Composition and Hardscape
The defining feature of this aquascape is its powerful and deliberate composition. Two enormous rock formations serve as the main hardscape elements, one on the left and one on the right. They are positioned to face each other, creating a narrow, open valley in the center. This "negative space" is what gives the scape its name—the two masses are connecting through this central pathway. This layout creates a strong visual pull and a sense of great depth, making the viewer feel as though they are looking at a vast, ancient landscape.
Planting and Detail
The planting in this tank is incredibly lush and mature. The rocks are heavily covered in a dense growth of moss and other epiphytic plants, which makes them look like ancient, living mountains or islands. The variety of plants, from the rich carpet in the foreground to the bushy textures on the rocks, creates a realistic and multi-layered ecosystem. The plants are so well-integrated with the hardscape that they blur the line between a terrestrial and an aquatic environment.
Hello my scaper friends, I got a envelope mail result yesterday and have chance to review with my friends all information related with my aquarium in IAPLC 2025. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to IAPLC committee, IAPLC judges, especially thanks to: Mr. Adam Paszczela, Mr. Shogo Yamaguchi
I was incredibly honored to learn that my entry received the "Best aquarium" selection from two of the great Judges. Its is with great regret that I only realized this belatedly. This honor is a great encouragement for my passion. It gives me great motivation to continue pursuing the Nature Aquarium Art
By the way, I would like to introducing my aquarium in details - Long Tran Hoang/ Vietnam
[AQUARIUM SIZE]
W: 1550 x D: 900 x H: 600(mm)
[AQUATIC PLANTS]
Echinodorus Iguazu 2009
Echinodorus Iguazu sp. "multicolor"
Pogosdemon helferi
Cryptocoryne sp. red
Cryptocoryne sp. green
Hydrocotyle Tripartita
Cardamine Japonica
Bolbitis heudelotii
Bolbitis sp. "Borneo"
Marsilea hirsuta
Fissidens fontanus
Fissidens sp. "nobilis mini"
Vesicularia ferriei
Taxiphyllum sp. "Spiky"
Taxiphyllum sp. "flame"
[FISH / INRERTEBRATES]
Paracheirodon innesi
Caridina Gracilirostris
Neocaridina davidi
Neocaridina davidi var. multicolor
Caridina flavilineata
Nerita albicilla
Anentome helena
[AQUARIUM TANK / SUBSTRATE MATERIAL]
ADA full set
[FILTRATION SYSTEM / FILTER MEDIA]
eheim 2217*4+ eheim 2260
[LIGHTING SYSTEM / CO₂ SYSTEM]
ADA RGB + DIY spotlights + CO2 50 bubles/s
[ADDITIVES / LIQUID FERTILIZERS]
ADA Liquid fertilizer full set in last 2 month before deadline (April and May 2025)+ DIY support chemicals
[COMMENTS]
Connecting is an intimate dialogue between contrasting realms: the stark, dark void and the vibrant, luminous expanse. Rooted in two distinct stone formations, the lush aquatic flora bridges the subtle divide, symbolizing life's persistent embrace and the profound truth that even the most disparate elements can intertwine. This piece explores how opposing forces can not only coexist but actively merge, creating a harmonious and vital whole.
[PHOTO]
Tri Ton
Step 1: Ideas
Step 2: Materials
Step 3: Hardscape
Step 4: Planting
Step 5: Final
This tank project received a great deal of help and support in the form of materials and expertise from many people. Although I publicly thanked everyone on this Facebook account each time, it's impossible not to miss some, so this time, if I've made any omissions in this list, please help me update it.
Substrate: ADA Vietnam from Lg Tran
Sand: Washed concrete sand + sand from Tran Hoai
Hardscape Rocks: Nguyen Ngoc Son, Nguyen Khai Phong
Glass Cutting and Sealing: Nguyen Kim Thanh
Lighting: Old generation ADA RGB light and supplementary light from Khanh Ngo Nguyen
Filters: Eheim filter and supplementary filter from Thanh Truc
CO2 System + Valve & Accessories: Pham Quoc Duy and Thanh Dung
Water Chiller System: Tran Hoai
Liquid Fertilizers:
Full set of ADA liquid fertilizers from Tri Pham Huu Minh (near photo shoot time)
NPK, K+, Microelements, Fe, Cidex 14: Pham Thanh Van
NPK from Thuy Sinh CiBi Aqua
NPK and additives from Vo Truong Nghia
Koika beneficial bacteria
Algae remover, powdered beneficial bacteria from Nuphar
Aquatic Plants:
Small star grass (emersed and submerged), cryptocoryne, Japanese pennywort, Dwarf hairgrass and many other plants and accessories (please see the aquatic plant planting section) from Thuy Moc Aquarium
Various colorful Echinodorus varieties from Thuy sinh Trung Tin
Flamemoss from Rio Farm
Fissidens fontanus, Echinodorus Iguazu 09 from Neri Aquarium
Fish, Shrimp, Snails:
Neon tetras, nerite snails from Neri Aqua shop
Red-nosed shrimp, mixed color shrimp from Thanh Dang
Mixed color shrimp from Cuong Ong
Backlight: Legend from Tung Pham
Special Thanks: The talented photographer Triton, who took countless test shots of this aquascape from the hardscape stage to the final completion.
Once again, I'd like to express my sincere thanks to everyone mentioned above.
Overall Impression
"Connecting" is a perfect title for this work. It's not just a tank with rocks; it's a carefully crafted artistic statement about balance and harmony. The sheer scale, the masterful use of negative space, and the meticulously maintained plant growth all come together to create a breathtaking and memorable underwater world. This aquascape stands out as a prime example of high-level artistry in the hobby.
Author Long Tran Hoang / Vietnam
Facebook: Long Tran Hoang AP
Instagram: longtranhoang.aquascaper
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