#1139 Serenity

Dong Qiang China
6 rank

About This Aquascape

This paludarium recreates a tranquil mountain‑stream landscape. Layered slopes are built with hand‑shaped cement rockwork and river stones. A variety of mosses, ferns, bromeliads, climbing plants, sweet flag, Phyllanthus hainanensis, carnivorous plants and podocarpus are planted on different elevations to form natural humidity gradients. Dwarf sagittaria and anubias grow in the water zone. The layout is designed both for viewing and as a natural habitat for Cuora flavomarginata and Puntius semifasciolatus, aiming for a serene micro‑ecosystem.

Dong Qiang

Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China

Quick Stats

Style
Riparium
Size
160x90x60 cm
Volume
864 L (228.2 gal.)
Plant Species
9
Fish Species
2

Judges' Comments

A beautiful and thoughtfully executed riparium. The gentle progression in height, combined with the intersecting layers of hardscape, creates a wonderful sense of depth and dimensionality. Significant care has clearly been taken to give the composition a sense of age and natural establishment, with the planting both above and below the waterline working together to reinforce this feeling.

— Jack McCarley

Wow this is amazing! Lucky turtles! I would have thought this was a slice of a streamside that was taken out of nature. Excellent job and the Chinese turtles looking forward just add to the appeal! Long-term I realized the turtles will outgrow this set up but it'll take a few years.

— Jo Ann Fujii

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