#1227 Dandakaranya — The Forest of Exile
About This Aquascape
Inspired by the Ramayana, this aquascape reimagines Dandakaranya — the ancient forest where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent their years in exile. Using ancient roots, seasoned wood and deep shadowed spaces resembling hidden caves, the layout evokes the mysterious atmosphere of a timeless Indian wilderness. While the forest carries the dark presence of demons and uncertainty from the epic, rays of light and vanishing pathway symbolize hope, resilience, and inner peace amidst chaos. The contrast between shadows and illumination reflects the triumph of calmness and virtue over fear. “Dandakaranya” captures not just a mythical forest, but the enduring Indian spirit of finding serenity, strength, and positivity even within darkness.
- Filter
- Dophin C-1600, ADA Bio Rio, Ceramic rings
- CO2 System
- Pressurized co2 running for 8 hours per day. Start time one hour before photoperiod and end time with 7 hours of photoperiod.
- Lighting
- Sunsun ADS-900C
- Substrate
- ADA super pour, ADA power sand, ADA Amazonia II, ADA La Plata Sand
- Hardscape Materials
- Bogwoods and locally collected wood and rocks, cured locally collected banyan tree roots.
- Background
- Frosted Vinyl film
Species
Rasbora trilineata, Crossocheilus oblongus, Caridina gracilirostris
Plant species
Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Mini Taiwan’, Vesicularia ferriei, Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame', Riccardia chamedryfolia, Eleocharis parvula, Hemianthus Cuba, Micranthemum tweediei, Helanthium tenellum, Hydrocotyle tripartita mini, Anubias nana petite, Bucephalandra species, Cryptocoryne pygmy, Cryptocoryne lucens, Hydrocotyle verticillata, Microsorum Pteropus 'Needle Leaf', Microsorum pteropus 'Trident', Microsorum pteropus 'Green Gnome', Hygrophila pinnatifida 'UK', Rotala rotundifolia 'Green', Rotala H'ra, Rotala wayanad, Rotala Nanjenshan
Fertilization
ADA Brighty Series, ADA Clear Water, ADA Vitamix
Rajan Bhaumik
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Quick Stats
- Style
- Aquatic Garden
- Size
- 91x46x46 cm
- Volume
- 192 L (50.7 gal.)
- Plant Species
- 22
- Fish Species
- 3
Judges' Comments
A Peaceful Refuge I appreciate the sense of tranquillity this layout conveys. To me, it feels more like an interpretation or an imaginative vision of an underwater landscape than a literal forest. I find the spatial arrangement successful, although I could imagine the foreground extending a little further towards the viewer, creating a greater sense of depth. I would also have welcomed a few more details. The predominantly green colour palette works very well, creating a wonderful atmosphere of peace and serenity. The occasional reddish accents, on the other hand, are so faint that they barely register. Perhaps they could have been left out altogether. Overall, this is a very atmospheric piece of work and my personal fifth-place choice in this category. Congratulations!
— Frederic Fuß
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