARELY possible to create this thing in a reasonable number of years. I hope.
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