Wok on the Wild Side
- Filter
- NA
- CO2 System
- NA
- Lighting
- AquaEl Leddy Slim
- Substrate
- Fluval Stratum Midnight River by aqua natural
- Hardscape Materials
- Lace Rock
- Background
- Black Fabric
Species
NA
Plant species
Bacopa monnieri 'Compact' Bucephalandra Brownie Bucephalandra Hades Cryptocoryne nurii Eleocharis acicularis Hydrocotyle verticillata Hygrophila costata Hygrophila pinnatifida Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’ Phyllanthus fluitans Vesicularia dubyana Vesicularia ferrieri
Fertilization
2 hr aquarist dew
Nathan Schaupp
Central, SC, United States
Quick Stats
- Style
- Wabi Kusa
- Size
- 33x33x27 cm
- Volume
- 1 L (0.3 gal.)
- Plant Species
- 12
- Fish Species
- 1
Judges' Comments
I really like the use of this unique piece of lava stone to act as the vessel for the Wabi Kusa. I love the Cryptocoryne nurii's unique coloring and would have liked to see that plants emphasized more on the Wabi Kusa ball. Although the complementing plants all appears to be healthy in the container, this is where "less is more" would have improved the Wabi Kusa considerably.
— Bailin Shaw
This is a well-considered display and very novel. The wabi kusa itself is the primary element to be considered in a contest such as this, so the overwhelmingly majority of the arrangement is really considered ancillary. That said, the arrangement is attractive and features an exciting variety of plants. The long-term viability of certain species is questionable considering their epiphytic placement, but are still impactful. Judging the wabi kusa itself, it appears immature and lacking long-term development. Given more time, I imagine this wabi kusa would visually dominate this layout, growing much larger and more substantial than the hardscape elements that currently command all attention.
— Jack McCarley
I like the concept of the bold rock, with grass in the foreground. The plants lined up along the ridge seems a little artificial and unnatural however, and I would have added more interesting plants to cover more of the rock, such as adding mosses in strategic crack.
— Jo Ann Fujii
Premier Sponsors
Associate Sponsors
Club Sponsors
Come Grow with The Aquatic Gardeners Association.
Since 1985 the Aquatic Gardeners Association has been the standalone organization focused on promoting aquatic plants, education, aquascaping, and fostering the community of planted aquarium enthusiasts.
The Aquatic Gardener Magazine
Membership has its privileges—such as a subscription to the award-winning quarterly journal The Aquatic Gardener, available in both print and digital formats, access to the digital archive of all published issues as well as video from our convention speakers dating back 25 years. With more exciting projects on the horizon you’ll be part of a unique community of aquatic plant and aquascaping fans eager to expand our side of the aquarium hobby.
Join us for the only aquatic plant & aquascaping focused convention in North America!
Guided Aquascaping & Wabi Kusa Workshops • Aquascaping Demo • Vernal Pool Field Trip • World-Class Speakers • Giant Vendor Room • Charity & All-Day Auctions
Visit our website to register and watch social media for updates! AGA2026.ORG.