What is the best brand/type of solution to represent water?

Check out the features sections - lots of references
JBA does great water Jaws
Wetfeet
Here's one from me
Gotcha covered
another from me
Sparrow
Here is another
waves

Ahoy Matt,
It all depends on the effect you are trying to achieve.
Scott has sent up some great links on some water effects
created by other members.

Here is what works for me:
I have been using the plaster method, sculpting the wet plaster to
achieve desired wave pattern.

Airbrush different hues of green and blue.

Coat with acrylic matte medium in layers...this creates illusion of depth.



I am happy with the results.

Cheers,
Joe

Good question...I've been looking into this for a while now! You could use Envirotex Pour-On if you need a bit of depth (check this out), ready-made Ocean Effect Plates (this one's nice), or Scene-A-Rama's Ripplin' Water Kit (over here). I've been experimenting a tad with the latter, and it's a really nice piece for under $10. There's a "water" component for the bulk and then a "water effects" component for waves, crests, ripples, waterfalls, etc. Looks really nice too. Or if you are super-low-budget, use aluminum foil (last one, I promise). I haven't done much with this, but I have crumpled up a square and the waves look really crisp, depending on the scale you need. I've got a 1/48 AAV that I'm probably going to be using foil with. But whatever product you decide to use, keep in mind that the end result is only as good as the modeler himself

For more detailed accounts on making water, go visit the Model Shipwrights...their forum has pages upon pages dedicated to all this.

I'm actually looking to create rice paddies and small streams in Vietnam. Thanks for the links Robby.

Hey Matt. for an area like you discribed, I would go with the enviro-tex. It is stainable and does not pull away from the base as it dries. You can then add ripples as needed for effect with matt medium. The enviro-tex will work it's way around any rice plants, roots ect. nicely and will not climb objects. On a vignett I am now doing I used future floor polish on top of the enviro-tex for a bit of extra depth and brushed in the medium for the ripples. Carefull with the future as it will creep upwards on things and shrinks as it dries.