Pjan, I would really appreciate a golden ratio example from you. I believe I understand it and am trying to "train my eyes," so to speak.
I have been reading myself silly (literally!) and studying all my favorite aquascapes here and elsewhere. So far this board seems to have the most talented people. I really tried to plan my planting carefully and have burned up waaaay too much gas going all over the place looking for what I want. I've stuck to the program as much as possible and only made one impulse buy, but it was at the insistence of the very knowledgable young man at the LFS! And I'm very happy with it! Made sure to get lots of stems and although I have placed them pretty nicely (I think), I'm
trying 
not to get overly concerned about scaping other than placement of hardscape at this point. I'm having a heckuva time finding mosses or foreground plants anywhere, but figure there is time for that while the stems get established and I'll hold out for what I really want.
Any other tips you can share are absolutely appreciated!!!
Kathy