#1163 Eye Contact
About This Aquascape
This aquascape is inspired by the theme of a forest, with the eye as its deeper underlying concept. I sought to capture the natural atmosphere of a forest while subtly incorporating the form of an eye into the composition. Drift wood and dragon wood form the main framework of the layout, evoking the shape and structure of an eye. Banyan roots are used to create delicate, downward-reaching details, resembling the natural movement of eyelashes. This is also where the name of the work, “Eye Contact,” comes from. When we gaze into the aquascape, it feels as though the aquascape is gazing back at us. This reflects my understanding of aquascaping: we give life to the landscape, and in return, the landscape gives us a sense of beauty. It is a reciprocal connection between human beings and nature.
- Filter
- NETLEA NL NO.2S-G1/4 filter and a pre-filter
- CO2 System
- Two bubbles per second, running all day.
- Lighting
- NETLEA-595P-AT5-D0/2
- Substrate
- NETLEA aqua soil
- Hardscape Materials
- Dragon wood and driftwood
- Background
- Luminescent plastic electronic background board
Species
1.Atyidae 2.Aphyocypris sp. 3.Yunnanilus parvus 4.Crossocheilus reticulatus 5.Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Plant species
1.Echinodorus tenellus 2.Bucephalandra 3.Anubias barteri var. nana 4.Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' 5.Marsilea hirsuta 6.Eleocharis acicularis 7.Eleocharis vivipara 8.Eriocaulon sp. “Fine Leaf” 9.Bolbitis cf, heteroclita ''besar'' 10.Micranthemum sp“Monte carlo” 11.Bolbitis cf. heudelotii ''guinea 1'' 12.Microsorium pteropus（Bl.）Ching 13.Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. 14.Java Moss 15.Eriocaulon sp. “Cactus” 16.Fissidens fontanus 17.Hemianthus micranthemoides 18.Rotala rotundifolia cv. Colorata 19.Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. 20.Bolbitis cuspidata
Fertilization
Water changes are carried out 1–2 times per week, and 3–4 pumps of liquid fertilizer is added after each water change.
Judges' Comments
I love the natural feel of this aquarium. Excellent choice and placement of the plants, which make the whole layout look very natural. The hardscape structure is also quite complex, although it is largely covered and somewhat hidden. I also like the way the different visual layers are arranged and the richness of detail, which make this a truly complete piece of work. 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
