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The world's top 27 nature aquariums

Which are your favourites from the top 27 tanks at the recent International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest, asks Matt Clarke.

The world's top 27 nature aquariums

Pictures kindly supplied by ADA


Aqua Design Amano, the organisers of the annual International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest have just released images and verdicts on the top 27 entries this year.

The overall winner, Chow Wai Sun of Hong Kong, came top out of 1142 entries from 50 countries.

We reckon these are all pretty awesome examples of nature aquariums, but they're not necessarily ranked in the order we'd have placed them, had we been judging.

Which are your favourites from this pick of the world's finest?

World ranking 1


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The Grand Prize winner’s layout has a panoramic view with a deep perspective, and stones and driftwood are used in an excellent combination. The driftwood placed diagonally from the back left corner to the front gives the layout boldness. The stones placed on the left foreground and the right background provides a strong perspective to this layout. In addition, the balance between the density of plants on the left side and the open space on the right is excellent. The overall composition is also well produced. The gravel spreading from the front right to the stones on the mid ground and aquatic plants meticulously placed among the stones are effectively making up a natural atmosphere. The boldness and grandeur of Mother Nature is evident in this layout."



World ranking 2


nature aquarium

The judges said: "This is a bold Iwagumi layout using unique stones. The banking technique and the plant arrangement are excellent, and the layout design is well organized. The layout finishes with a strong impression. The texture of stones and Willow Moss (Fantinalis) which is partially covering the stones, and several species of plants arranged around the stones make up a natural feeling and display a unique taste. "



World ranking 3


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The “flow” of plants, like a running waterfall, is very impressive. Several kinds of species are skillfully arranged, and they make up a sense of unity in the layout. The colors of plants, stones, and decorative sand match well. The contrast between the densely planted left and right sides and the open space in the upper center is also excellent. "



World ranking 4


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The combination of driftwood with Bolbitis and river stones gives the layout a tranquil impression. The color balance of reddish stemmed plants, decorative sand and the meticulous aquatic plants between the stones make this layout impressive. A sense of nature is expressed skillfully through a unique method. "



World ranking 5


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The use of Seiryu Stones with stemmed plants is very impressive. Aquatic plants in the foreground form a gently sloping hill. Stones in the mid ground and a thicket of stemmed plants in the background form a unity in composition. Overlapping bright tiny leaves of stemmed plants and the combination of plants in the foreground create a sensitive impression. "



World ranking 6


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The composition, making the most of the characteristics of driftwood, and bright stemmed plants are harmonized in this layout. Thick black driftwood gives a heavy impression, but pure-white decorative sand and bright plants in the background redress the balance. Ferns and mosses attached to the driftwood present a natural look. "



World ranking 7


nature aquarium

The judges said: "Stones and sand are used to create the image of mountain streams originating from a waterfall. Boldly arranged stones set the perspective within the layout. The plant arrangement is well considered, and the layout recreates a landscape of a mountain stream in autumn. The color of autumn leaves is expressed through the use of reddish stemmed plants, and a sense of nature is effectively created by the use of moss and ferns on the stones."



World ranking 8


nature aquarium

The judges said: "With the stones of a unique texture, the layout presents a landscape like the ones depicted in Shan Shui (a style of Chinese painting). The stemmed plants and decorative sand bring a light touch to the layout."



World ranking 9


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The arrangement of stones is effective and the layout has a well-balanced structure. The reddish stemmed plants in a bed of greens give the layout an accent and a visual impact."



World ranking 10


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The creator recreates the tree with driftwood and moss, and the river with decorative sand and stones. The composition successfully gives us a broader outlook by drawing a slope in the layout. "



World ranking 11


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The view of a mountain stream, made of stones and decorative sand, provides a strong sense of perspective. The arrangement of plants, which is mainly formed with the stemmed plants and moss is skillfully done. "



World ranking 12


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout is taking an advantage of the characteristics of Seiryu Stone and is structured in a tactful manner by using stones in mixed sizes. The plants are maintained in a good condition. This is a piece that gives us a sense of refreshment."



World ranking 13


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout is produced with driftwood and a variety of plants in a large panoramic tank. Each section of the layout provides a different scene; this is a piece of complexity."



World ranking 14


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The dynamic composition by the use of driftwood goes well with the arrangement of plants in this layout. The vivid reddish color of stemmed plants, especially, is remarkable and eye-catching. "



World ranking 15


nature aquarium

The judges said: "Mainly using driftwood and shade plants, the layout is rather composed. Pure-white decorative sand uplifts the overall visual atmosphere and gives us a sense of refreshment."



World ranking 16


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The arch of driftwood is effective in drawing the eye to the layout. Ferns and moss, planted onto the driftwood, soften the tone of the composition and artistically present a natural look. "



World ranking 17


nature aquarium

The judges said: "This is a layout featuring Manten stone and driftwood. Its composition effectively develops a sense of unity by coordinating plants among those layout materials."



World ranking 18


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout presents a strong natural feeling: a dynamic composition of Manten stone with driftwood and the arrangement of ferns."



World ranking 19


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout stones consist of a very distinguished look. Combined with the driftwood rising up from here and there, they make the composition look startling. The arrangement of plants appears natural and well matches the overall composition."



World ranking 20


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The set up of driftwood is powerful and eye-catching. The composition becomes moderate by mainly using shade plants such as ferns and Cryptocoryne."



World ranking 21


nature aquarium

The judges said: "A simple and unified Iwagumi layout. The creator takes a good advantage of the shape of stones and prepares mounds around the stones."



World ranking 22


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout represents a basic layout composition and plant arrangement. A sense of nature is well expressed even in the smallest details. The creator picks the right kind of fish for this layout design."



World ranking 23


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The arrangement of plants is well considered; their colors have a strong visual impact. A stream of water is recreated precisely by pure-white decorative sand and stones."



World ranking 24


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The layout shows the very basics of Nature Aquarium. The plants are all in a good condition. We can see a highly skilled technique in maintaining the layout. "



World ranking 25


nature aquarium

The judges said: "Using a combination of the plants with a delicate appearance, the layout presents a fantastic imagery. The use of driftwood is very unique and frames the creator's individual view of nature."



World ranking 26


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The way that fern and moss are growing on the driftwood depicts a sense of nature. Decorative sand, in the foreground, and the stemmed plants, in the back, visually go along with each other. "



World ranking 27


nature aquarium

The judges said: "The creator frameworks the layout with stones and driftwood and applies decorative sand and a variety of plants to it. The layout is well-balanced in terms of composition and visual effect."




iconMatt Clarke: Wed October 3, 2007, 1:47 pm
Views: This entry has been read 81,872 times.

69 comments on: The world's top 27 nature aquariums
Jump to comments form

Editorial comment

"Awesome.

I suggest we all nominate our top five. 1st being our favourite.

I'm going 7, 10, 3, 11, 2"

Posted by: Jeremy Gay - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 1:57 pm
Editorial comment

"I'd be happy with any of them in my room. However, I'm going to go for: 16, 21, 25, 9 and 12. "

Posted by: Matt Clarke - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 2:02 pm
Reader comment

"I like the majority of them but the ones that stick out for me are 7 & 10. Truly amazing I wish I could come up with something like that. "

Posted by: Chris Green - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 2:17 pm
Reader comment

"All amazing...

7, 11, 10, 6, 15"

Posted by: Thom Berriman - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 3:25 pm
Editorial comment

"If you can come up with three more Chris, we can collate the results and award our own winner.

I know it is hard!"

Posted by: Jeremy Gay - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 3:26 pm
Reader comment

"Is it just me - but why are these called 'Nature Aquariums'? They are all undeniably very beautiful, but seldom very natural - look at 7 and 10 - only one step away from a tea pagoda or a scale model of the Acropolis in my opinion! They are to natural underwater landscapes, as Capability Brown is to landscape gardening - beautiful to look at - but not natural. Having said all this,(hypocrisy rules!), my votes go for;

1, 18, 20, 6, 15 mainly because I can imagine a stream somewhere looking a little like this!"

Posted by: Bob Mehen - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 4:55 pm
Reader comment

"Amazing!

Love them all in their own way, but favorites in order of pref are : 3, 15, 18, 7, 11 The way they manage to not look square is very skillful indeed.

As a gardener I love to garden in my tank too, but find the price of the wood/equipment I would ideally have, a preventative to realizing my vegetative fantasies..

Also I sometimes find myself thinking, less rock/wood, more fishholding water space? (as long as there's sufficient hiding places of course)

"

Posted by: Jennifer Coxon - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:13 pm
Editorial comment

"Well put Bob,

I never thought of it like that.

I suppose that because of all the work that goes into them they are very ornamental. "

Posted by: Jeremy Gay - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:22 pm
Reader comment

"Further to my earlier comment my top 5 are :-
1 , 7 , 10 , 11 , 14. "

Posted by: Chris Green - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:29 pm
Reader comment

"7, 10, 11, 16, 25. "

Posted by: Susie Hewitt - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:32 pm
Reader comment

"Brilliant Aquascapes...

1, 3, 4, 18 and 25 really appeal to me..."

Posted by: Corin Castle - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:43 pm
Reader comment

"as much as i like and would love to own 7 and 10 to me a planted tank should look like a section of a real river etc not a waterfall or tree near a river so for me its

1, 5, 9, 17, 18, "

Posted by: Mark Norman - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:46 pm
Reader comment

"I agree with Bob I was wodnering that myself!

Its very hard to choose there all amazing but my favourites are 1,7,10,22,17."

Posted by: Jack Casson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 5:57 pm
Reader comment

"They are called Nature aquariums because they imitate a natural setting; however they do not reproduce a specific environment that exists in nature. In fact some of them, like 7 and 10, actually use aquatic plants and the other materials to imitate a terrestrial, rather than an aquatic, scene.

Of course, more natural aquariums can be just as beautiful. "

Posted by: Joseph St. John - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 6:53 pm
Reader comment

"Number 3 to me is the best, the layout is more original to some of the others. And the moss flowing around the rocks is great.

I like 2, 3, 7, 15, 18. All of them are great, except some stand out slightly more than others. Every year the contests standards increase and every year were all thinking 'What can we expect next year?'..."

Posted by: Michael Lawson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 7:26 pm
Contributor comment

"7, 3, 11, 15, 16. But they will change depending on my mood.

Bob - the Nature Aquarium concept is not attempting to re-create an aquatic biotope, but a landscape in some cases, as you can see...

Amano pioneered this aquascaping technique back in the late 80s.

We are privilaged to see these here. Thanks to Jeremy and ADA for this. Mind-blowingly awesome!"

Posted by: George Farmer - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 8:03 pm
Reader comment

"Breath taking, so hard to choose the best, some stand out more than others, my choice would have to be - Hard between 7 and 10 for first place. I love the tree effect and the waterfall effects then 20, 16 and 2... The thing to note is the number of fish in each tank…
"

Posted by: Paul M (kozmiktramp) - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 8:20 pm
Reader comment

"For me it's 11, 5, 7, 10, 21. That's my final answer, I've changed it many times, but I'm happy....for now....hmm, hold on..........nope, I'm happy :)

....maybe I should.....no...that's it, those are my favourites for today :) :)"

Posted by: Gareth Bull - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 8:29 pm
Reader comment

"The one's I like best are 3, 6, 7, 10 and 11. If I had to choose a best one I'd go for number 6.

James"

Posted by: James Clarke - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 10:20 pm
Reader comment

"For me its, 21, 6, 16, 23, 10"

Posted by: Sam Watson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 10:44 pm
Reader comment

"I find it impossible to pick five, everyone of them has the wow factor but I have to say that number seven jumps out and slaps you in the face."

Posted by: Syd Paterson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 3rd, 2007, 11:11 pm
Reader comment

"What Bob said^^

7, 25, 20, 4, 10.

I'm not sure how I would find number 7 in the long term... but there is no denying that everyone said WOW, when they first looked at it! I also like number 25 - it doesnt pretend to recreate a 'better' nature but puts forward this really otherworldly view. I like it because underneath the water really is 'another world' to us!

AKA Maximumbob"

Posted by: Simon Minford - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 4th, 2007, 8:37 am
Reader comment

"Some truely superb tanks, but may favourite are, in order, 10,11,6,25 and 7. I really like 10, because it reminds me of numerous visits to the lake district and the north yorkshire moors, where i would find shelter under a remote tree when the heavens opened."

Posted by: Ashley Devine - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 4th, 2007, 3:24 pm
Reader comment

"21,5,25,11,2.

I like this type of thing to look at. I wouldn't want to try and maintain any of these tanks though! As to my choices, I prefer simplicity mostly..

Fivebymiker"

Posted by: Mike Rhind - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 4th, 2007, 4:14 pm
Reader comment

"21,5,25,11,2.

I like this type of thing to look at. I wouldn't want to try and maintain any of these tanks though! As to my choices, I prefer simplicity mostly..

Fivebymiker"

Posted by: Mike Rhind - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 4th, 2007, 4:28 pm
Reader comment

"It's very hard to decide, they're all awesome. The first nd second winners are interesting, but I don't find them eye-catching in the same way as some of the others.

My top 5 would be (in order): 3, 10, 7, 5, and 8.

However 9,11,12,15,17,21, and 22 are fantastic also, haha.

I'm hoping to get a large tank in the Summer, these are very inspirational."

Posted by: Aaryn Secker - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 4th, 2007, 11:21 pm
Editorial comment

"These are the scores so far:

No 7 is leading with 14 votes

No 10 is second with 12 votes

No 11 is third with 10 votes

No 3 is fourth with 7 votes

No 25 is fifth with 6 votes

So far it is these five that we will publish in the December issue of the magazine.

I suppose I had better try to squeeze the real winner as well!"

Posted by: Jeremy Gay - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 5th, 2007, 6:16 pm
Reader comment

"They are all really amazing but for me it would have to be, in order of pref, 7, 3, 9, 11,15, but I would be happy with anyone of those tanks."

Posted by: Louise Hudson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Saturday October 6th, 2007, 2:51 pm
Reader comment

"Adjectives fail me!

"

Posted by: Chris Nelson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Saturday October 6th, 2007, 6:09 pm
Reader comment

"I really think that the visual of terrestial forms is slightly misleading when looking at stills of the tanks, it doesn't sit right when you are looking at a scene (re-creating landscapes) and then a school of tetras swim right through it. My votes are 1, 15, 22, 19, 16."

Posted by: David Trathen - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Sunday October 7th, 2007, 11:49 am
Reader comment

"all look great to me and being new to fisk keeping and in the process of setting up my first tank i can only hope my tank looks half as good as any or these tanks when completed. my order would be 22, 16, 12, 10, 7. I know number 10 might not be realistic with an under water tree, but for me it is very imaginitive and shows what can be done in a tank if you put your mind to it."

Posted by: Frank O' Kane - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Sunday October 7th, 2007, 10:53 pm
Reader comment

"now they would look great for next years calander! i would go for 7,11,3 ,1, and 17.all i can say , is wow!"

Posted by: Leon Smith - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 8th, 2007, 8:41 pm
Reader comment

"i think the skill of creating a terrestrial scene in an aquatic environment is amazing. Not only does it work but it also looks impressive. Although all of the tanks are simply stunning. My order would have to be:

7,10,11,8,3... wot can anyone say except, wow!
"

Posted by: Matthew Williams - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 10th, 2007, 12:07 am
Reader comment

"My favourites:
6, 8, 11, 12, 18

Bloke sat next to me at work:
7, 11, 3, 5, 8

Female mate on messenger:
3, 5, 7, 8, 10

Hot geeky girl on messenger:
5, 10, 3, 25, 24

(I'm the only fishgeek out the lot btw)

"

Posted by: Mark Beeston - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 10th, 2007, 10:34 am
Reader comment

"(It's art.) Amazing. Really beautiful. I am wondering what size tanks these are?"

Posted by: Cheryl Platt - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 11th, 2007, 8:56 am
Reader comment

"7, 3 11, 18, 23"

Posted by: Alan James - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 11th, 2007, 3:16 pm
Reader comment

"can i have them all please.
I love number 1, and number 15, but they're all incredible....hate to think of the maintenance though, keeping them looking like that."

Posted by: Alice Porter - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 11th, 2007, 9:36 pm
Reader comment

"The mind boggles at the creativity of sheer beauty when looking at most of these aquascapes.

7, 3, 11, 22, 5 "

Posted by: Brian Morrison - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 12th, 2007, 2:26 am
Reader comment

"7 is just awesome"

Posted by: Mike Albert - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 12th, 2007, 2:59 pm
Reader comment

"Wowed by all entries but 10 and 11 get my vote.

Defies belief what people can create with an artistic streak and alot of patience."

Posted by: Craig Holden - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 12th, 2007, 5:14 pm
Reader comment

"Just great. However keeping in mind the title, my votes go to........
1 - 21
2 - 2
3 - 1
4 - 5
5 - 4"

Posted by: John Farrugia - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 12th, 2007, 6:37 pm
Reader comment

"hello to all

congrats

my vote goes to:

1 1
2 = 3
3 = 7

i must say also, that the 10 place is a Fake. Sure the aquarium is good, but not good enought to get the 150 place. Dont know how he got the 10 place, with a carpet uncomplete, and a lake of fish. The perfection that we see on the top 25 layout we can no see on the 10 place aquarium. The foreground is not even closed to perfect, we have only a good tree, a good ideia, a good hardscape, but not a perfect aquarium in a hole to get a top 25. Thats why there are good aquariums, but only the perfect ones get the top 25. it is a shame!!!

bye"

Posted by: Jon Brown - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 15th, 2007, 9:57 am
Reader comment

"My votes goes to:

25, 1 , 7

The nature scape works better for me.
"

Posted by: Helder Cardoso - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 15th, 2007, 10:08 am
Reader comment

"Can we not see more detailed views of these tanks.
The thumbnails are rather small.

Not even a link to the contest's web site?
"

Posted by: Stuart Halliday - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 15th, 2007, 12:47 pm
Reader comment

"I am goimg 3,7,10,23"

Posted by: Kenan Yıldız - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 15th, 2007, 12:55 pm
Reader comment

"all amazing, but for me its 7, 11, 15, 23, and 25, with 25 and 11 being my favourites.
is it really wrong that I'm wondering what they'd all look like after a short visit from my plecs?!"

Posted by: Anna Pelham - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 15th, 2007, 3:48 pm
Reader comment

"I could only dream of producing anything 1/100th as good as these, as for top 5 it seems as fish/aquarium keepers we all seem to have a similar eye for design, heres my five-
10, 3, 7, 17and 20"

Posted by: Paul Charlton - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 12:20 pm
Reader comment

"For me the 22nd should be the first. It looks great both in a general sense and in its details and it looks very natural too. Stephen J. Jones, Recife - Brazil

"

Posted by: Stephen Jones - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 2:57 pm
Reader comment

"hi
for me 3/11/7/22/24/1 but asking my friends and family no two came close to the same which just goes to show how different we all are and how personal tho collective our hobby really is,the bit that has me puzzled is what is giving the impression off a waterfall in 7 is it a rock "

Posted by: Clif Morris - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 4:28 pm
Reader comment

"so inspiring"

Posted by: Rianna Carr - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 8:35 pm
Reader comment

"3, 10, 5, 9, 11.



"

Posted by: Charlie Hatcher - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 8:36 pm
Reader comment

"In order, my preferences are 3, 21, 11, 25, 12.

All 27 are stunning. I'd love to have any one (or several!) of them in my living room. I think I'd employ a gardener to tend them though! "

Posted by: Dave Griffiths - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Tuesday October 16th, 2007, 9:38 pm
Reader comment

"3, 15, 16, 6 and 25

They are all stunning tanks, and I would probably never be able to create something as stunning as any of those even in my wildest dreams, but they are lovely to look at and envy.
I do agree that number 10 looks a big unnatural as an underwater scene to be honest. It is extremely clever and equally as beautiful, but you don't really get trees underwater. And since when could fish fly? If there weren't any fish, it would look much better though, in my opinion.
I love them all though! It's so difficult to choose! "

Posted by: Kathryn :D - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 17th, 2007, 12:17 am
Reader comment

"These are all stunning, amazing aquascapes. Those lucky fish! Some awesome inspiration, shame the pics aren't bigger really, would love to see all the detail up close."

Posted by: David Yell - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Wednesday October 17th, 2007, 9:41 am
Reader comment

"to be honest.... i love 10.. jst by the fact that he actually made a tree from moss and driftwood... wonder how long it takes to find the correct driftwood that would made us think its a tree at 1st glance... also its kinda hard to make moss stay on the driftwood itself resembling a canopy... well imo ...
so i find 10 is the best......

as for 7 which most ppl took as 1st choice... i dont think its that good... because it is only the orientation of the rocks and gravel that makes it look like a stream.... also the fact that it needs a picture at the back to support its gravel-scape.. to me it is just dont deserve as much..

well just my 2c hehe

well nevertheless... all are stunning aquarias... wish i have those "green hands" to make them as pretty as they are.."

Posted by: Yen Yap - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007, 10:56 am
Reader comment

"First: 5 reminds of N. wales where I live. I try to photograph the place, and have set up a 26l tank to emulate a mountain face I have seen, but have not been able to reproduce what I see to this skill level.

Second: 19 has the perfect blend of rocks alongside some nicely understated wood.

Third: 8 makes vertical stones work to perfection, giving a very dramatic hardscape.

Fourth: 11 has a nice flow to it. Both sides draw the gaze down from the rear corners to the centre of the tank, and then down the sloping sand to the front of the tank.

Fifth: 18 has a fantastic blend of rocks and wood.

Number 25 was the tank with real wow factor, but I think I would grow a little bored with it too soon.

Judging by the results, it looks to me as if we are going to have to practice using rock and wood together.

Dave."

Posted by: Dave Spencer - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007, 2:06 pm
Reader comment

"21, 3, 1, 5, 20

Great tanks by great artists. I believe that some of the tanks have too short a time span in their optimum glory."

Posted by: Ramon Vella - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007, 8:36 pm
Reader comment

"amazing"

Posted by: Alan Gibson - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007, 10:33 pm
Reader comment

"Inspirational

Although it would be a lot better (this is my opinion) if there was more detail on the the tanks. eg dimentions, age, fish, plants, feterlisers, co2 systems and water perimeters. It would help others to achieve in creating their perfect tank. I have been inspired by nunmber 10 I am toatally redoing my 90l planted.


3, 5, 7, 10 and 23."

Posted by: Sam Hay - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 19th, 2007, 7:15 am
Editorial comment

"We used all of the information that ADA supplied us with, Sam. They supplied no data on any of the tanks or the way they were run, just the judges comments on the top 27. There were too many to go into the print magazine so we've used the whole lot uncut here on the web."

Posted by: Matt Clarke - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Friday October 19th, 2007, 7:53 am
Reader comment

"I really liked all of them. I would rank them 3,7 and 11. I would really like to know the size of the tanks of all of them. This would help me to visulize them better. "

Posted by: Khalid Al Khabouri - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Saturday October 20th, 2007, 1:22 pm
Reader comment

"11,15,17,25, 23. It was so hard to choose my favourite five!

Im glad I don't have to maintain them, as pretty as they are!"

Posted by: Louise Barry - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Saturday October 20th, 2007, 10:50 pm
Reader comment

"Very nice, but no marine tanks."

Posted by: David Ellis - 2 years, 1 month ago
Date: Monday October 22nd, 2007, 10:59 pm
Reader comment

"no 7 was the most impressive display for me. Excellent stuff"

Posted by: Chris Oldroyd - 2 years ago
Date: Wednesday October 24th, 2007, 1:46 pm
Reader comment

"Al these plant tanks are all so beautiful in their own way. 1, 3, 4, 7, Water falls in water? fantastic! 11, the path to never, never land or shan-gri-la. 12, love the color of the rocks. 20, 21, 22, 27. If these are too many i'm sorry. These all took alot of patience and imagination. Thank you. "

Posted by: Chris Ruprecht - 2 years ago
Date: Saturday October 27th, 2007, 5:37 am
Reader comment

"I think they're missing the point on 7, 10. They both look like an above the water landscape rather than below it. now look at 18, 22, 24, 25, 26, thats what I call aquascaping, brilliant."

Posted by: Dennis Day - 2 years ago
Date: Thursday November 15th, 2007, 5:27 pm
Reader comment

"Dennis Day said "I think they're missing the point on 7, 10. They both look like an above the water landscape rather than below it."

Takashi Amano's style is based on the NATURE aquarium, depicting scenes of Nature above the water's surface. He explains this many times in his books. I think in some he actually describes the mental image of nature that gave him the inspiration.

So They are doing the same as takashi amano.

I like these the most :
5
7
10
15
18"

Posted by: Mack Emmons - 1 year, 9 months ago
Date: Monday February 11th, 2008, 12:44 am
Reader comment

"7, 3, 10 and 25 are my favorites :)"

Posted by: Artyom Steinau - 1 year, 8 months ago
Date: Tuesday March 11th, 2008, 5:12 pm
Reader comment

"number 3 number 20 and number 23 have rocks i have never seen before, the driftwood on the last two are a work of art... great job guys..."

Posted by: Cezare Almeda - 1 year, 3 months ago
Date: Monday August 18th, 2008, 12:04 pm

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About the author: Matt Clarke

Matt Clarke

Editor-in-Chief, Matt Clarke, writes the regular Interesting Imports column on rare and unusual fish in the UK aquarium trade. He's kept fish for 30 years and holds a degree, two higher degrees and two diplomas in fish biology, taxonomy and computational biology.

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