2024.09.06
IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #14 Jiri Pova
IAPLC Creator’s File interviews top winners of the IAPLC, the world’s leading planted aquarium contest, and introduces the secrets of their progress and their passion for the planted aquarium hobby.
Jiri Pova
Age: 44 years old
Country: Czech Republic
Occupation: Analyst of a logistics company
Aquarium experience: 4 years
Past awards:
IAPLC 2021 – #670
IAPLC 2022 – #334
IAPLC 2023 – #15
Other hobbies: Walking in the mountains and in nature
Social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.):
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jirkapova?igsh=MWJodXNhdnQ4bnliMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/povic79
Age: 44 years old
Country: Czech Republic
Occupation: Analyst of a logistics company
Aquarium experience: 4 years
Past awards:
IAPLC 2021 – #670
IAPLC 2022 – #334
IAPLC 2023 – #15
Other hobbies: Walking in the mountains and in nature
Social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.):
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jirkapova?igsh=MWJodXNhdnQ4bnliMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/povic79
IAPLC 2023 WORLD RANKING 0015
Closure
Aquarium Size W1,200×D500×H600(mm)
Closure
Aquarium Size W1,200×D500×H600(mm)
The important thing in the creation process is listening to experienced people and learning from each of your mistake.
Q What made you start doing aquascape layouts?
The COVID pandemic started, and I couldn’t continue my hobby of rock climbing. Because I couldn’t stand to be idle for a while, I looked for something to keep me entertained. In September 2020, I set up an aquarium for my kids. I did not expect that this hobby would absorb me so much. That was the beginning. More and more aquariums were added, and I kept buying more equipment, continually upgrading to better gear. I became incredibly consumed by it. Thanks to all the people I communicate with about aquascaping for their advice. I’m glad this community is so sharing and able to give helpful advice.
The COVID pandemic started, and I couldn’t continue my hobby of rock climbing. Because I couldn’t stand to be idle for a while, I looked for something to keep me entertained. In September 2020, I set up an aquarium for my kids. I did not expect that this hobby would absorb me so much. That was the beginning. More and more aquariums were added, and I kept buying more equipment, continually upgrading to better gear. I became incredibly consumed by it. Thanks to all the people I communicate with about aquascaping for their advice. I’m glad this community is so sharing and able to give helpful advice.
Q What inspired you to participate in the IAPLC?
I love Iwagumi style and it’s simplicity, purity and naturalness.
Q Where did you get the theme, motif, and idea for this layout?
I try to find inspiration in nature, but my main focus is on long-maintenance tanks. There’s something about them that I really like, and I strive to make them my own and reflect my own feelings. I especially admire Yusuke Homma’s tanks.
Q In the process of creating your work, are there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
Fortunately, no major pitfalls appeared, and I didn’t have to invent anything new. I made do with techniques that were already well-known.
Q What are the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish species?
I love grass, whether it’s low or high. I’m always on the lookout for something special yet natural to the environment. For example, I’ve been searching for an Eriocaulon sp. ‘Feather Duster’ plant for a long time. I try to choose the fish afterward to ensure they fit the natural overall look. In this tank, however, the main goal was to have a school of fish that would swim from one side to the other.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
This is an interesting question. I have a lot of things on my mind that I’m trying to consider. However, foremost are the mistakes I’ve made in the past, which I try not to repeat. And, of course, the ADA Amazonia and bacteria are crucial for me. I wouldn’t use anything else for the tank; that’s my rule.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
There is no secret. But when someone has a goal, he has to go for it. Even if others tell him he won’t succeed. He has to believe in himself and give it his all.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
From my point of view, this is the best competition with this focus and the idea of a natural reservoir. The variety of styles makes the competition more interesting. However, I believe the main goal is to create a tank that looks as natural as possible, so it feels like it belongs under the water’s surface.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
Go for the dream you have and remember that the creation of the tank should be above all a pleasure. It is good to be unique and try everything yourself. But the better way is to listen to more experienced people. And try to learn from each of your mistakes and failures. So that next time you will be stronger.
I love Iwagumi style and it’s simplicity, purity and naturalness.
Q Where did you get the theme, motif, and idea for this layout?
I try to find inspiration in nature, but my main focus is on long-maintenance tanks. There’s something about them that I really like, and I strive to make them my own and reflect my own feelings. I especially admire Yusuke Homma’s tanks.
Q In the process of creating your work, are there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
Fortunately, no major pitfalls appeared, and I didn’t have to invent anything new. I made do with techniques that were already well-known.
Q What are the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish species?
I love grass, whether it’s low or high. I’m always on the lookout for something special yet natural to the environment. For example, I’ve been searching for an Eriocaulon sp. ‘Feather Duster’ plant for a long time. I try to choose the fish afterward to ensure they fit the natural overall look. In this tank, however, the main goal was to have a school of fish that would swim from one side to the other.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
This is an interesting question. I have a lot of things on my mind that I’m trying to consider. However, foremost are the mistakes I’ve made in the past, which I try not to repeat. And, of course, the ADA Amazonia and bacteria are crucial for me. I wouldn’t use anything else for the tank; that’s my rule.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
There is no secret. But when someone has a goal, he has to go for it. Even if others tell him he won’t succeed. He has to believe in himself and give it his all.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
From my point of view, this is the best competition with this focus and the idea of a natural reservoir. The variety of styles makes the competition more interesting. However, I believe the main goal is to create a tank that looks as natural as possible, so it feels like it belongs under the water’s surface.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
Go for the dream you have and remember that the creation of the tank should be above all a pleasure. It is good to be unique and try everything yourself. But the better way is to listen to more experienced people. And try to learn from each of your mistakes and failures. So that next time you will be stronger.
