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IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #03 Marreira Junior
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.
IAPLC 2022 WORLD RANKING 0017
Breezy Path
Aquarium Size W70×D44×H30(cm)
Aquatic plants: Micranthemum sp. / European Clover / Lilaeopsis brasiliensis / Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ / Glossostigma elantinoides / Eleocharis minima Kunth / Eleocharis parvula / Eleocharis acicularis / Hydrocotyle tripartite ‘Mini’ / Anubias barteri var. nana / Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ / Cryptocoryne parva / Limnophila helferi / Digitaria ciliaris / Ammannia senegalensis / Hygrophila pinnatifida / Mayaca fluviatilis / Micranthemum umbrosum / Myriophyllum mattogrossense / Rotala sp. Francisco /. Microsorum pteropus / Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’ / Microsorum mini / Rotala nanjean / Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ / Ludwigia sp. / Pogostemon stellatus / Taxiphyllum barbieri / Fissidens fontanus / Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame Moss’
Fish: Hyphessobrycon elachys
Breezy Path
Aquarium Size W70×D44×H30(cm)
Aquatic plants: Micranthemum sp. / European Clover / Lilaeopsis brasiliensis / Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ / Glossostigma elantinoides / Eleocharis minima Kunth / Eleocharis parvula / Eleocharis acicularis / Hydrocotyle tripartite ‘Mini’ / Anubias barteri var. nana / Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ / Cryptocoryne parva / Limnophila helferi / Digitaria ciliaris / Ammannia senegalensis / Hygrophila pinnatifida / Mayaca fluviatilis / Micranthemum umbrosum / Myriophyllum mattogrossense / Rotala sp. Francisco /. Microsorum pteropus / Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’ / Microsorum mini / Rotala nanjean / Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ / Ludwigia sp. / Pogostemon stellatus / Taxiphyllum barbieri / Fissidens fontanus / Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame Moss’
Fish: Hyphessobrycon elachys
We can always achieve our goals with determination, focus, and patience when creating planted aquariums.
Q What made you get into the planted aquarium hobby?
I used to work in the gardening industry for several years. My hobby of keeping fish made me love plants, and from there I started growing aquatic plants.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
The most fascinating aspect for me is the development and evolution of layouts with aquatic plants, and the elaborate production process is just pure awesomeness.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I am an adventurer and love to hike and explore nature. I get all my inspiration through those adventures.
I used to work in the gardening industry for several years. My hobby of keeping fish made me love plants, and from there I started growing aquatic plants.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
The most fascinating aspect for me is the development and evolution of layouts with aquatic plants, and the elaborate production process is just pure awesomeness.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I am an adventurer and love to hike and explore nature. I get all my inspiration through those adventures.
Q Do you post any information about IAPLC on social media?
I sent out the IAPLC entry period and results announcement date to our friends via WhatsApp group chat. I also posted my contest ranking on Instagram.
Q In the process of creating your work, were there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
For me, the entire process from beginning to end was difficult. Changes often occur during the production process, and the finished work differs from the initial image in mind.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish.
I am not particular about aquatic plant or fish species, but I select aquatic plants that match the atmosphere of my layout. As for fish, I like small fish in schools.
I sent out the IAPLC entry period and results announcement date to our friends via WhatsApp group chat. I also posted my contest ranking on Instagram.
Q In the process of creating your work, were there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
For me, the entire process from beginning to end was difficult. Changes often occur during the production process, and the finished work differs from the initial image in mind.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish.
I am not particular about aquatic plant or fish species, but I select aquatic plants that match the atmosphere of my layout. As for fish, I like small fish in schools.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
I don’t have anything in particular in mind. But I try to follow a few basic rules, like the rule of thirds, point of putting emphasis, and point of being moderate.
I don’t have anything in particular in mind. But I try to follow a few basic rules, like the rule of thirds, point of putting emphasis, and point of being moderate.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning contests?
By creating a layout with determination, focus, and patience, I am confident that we can achieve our goals.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
IAPLC is the biggest contest in the world. What excites me the most is the announcement of the rankings, which are streamed via YouTube.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I belong to a team called Brazilian Aquascaping Union (BAU). In the team, we exchange constructive criticism and help each other.
By creating a layout with determination, focus, and patience, I am confident that we can achieve our goals.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
IAPLC is the biggest contest in the world. What excites me the most is the announcement of the rankings, which are streamed via YouTube.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I belong to a team called Brazilian Aquascaping Union (BAU). In the team, we exchange constructive criticism and help each other.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
We invite you to try this wonderful hobby that gives us time to contemplate in tranquility!
We invite you to try this wonderful hobby that gives us time to contemplate in tranquility!
