TOP OF THE WORLD 2018 #01
THE INTERNATIONAL AQUATIC PLANTS LAYOUT CONTEST 2018
GRAND PRIZE
HIRONORI HANDA
JAPAN / “Yururi (relaxing)”
The entry by Mr. Hiroki Handa of Japan won the grand prize in the International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest 2018. The classic style of this aquascape is characteristic of Mr. Handa who studied under Nature Aquarium founder Takashi Amano. This contest is an “aquatic plant layout” contest and not a “Nature Aquarium” contest. The contest was started by Amano with his desire to “expand the possibilities of the aquatic plant layout hobby.” The fact that the grand prize was awarded to the orthodox Nature Aquarium style aquascape is affirmation of the style and seems to indicate that the contest has reached a turning point.
Maintain an unfaltering focus.
AJ: Tell us what you wanted to express with your layout work; layout theme, motif, ideas behind your winning work.
I was deeply impressed with the principles of Nature Aquarium that Mr. Amano advocated, and I have been producing aquatic plant layouts by always keeping this feeling of awe in mind. I produced this year’s entry with the principles in mind again. The only different thing I tried was the use of a triangular composition rather than a concave composition. Aquatic plants and composition materials in a triangular comosition tend to appear more dynamic. Therefore, I planted aquatic plants by keeping the continuity in mind so as not to break the rhythm. Since I used a lot of aquatic plants native to Asia, I selected Rasbora espei, which was native to Asia and visually as strong as driftwood or red aquatic plants, yet blended well with the auascape. While this piece may not be as innovative as the top ranking entries in the past contests, I treasure the basic philosophy of Nature Aquarium and would like to keep on producing aquatic plant layouts based on the philosophy.
AJ: Tell us about the layout materials (rocks and driftwood) which were used for this layout work.
I used Manten Stones and Horn Wood sold by ADA. Although I used Manten Stones in the supporting role to the primary driftwood and placed them in the manner that they peek out among Cryptocoryne leaves, I find that they play a very important role.
AJ: What fascinate or attract you the most about the planted aquarium hobby?
I believe that an aquatic plant layout cannot exist with aquatic plants and layout materials alone. The ecosystem functions because of the fish and invisible microorganisms living in the aquarium. In turn, the ecosystem enables the aquatic plants and the fish to grow well and produces the sparkling radiance of the water. A layout cannot exist if any one of them is missing. Although it is difficult to keep them in good balance, I feel that the challenge is a worthwhile pursuit and the best appeal of the hobby.
AJ: Do you have any tips for winning in the IAPLC?
I have no idea. However, I find it important to “maintain an unfaltering focus” every time. I suspect that led me to the success this time.
I used Manten Stones and Horn Wood sold by ADA. Although I used Manten Stones in the supporting role to the primary driftwood and placed them in the manner that they peek out among Cryptocoryne leaves, I find that they play a very important role.
AJ: What fascinate or attract you the most about the planted aquarium hobby?
I believe that an aquatic plant layout cannot exist with aquatic plants and layout materials alone. The ecosystem functions because of the fish and invisible microorganisms living in the aquarium. In turn, the ecosystem enables the aquatic plants and the fish to grow well and produces the sparkling radiance of the water. A layout cannot exist if any one of them is missing. Although it is difficult to keep them in good balance, I feel that the challenge is a worthwhile pursuit and the best appeal of the hobby.
AJ: Do you have any tips for winning in the IAPLC?
I have no idea. However, I find it important to “maintain an unfaltering focus” every time. I suspect that led me to the success this time.
AJ: What are your favorite ADA product(s) and why?
I find the glassware, such as those used for CO2 injection system or filtration, very attractive from both design and usage standpoints. It requires careful attention to maintain its clarity and cleanliness, which is something in common with caring for the living things in an aquarium. I feel that taking care of the equipment as well as fish and aquatic plants increases the depth of our understanding of coexisting with other living things and our affection toward the living things. I have the feeling that Mr. Amano’s concerns for living things are tucked away deeply in the glass equipment.
AJ: What kind of aquascape do you want to create in the future? Do you have any dreams relating to the aquarium hobby?
Rain falls on a mountain, trickles out, and turns into a small stream. The stream becomes a river and flows into the ocean. Sometime in the future if opportunity arises, I would like to create an aquatic plant layout that reflects such a bio cycle.
AJ: What do you think about the IAPLC?
The contest is very beneficial from the standpoint of spreading the aquatic plant layout hobby in the world. Since I am a professional aquarist, I usually provide services based on my customers’ requests and produce aquarium layouts as well. It allows me to share the fun with people, and I find the work worthwhile. However, I enjoy creating a layout for this once-a-year contest every year as it is a great opportunity to express my idea and feeling fully in an aquarium. I think that this contest enables me to enjoy the creative work and appreciate the completion of work at the end of May in the midst of endless flow of time that I spend keeping livestock.