PRESS RELEASE
Aqua Design Amano Co., Ltd. hosted the International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest 2006, and had 959 applications from 36 countries. Applications from outside Japan exceeded Japanese applicants again, and the quality of the layouts was very competitive. The grand prize winner of the contest 2006 is Mr. Chen Yu Lin of Taiwan. Someone from Taiwan got the Grand prize again this year! Here, we introduce the World Ranking Top 10 in 2006.
"I really appreciate all the participants of the 6th International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest. I thank all the people who sent the wonderful layouts. For this year's contest, a rule was changed: one can enter only one aquarium layout. Due to this rule change, we were concerned that number of applications may fall from last year's contest, but in reality, the number of applicants and participating countries exceeded the last contest, and both reached the highest level. The top prize winners should be proud of themselves.
"When I looked at this year's applications, I noticed many layouts with skills and originality. For this reason, it was very difficult to judge, and as a result, evaluation for the top winners was split among the judges. The total scores of top prize winners are very close, and the grand prize winner should be praised as a real top dog. Looking over this year's contest applications, I could feel the world layout trend from their styles, and noticed that planted aquarium layout matured one step further as culture. All the judges are now looking forward to seeing new developments in next year's contest."
For this contest, we received a total of 959 layouts from 36 countries.
Australia 1
Austria 2
Bulgaria 1
Bolivia 1
Brazil 7
Canada 1
Chile 2
China 21
England 3
Finland 3
France 7
Germany 14
Greece 8
Hong Kong 49
Indonesia 3
Israel 11
Italy 33
India 1
Japan 365
Kazakhstan 1
Korea 29
Latvia 1
Malaysia 84
Norway 1
Portugal 7
Poland 36
Russia 6
Serbia and Montenegro 1
Singapore 36
Sweden 5
Switzerland 1
Taiwan 124
Thailand 29
Turkey 3
Ukraine 19
USA 43
Close to 1000 layouts were sent from all over the world in the 2006 contest. During the grading stage, the judges are not informed of the creators' nationality, age, gender, and of course their faces. But by looking each layout carefully, one may fully realize the passion of the creator. To answer those passions, we are make each grading in complete sincerity. We concentrate on viewing the layout for an understanding the unspoken thoughts of each creator.
When looking back at this year's contest, we noticed that there were many very close layouts from those that missed winning the prizes. Especially, we noticed the one could have been highly treated if the layout had been photographed properly. Of course the result of the contest is decided not by the photography performance, but the layout itself. However, it is also true that judge cannot make a grading if the picture does not show the condition inside the aquarium properly.
To organize the planted aquarium layout contest on a global scale, judging the layout pictures is the most practical method, and in order to make a grading impartially, jurors must confirm the whole layout composition, balance, aquatic plants arrangement, and health condition of the fish and plants from single picture. For next year's contest, we wish each applicant to see if there is any problem in the shooting procedure of the layout picture. As the picture quality improves, the judges will be able to grade each layout impartially, this will also contribute to improve the overall contest level.
[And now, folks, here they are:]
Mr. Chen Yu Lin (Taiwan)
Title: Autumnal colors
Evaluation: The Grand Prize winner layout is a relatively orthodox style, using Ouko stone as a layout material, and planting Glossostigma in the foreground, and Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan' in the background. Before anything, the composition balance and color impact are excellent in this layout. Especially the balance of beautifully trimmed right-and-left background thickets is excellent, and they created a depth in the layout. Even though only Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan' is used for the stemmed plants thicket, they show variation of slight color difference from gentle red to yellow green. This layout is a compelling, profound layout.
His Comment: Upon hearing that I received the grand prize, tears came to my eyes. I am very appreciative to the judges for giving me such a great honor. I became interested in aquariums about 5 years ago. I like ecological aquaria such as planted tanks and reef tanks. I have focused on aqua plant layouts for the last two years. This is my second entry in the ADA contest. I cannot find the correct words to describe my excitement. I think I will enjoy this hobby for my whole life.
Aquarium Tank: W90xD45xH45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'
Glossostigma elatinoides
Eleocharis parvula
Fish& Invertebrates:
Hemigrammus bleheri
Caridina multidentata
Mr. Masashi Ono (Japan)
Title: Relaxed Time
Evaluation: The driftwood composition and plants arrangement are in high-quality finished forms. The layout and maintenance technique, using a limited number of species, and growing those species in good forms, and maintaining impeccably even the single leaf, is amazing. But it is unfortunate the layout lacks impact.
His Comment: I was very surprised to see the result. I thought my layout was too common, and I did not expect to receive such a high prize. I tried to express a scene of aging driftwood, and its surrounding newborn plants and slow moving time flow by driftwood combination, using open space in luxury. I think this is an orthodox aquarium layout, but I am very glad such a layout was highly scored.
Aquarium Tank: W114xD52xH52 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Vallisneria nana
Microsorum sp.
Eleocharis xingua
Fantinalis antipyretica
Fish & Invertebrates:
Puntius sp.cf.denisoni
Crossocheilus siamensis
Caridina multidentata
Ms. Olga Baranovskaya (Ukraine)
Title: Rain is coming
Evaluation: This layout has a unique atmosphere. Many species of aquatic plants are well-organized as a whole. From the use of the driftwood, or the arrangement of the aquatic plants, as well as the whole composition with perspective, we could feel the creator’s unique artistic sense. This is a very interesting layout, and every time we see it, we find something new.
Her Comment: I was very delighted to have received such a high ranking! It is so great that there exists such a prestigious Contest where it is possible to share ideas, emotions and skills in the most beautiful and original field of art - aquascape - which thanks to its universal language is uniting the whole world! The highest level of this Contest makes it very important for me and my studio as professionals. I wanted to show mood and feelings rather than technical methods. I am glad that the impartial judges understood and appreciated my work.
Aquarium Tank: W125xD45xH45(cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Cladophora aegagrophira
Echinodorus tenellus 'red'
Eleocharis acicularis
E. pusilla
Glossostigma elatinoides
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Lindernia rotundifolia
Ludwigia sp.
Micranthenum micranthemoides
Microsorum sp.
Nymphaea sp.
Didiplis diandra
Rotala macrandra
Rotala macrandra var.
Rotala rotundifolia
Rotala rotundifolia 'green'
Vesicularia dubyana
Riccia fluitans
Fish & Invertebrates:
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Naocaridina denticulata
Mr. Chen Ze Xin (Taiwan)
Title: Old Tree
Evaluation: The use driftwood is distinctive and powerful. The texture is unique, and the way the moss covers the driftwood is natural. Not only is the impact of the driftwood good, but the balance of the open space and aquatic plants is well-organized, and the layout has an attractive finish, making use of the panoramic ratio aquarium tank.
His Comment: This time I considered the design of "God Tree Country" from last August, and started production from that layout. In order to find the best driftwood, I climbed a mountain several times. Even though I encountered the difficulty of sudden algae appearance, I finally realized the idealistic composition in my mind perfectly, by spending 8 months' time. When I received the Contest results, it is very hard to describe my feelings in words. The ADA layout contest is now trusted by hobbyists, and I really appreciate the organizer, judges who made a difficult grading, and all the planted aquarium hobbyists around the world.
Aquarium Tank: W105xD58xH45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Hemiantbus callitrichoides "Cuba"
Blyxa japonica
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Elatine triandra
Hottonia inflate
Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
Microsorum sp.
Vesicularia sp.
Riccia fluitans
Fish & Invertebrates:
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Pterophyllum altum
Pterophyllum scalare
Ancistrus temmincki
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Corydoras sterbai
Hemimyzon formosanus
Ms. Jung Soon Ja (Korea)
Title: Part of Nature
Evaluation: The creator used many layout elements, but somehow the layout as a whole is well organized. This is due to the way that the driftwood comprises the compositional backbone. The way driftwood is arranged, and the open space in the middle makes the layout seem to have more depth than its actual size.
Her Comment: I understand from the past ADA contest top prize winners' layout that this contest places emphasis on the originality of the creator. So it was not easy to express a part of nature for me who, never has enough river stone, driftwood, aquatic plants and fish, or expertise to take photographs, but I expressed a part of nature using my own belief and imagination. I spent my childhood in the countryside. It is not a hidden scenic spot like Kumgangsan, nor flourish like a rose, I just included my pure heart in the layout. I really appreciate the good grading result by the judges.
Aquarium Tank: W130×D45×H57 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Glossostigma elatinoides
Anubias barteri var. nana
Bolbitis heudelotii
Microsorum pteropus
Microsorum pteropus "WINDELOV"
Vesicularia dubyana
Fish & Invertebrates:
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Neocaridina sp.
Mr. Minoru Yamagashi (Japan)
Title: Lingering Snow
Evaluation: From the planting of ferns among the space of Seiryu Stone, and the use of pure white sand, we believed that the creator was trying to make use of the layout material and aquatic plant characteristics, and seek a new way of expression. Unique natural feeling is expressed here. The concept of the layout is clear, and due to the use of limited number and color of aquatic plants, the layout itself became to have more impact.
His Comment: This was my first contest. I am very glad to have received such a prize this time, and I am sharing this joy with my family and friends. I created this layout with an image of Mt. Yorikura in Okuhida, located in the border between Gifu and Nagano prefecture. I spread Rio Negro Sand on top of boldly arranged Seiryu-stone with an image of remaining snow, and set Bolbitis as an image of creeping pine, which endured the winter season. I wish to make a new layout for next year’s contest with a fresh feeling with my friends.
Aquarium Tank: W120×D45×H45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Bolbitis heudelotii
Microsorum sp.
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green'
Cryptocoryne parva
Eleocharis acicularis
Vesicularia sp.
Fish & Invertebrates:
Rasbora agilis
Otocinclus sp.
Caridina multidentata
Mr. Fumio Shiga (Japan)
Title: Listen Carefully for the Sound of a Stream
Evaluation: The use of driftwood is very skillful, and the composition is powerful. From the way the moss and aquatic plants are arranged -- attached on the driftwood -- one can feel elaborateness. The contrast between the red-brown color driftwood surface, and green aquatic plants is beautiful, and the use of pure white Rio Negro Sand in the foreground makes the layout powerful in terms of color.
His Comment: I am very glad to receive this prize. I made this layout with an image of a babbling stream of a river. I wanted to make a layout as if the flowing river sound is meeting the ear. So I combined the driftwood with such a feeling in my mind, and inserted Willow Moss between space of the driftwood, imagining their idealistic form. I am very glad the moss grew as I wish. I hope to enjoy making a new layout for next year’s contest.
Aquarium Tank:W150×D45×H60 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Echinodorus angstifolia
Vallisneria nana
Bolbitis heudelotii
Microsorum sp.
Isoetes japonica
Blyxa novoguineensis
Eleocharis acicularis
Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'
Ludwigia arcuata
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'brown'
Fantinalis antipyretica
Fish & Invertebrates:
Hemigrammus ulreyi
Otocinclus sp.
Crossocheilus siamensis
Caridina multidentata
Mr. Akira Yamagishi (Japan)
Title: Hometown, Has Pure Water Stream
Evaluation: The decorative sand reminds the viewer of the image of a clear stream in the mountains, and lends a dramatic effect to the aquarium layout. The planting is dense, and the plants make up a single group, with many varieties of aquatic plants.
Aquarium Tank: W90×D45×H45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Rotala rotundifolia 'green'
Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'
Anubias barteri var. nana
Ludwigia sp.
Micranthemum micranthemoides
Ludwigia arcuata
Echinodorus tenellus
Rotala sp.
Rotala indica
Vallisneria nana
Hygrophila polysperma
Bolbitis heudelotii
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Glossostigma elatinoides
Fantinalis antipyretica
Vesicularia sp.
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Fish & Invertebrates:
Hemigrammus hyanuary
Moenkhausia pittieri
Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi
Otocinclus sp.
Caridina multidentata
Mr. Takayuki Kosuge (Japan)
Title: Hometown in a Mountain Pass
Evaluation: Using pure white sand uniquely, the creator expressed perspective by arranging the various types of aquatic plants.
Aquarium Tank: W90×D45×H45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Rotala rotundifolia 'green'
Rotala rotundifolia vietnam
Eleocharis acicularis
Vesicularia sp.
Glossostigma elatinoides
Ludwigia arcuata
Fish & Invertebrates:
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Otocinclus sp.
Caridina multidentata
Mr. Junichi Itakura (Japan)
Title: Hiding Hometown
Evaluation: The basic composition is concave, but two white lines in the center created an accent, and make the whole impression an organized one. The balance of right and left aquatic plants is also good.
Aquarium Tank: W120×D45×H45 (cm)
Aquatic Plants:
Rotala rotundifolia 'green'
Vesicularia sp.
Micranthenum micranthemoides
Micranthenum unbrosum
Bolbitis heudelotii
Microsorum sp.
Microsorum pteropus
Echinodorus tenellus
Eleocharis sp.
Eichhornia natans
Rotala sp. 'Nanjenshan'
Ludwigia brevipes
Ludwigia inclinata var.
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Hottonia palustris
Glossostigma elatinoides
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'green'
Fish & Invertebrates:
Hemigrammus bleheri
Otocinclus sp.
Caridina multidentata