AGAIAC 2026 / Dutch

#1402 Three Kings

Timothy S. Gross • United States Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Timothy S. Gross

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Quick Stats

Style: Dutch
Size: 183x46x56 cm
Volume: 471 L (124.4 gal.)
Plant Species: 19
Fish Species: 6

Judges' Comments

This aquarium, measuring 183x46x56 cm (471.41 L), appears exceptionally fresh, healthy, and attractive. With three *Trichopodus leerii* (pearl gouramis) photographed in the center of the tank, the name chosen for this entry is spot on. The eye-catching plants—*Nymphaea nouchali* and *Ludwigia* 'Rubin'—are positioned perfectly. The number of plant species is well within the guidelines, and the groupings are arranged excellently in terms of leaf shape and color. The driftwood used also helps to enhance the sense of depth in this aquarium. Although the background is covered with vegetation, there are enough dark areas throughout the layout to support that impression of depth. The selection of fish is very appealing and creates a tranquil atmosphere. There are 6 *Trichopodus leerii* in total, though I do wonder where the other three are. All things considered, this is the aquarium I would have identified as the winner from the very start. A closer look only confirms this initial impression. Congratulations!

— Bart Laurens

Yeah!! What a stunner. This is the kind of depth I was talking about in the other one. Im looking at a 2D picture of this tank and it feels like I could almost step inside it and walk around. A tank without depth might be real pretty and check all the Dutch boxes, but it still feels like looking at a 2D picture The depth here comes from having extreme differences in heights, and some of the tallest things in the middle or up front. Àlong with big beautiful groups. Having big wide groups creates a special kind of depth and visual appeal. Thats the reason behind the species limit rule, to ensure big groups are used These high quality pics are nice. Zooming in shows the tank is incredibly clean, not a spec of debris anywhere. The moss on the back wall looks really nice. Mini H Trip is a sweet looking plant, great job done with that The Rubin tops look like they swallowed a pickle or something. Not exactly stunted because the size is there, but happy Rubin tops arent so curled up like some of those are. It doesnt help that a few are pointing in different directions. They havent been in that spot long enough to all face the same way. You can skirt that whole issue by noticing which way each one is curved when youre planting the group and put them all in the same way. Thats an important spot right there, it needs pristine stems Up font the monster tall grass is commanding all the focus. Perfect, thats what you want it to do. The Sag to the left is making a perfect corner effect. So is the Mayaca on the right. Curtains are harder to get right than youd expect them to be. These are good The dwarf lily in front beside the moss logs looks like its cramped and trying to grow itself out of a bind. The two moss logs seem to be arbitrarily just piled up, one is on its side where the moss wouldnt get much light over the long haul. It feels like is too much is trying to happen in that one little spot, and for no apparent reason The Bacopa/Myrio/Rubin and really the Nymphoides too, seems a little crowded in a space that has plenty of room to spread them out. Thats probably so you could show more of the back wall. Back wall does look good, and you caught the fish just right! Its really not that hard to make a Dutch that checks enough boxes to come sit at the table. It takes a lot more to actually make a good one with this kind of depth. This right here is a very good one! Im glad to be able to sit here and nit pick it instead of trying to beat it!!

— joe harvey

I’d buy a plane ticket and fly across the country to sit in front of this tank for an entire day. Just leave me be – I want to stare at this beautiful creation without interruption. I’m beyond thrilled that tanks of this quality are being created outside the Netherlands. Is it perfect? No. The Anubias hasn’t peaked and Ludwigia is being fussy. But who cares. The winner in this judge’s opinion.

— Vin Kutty

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