Exceptional Hardscape and Composition: The most striking feature is the incredible woodwork. The large, gnarled roots and branches on the left create a massive, anchoring presence, reminiscent of an ancient, wise tree. The way the wood twists and flows across the tank guides the viewer's eye from the dominant left side, through the midground, to the smaller rock and wood formations on the right. This creates a balanced yet dynamic asymmetrical composition.
Sense of Age and Realism: The texture and dark coloration of the wood give it a convincing appearance of having been submerged for centuries. The detailed placement of smaller roots and rocks around the main structures adds layers of complexity and makes the scene feel incredibly natural and undisturbed.
Masterful Use of Greenery: The planting is lush, healthy, and meticulously executed. A rich tapestry of various mosses and carpeting plants covers the hardscape and substrate, suggesting a forest floor that has been thriving for a very long time. The choice of different shades and textures of green adds significant depth and realism.
Creation of Depth and Scale: The artist has skillfully created a remarkable sense of depth in a 120cm tank. The large, detailed structures in the foreground transition to smaller, less detailed elements in the background. The gentle slope of the substrate from front to back, combined with the strategic planting, enhances this illusion of a vast underwater landscape. The open water surface beautifully reflects the scene, adding a sense of height and light.
Subtle Integration of Fauna: The school of what appears to be tetra species is well-chosen. Their tight schooling behavior and silvery color provide a perfect contrast to the dark wood and green plants. They add life and movement to the scape without distracting from the overall powerful, serene mood. The small red shrimp on the right side also add a subtle pop of color and interest.
[AQUARIUM SIZE]
W: 1200 x D: 600 x H: 500(mm)
[AQUATIC PLANTS]
Fissiden Mirosaki
Fissiden sp.mini Taiwan
US Fissiden
Thai Fissiden
Vesicularia filicinum
Radula Apiculata steph
Callicostella prabaktiana
Taxiphyllum sp.Flame
Riccadia Chamedryfolia
Crepidomanes malabaricum
Crepidomanes sp.Thai
Crepidomanes auriculatum
Frullania dilatata Micranthemum tweediei
Microcapaea minima
Cryptocoryne parva
Cryptocoryne parva mini
Rotala sp.vietnam
Rotala nanjean
Anubias nana pettite
Anubias premium mini
Anubias pangolino
Anubias pinto
Anubias pinto mini
Anubias white Japan
Anubias nana jade
Anubias Stardust
Bucepharandra mini round
Bucepharandra mini ambulua
Bucepharandra pink martini
Ecleocharis pavulus
Eriocaulon quinquangulare
Marsilea hirsula
[FISH / INRERTEBRATES]
Moenkhausia costae
Neocaridina Davidi
Ancistrus sp.(L144)
Carinotetraodor travancoricus
Step 1: Ideas
For this tank I want to challenge myself to use the same materials from my IAPLC2024 tank and create a new layout. Start from a picture of the old layout that I like scape on the left side so I keep them (the red area). I want to make long roots to represent an old long-lived tree. I flipped the wood to make it bigger and put others to make it longer. -- Kawin Arponiam / Thailand
Step 2: Materials
All Dark brown lava stones and Azalea woods from IAPLC2024 tank
Step 3: Hardscape
For base setup I use cleaned pumice stone mixed with nutrient preparing substrate. For steep area I used PU foam to block the soil.
Step 4: Planting
I used dry start method for 3 weeks so plant grew long enough to prevent soil from sliding down. And I used pot at some area that can not fill with soil
Step 5: Final
"Longevity" is a testament to the artist's patience and vision. It is more than just an aquarium; it is a carefully crafted piece of living art. The scape successfully transports the viewer to a tranquil, ancient, and almost magical underwater world. Achieving the "Fine Works" category in a prestigious competition like the IAPLC is a significant accomplishment, and this work is a beautiful example of why. It is a powerful, well-executed, and emotionally resonant aquascape.
Author Kawin Arponiam / Thailand
Facebook: Kawin Arponiam
Nature Box
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