It’s one thing to be good at something, and another thing to be the best. Aquascaping has gone past the limit of being just a hobby, it has become a valued art.

This post is trying to help you find out how to win an aquascaping contest, by touching subjects like basic aquascaping technical and layout conditions, the importance of photography in aquascaping contests,  and listing the basic aquascaping judging criteria while exploring what aquascaping judges are after when judging planted tanks.

Aquascapers who are enthusiastic enough about their passion often try their luck in aquascaping competitions. It’s a natural course of things: when you do something you love and you enjoy it, you want to show it to others and you want your work to be appreciated. When you become this good at aquascaping, why not?

What judges want to see in an aquascaping contest is an excellently executed tank, with good design principles that also has that wow factor that sets it apart from the others in the competition. Also, keep in mind that judging an aquascape is close to judging a work of art. You need to pay attention to details and you need to be innovative without becoming gimmicky.

Give Judges the WOW Factor

Imagine that aquascaping contests judges sometimes have to pick the best tanks out of hundreds of entries. What do you think helps them make up their minds?

They get hundreds of photographs of various types of aquascaping layouts, it can’t be an easy job, however, aquascapes that immediately draw their eyes in a positive way and make judges linger over them are preferred. Give them the wow factor! Also, always remember winning tanks should not mimic what’s been done before. So be original and bold!

Furthermore, never forget that ideally, the best ranked tanks are technically perfect, apart from also having that unique appearance that catches the eye.

The Importance of Good Quality Photography in Aquascaping Contests

No matter the type of aquascaping contest, the quality of the photography for your entry pictures is very important. Not many people take this aspect seriously enough.

It’s not sufficient to have a magnificent aquascape layout if the photographs you’ve taken don’t do it justice. It’s also better to submit more than one photo of your tank, because it helps the judges fairly evaluate your aquascape.

Aquascaping Judging Criteria

Every aquascaping contest has a set of rules when it comes to the judging criteria. Make sure you do your research before entering a contest like this, see what their requirements are and do your best to comply.

Remember judging standards differ a lot and judges are also quite subjective. Some judge based on purely aesthetic reasons, others on the quality of the planting and plant growth. Keep this in mind and have lots of fun while building and planting your tank. It’s very important to give it a personal look.

Here are some things judges always take into consideration when judging a planted aquarium competition:

1. Artistic Impression

• Composition/ Layout design: Judges look for overall balance and harmony in a tank. Visual balance is secured by diligent use of colored plants and hardscape materials, all arranged in a harmonious way, avoiding space gaps, distracting shadows or a feeling of confinement.
• Creativity: This is the part that sets your tank apart from the crowd. Judges are usually looking for creative layout, innovative use of plants, hardscape and other visual elements, as well as special finishing techniques for the final photo (eg. ingenious lighting effects).

2. Aquarium Conditions and Aquatic Plants Health

Special attention is given to how plants grow and look. Aquatic plants should be grown to their full potential, so that they maximize their color, density and texture. Judges are always on the hunt for signs of unhealthy plants, like stripped stalks, faded leaves or algae smothered leaves.

3. Use of Hardscape (Driftwood and Aquascaping Rocks)

The final appearance of the tank should look harmonious. Hardscape material should be chosen properly, so that it appears naturally integrated with the plants and layout design.

4. Aquarium Fish and Invertebrates

The judging eye is searching for tanks with appropriate selection of fish and inverts. There should be a balance between the fish and the layout design; the fish should look comfortable and natural in the aquatic habitat. Special attention should be given to the way in which they are photographed for contests. Schooling fish are usually photographed in schooling formation while solitary fish should be photographed at best angle.

In the end, remember that the most important part of aquascaping is not winning a competition, but rather how much you have enjoyed the process of working with your aquascape. Apart from complying 100% to a set of rules within an aquascaping contest, do what you love first, because your own feelings about your work and passion are what matter most!