Concept: The dark, sweeping driftwood anchors the layout like a remnant of a forgotten era. Yet, from this still and somber foundation, a powerful genesis unfolds. Lush, vibrant aquatic flora bursts forth, reclaiming the ancient structure and weaving a dense sanctuary of life. This aquascape captures the exact moment of rebirth—where the heavy shadows of the past give way to the bright, undeniable force of a new ecosystem coming into existence.
Hyphessobrycon flammeus, Hyphessobrycon macdonald, Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, Neocaridina sp., Otocinclus affinis, Paracheirodon simulans, Pethia titteya, Poecilia sphenops
Anubia barteri var. “nana mini coin", Anubia barteri var. “nana petite”, Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis, Bucephalandra sp. “Brownie Helena”, Bucephalandra sp. “Brownie Midnight Blue”, Bucephalandra sp. “Brownie Phanton mini”, Bucephalandra sp. “Brownie Phoenix”, Bucephalandra sp. “Deep Purple”, Bucephalandra sp. “Red Phantom”, Bucephalandra sp. “Sintang”, Bucephalandra sp. “Upper Ghost”, Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis, Callitriche sp., Elatine triandra, Eleocharis acicularis, Eleocharis minima, Eleocharis parvula, Eleocharis Pusilla mini, Eleocharis vivipara, Eleocharis vivipara mini, Eriocaulon Cinereum, Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba', Hydrocotyle sp. ''Japan'’, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Lindernia rotundifolia "watermelon", Littorella uniflora, Ludwigia inclinata Verticillata, Microsorum pteropus 'Petit’, Pogostemon helferi, Rotala sp. “nanjenshan”, Taxiphyllum barbieri, Utricularia graminifolia, Vallisneria nana, Vesicularia montagnei.
Fertilization three times a week with partial water changes twice a week, plus an 80% water change once a month and glass cleaning three times a week.
Salvador, BA, Brazil
The Big Bang A truly compelling aquascape, with a dramatic hardscape and a distinctive atmosphere all its own. I must admit that I struggled a little with this entry. In places, the planting struck me as questionable, while the photography appeared rather blurred in many areas. Both aspects detracted from what was otherwise a powerful first impression. Nevertheless, I found myself returning to this work again and again throughout the judging process, until I came to truly appreciate the strength of its underlying concept. The hardscape radiates outwards from the lower-right focal point towards the edges of the composition, convincingly echoing an expanding structure. The cool colours, sharp contrasts, and distinctive lighting, particularly near the water’s surface, create a truly unique atmosphere that is difficult to resist. I believe that, with a somewhat stronger technical execution, this aquascape could easily have claimed first place in the category. As it stands, it remains an exceptionally intriguing piece of work. Congratulations!
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