[TheStoriesOfTop7] The Majestic Banyan - ChuanWei Yu/China - IAPLC 2024

28 December 2024

2465

This work boldly uses driftwood to depict a giant tree. The large, thick branches radiating outward from the center of the aquarium create an impactful presence, while the aerial roots hanging from the branches add variation to the layout. The balance between the diagonal lines and vertical lines creates spaces of different sizes, ensuring the layout does not become too heavy.

[TheStoriesOfTop7] The Majestic Banyan - ChuanWei Yu/China - IAPLC 2024

This design results in an extremely well-conceived piece. The addition of a school of fish swimming enhances the illusion of a submerged giant tree, creating a fantastical atmosphere

IAPLC 2024 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0005- Bronze Prize

The Majestic Banyan

Author:ChuanWei Yu / China

Aquarium Size/W1,200 x D600 x H500(mm)

Aquatic Plants

Leptochilus sp. 'Trident'

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame Moss'

Anubias barteri var. nana

Bucephalandra sp.

Cryptocoryne sp.

Eleocharis pusilla

Hemianthus micranthemoides var.

Micranthemum tweediei

Bolbitis heudelotii

Hymenasplenium obscurum

Rotala wallichii

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

Hottonia inflata

Limnophila sessiliflora

Cabomba caroliniana

Pogostemon helferi

Taxiphyllum barbieri

Fish & Invertebrates

Parachelreden axelredi

Parachelreden innest

Pelitella georgiae

Carinotetraeden travancericus

Neccaridina davidi

AWARDS

World Ranking 0005 Bronze Prize IAPLC 2024

The fifth place (Bronze Prize), with a score of 1,021 points, went to Mr. Chuanwei Yu from China for the work "The Majestic Banyan". Five out of ten judges selected this work in their top ten, with Mr. Oliver Lucanus (Canada) choosing it as the Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Oliver Lucanus (Canada)

I really liked the idea of taking an above water scene and translating it under the surface. The balance of light, with windows of the bright background shining through the tree in several places is very unique. Having seen cardinal tetras in nature many times, I think this is an ideal setup to keep the fish in their optimum colour. With the slow growing moss and Bolbitis I think this aquarium will keep it's general look well without too much maintenance. The lack of clear symmetry is perfect to my vision. With so many aquariums similar to each other I found that this was one of the entries that clearly stood out from the rest.

Comments

This is my second time participating in IAPLC, and I am deeply honored to have achieved a top 7 ranking. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and encouragement from IAPLC and the judges! Since my first encounter with aquascaping in 2021, ADA has been the greatest influence on me. Through ADA, I learned about the end- less possibilities of aquariums. With IAPLC, I was inspired by numerous outstanding works, which motivated me to improve my skills and knowledge. Seeing many senior aquascapers in my country achieve remarkable results gave me the confidence to take on the challenge myself. For this contest, I chose the theme of a banyan tree called "Dokushin Seirin," and, during the production process, I received valuable advice and experience from many seniors. I am especially grateful to last year's champion, Mr. Fan, for his guidance. I believe that IAPLC not only emphasizes visual beauty but also promotes designs that consider the habitat of aquatic organisms and the balance of ecosystems, aligning with SDGs principles. The judges are seasoned experts from all over the world, which makes IAPLC's evaluation process highly rigorous and fair. IAPLC is currently the most influential global aquascaping contest. I hope that IAPLC continues to grow, attracting even more participants, and that it brings forth innovative and excellent works that bring fresh energy to the aquarium world. I am thankful to IAPLC for bringing together aquascaping enthusiasts from around the world. I will continue to take on new challenges and strive for further progress. Finally, I would like to express my profound respect for Mr. Takashi Amano and my deep gratitude for his outstanding contributions to the aquarium world

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