Nonlinear coupling between different modes allows different sets of patterns depending on the character of the forcing and the fluid parameters. The squares Faraday observed are common for low viscosity fluids such as water. It is also possible, through multiple frequency forcing, or at certain special conditions with single frequency forcing, to see more than three wavevectors simultaneously, which gives rise to quasipatterns, reminiscent of Penrose tilings. In the traditional apparatus to investigate this phenomenon, a dish of fluid is mechanically vibrated to modulate gravity. Also, since boundary conditions perturb our system away from the 'infinite ocean' regime we want to observe, it is best to work at high aspect ratio with many wavelengths within the cell.
Capilary waves are the dominant form at high wavenumbers.
So we can excite the system at higher aspect ratio than is generally feasible with a particular cell size.