#1153 Strange Autumn
About This Aquascape
Strange Autumn portrays an ancient forest slowly collapsing under the weight of time. Twisted roots and weathered trunks shape a forgotten landscape where the path disappears into silence and mist. The composition is intended to evoke curiosity, tension, and respect for nature rather than immediate visual impact. The aquatic plants were carefully arranged to recreate the appearance of a mature terrestrial forest, maintaining a natural look and avoiding overly intense colors to reinforce the feeling of late autumn. Every element, from the hardscape to the fish, contributes to the idea of a fragile ecosystem where decay and life coexist. The goal was not simply to recreate a forest underwater, but to invite the viewer into a mysterious, timeless, immersive world filled with life. The composition encourages the viewer's eye to slowly follow the path into the forest's depth, revealing new details with every observation.
- Filter
- JBL Cristal Profi 1501 x 2
- CO2 System
- Pollen Glass Beetle 50 mm diameter 4 b/s
- Lighting
- Chihiros RGB Vivid 2 Black x 2
- Substrate
- Chihiros Aqua Soil 9L
- Hardscape Materials
- Seiryu Stone, Red Moor Root and Grapevine Root.
- Background
- A custom matte mist-grey PVC Forex panel was attached to the back of the aquarium to create a soft fog-like atmosphere, enhance depth and gradually fade the background vegetation into the distance.
Species
Barb Pentazona, Barb Odessa
Plant species
Marsilea hirsuta / crenata, Eleocharis sp. Mini, Eleocharis parvula, Lobelia cardinalis Mini, Hydrocotyle tripartita mini, Cryptocoryne parva, Bucephalandra Needle Leaf, Bucephalandra sp. ‘Mini Red’, Anubias Mini Coin, Anubias barteri ‘Petite’, Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Large’, Bolbitis heudelotii, Myriophyllum mattogrossense, Rotala wallichii, Fissidens (fontanus / nobilis), Riccardia chamedryfolia, Weeping Moss, Hygrophila pinnatifida, Sagittaria subulata ‘Needle Leaf’, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis.
Fertilization
Neo Essence, Neo Booster, ADA Brighty K, EasyCarbo
Judges' Comments
An aquascape with a really original atmosphere, which gives a good idea of a “strange”, slightly gloomy autumn. Maybe the scene is a bit too dark overall, but the idea is bold and well done.
— Gloria Ciriello
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.
Our 2026 Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
Executive Sponsors
Associate Sponsors
Club Sponsors
