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IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #04 João Luís Pinheiro
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 0020
Deep Connection
Aquarium Size W160×D60×H60(cm)
Aquatic Plants: Aponogeton madagascariensis / Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae / Cryptocoryne beckettii / Cryptocoryne walkeri ‘Hobbit’ / Vallisneria nana / Vallisneria neotropicalis / Hygrophila pinnatifida / Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’ / Microsorum sp. ‘Trident’ / Bolbitis heudelotii / Echinodorus ‘Red Chilli’ / Nymphaea sp. / Anubias barteri var. nana / Bucephalandra sp. / Bucephalandra sp. ‘Kedagang’ / Riccardia chamedryfolia / Callicostella prabaktiana / Vesicularia montagnei ‘Mini Christmas Moss’ / Micranthemum sp. / Blyxa novoguineensis / Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae / Eleocharis parvula
Fish & Invertebrates: Paracheirodon axelrodi / Corydoras pygmaeus / Crossocheilus oblongus / Otocinclus sp. / Neocaridina sp.
Deep Connection
Aquarium Size W160×D60×H60(cm)
Aquatic Plants: Aponogeton madagascariensis / Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae / Cryptocoryne beckettii / Cryptocoryne walkeri ‘Hobbit’ / Vallisneria nana / Vallisneria neotropicalis / Hygrophila pinnatifida / Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’ / Microsorum sp. ‘Trident’ / Bolbitis heudelotii / Echinodorus ‘Red Chilli’ / Nymphaea sp. / Anubias barteri var. nana / Bucephalandra sp. / Bucephalandra sp. ‘Kedagang’ / Riccardia chamedryfolia / Callicostella prabaktiana / Vesicularia montagnei ‘Mini Christmas Moss’ / Micranthemum sp. / Blyxa novoguineensis / Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae / Eleocharis parvula
Fish & Invertebrates: Paracheirodon axelrodi / Corydoras pygmaeus / Crossocheilus oblongus / Otocinclus sp. / Neocaridina sp.
Appreciating nature and aiming to create a layout as if it is created by nature
Q What made you get into the planted aquarium hobby?
My grandfather had a planted aquarium. And by the time I was 10 years old, he got me one small aquarium for my birthday. I then started to appreciate nature in the little things. I started to dedicate myself to planted aquariums when I was 25
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
The way the plants grow. I can almost see them smile. I can see that they are healthy and happy.
And how I can create a harmonic composition with them.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I like to respect the natural shape of the hardscape, especially large pieces of wood.
That’s where my main focus is. So, I imagine what it would look like if I found it in the wild.
My grandfather had a planted aquarium. And by the time I was 10 years old, he got me one small aquarium for my birthday. I then started to appreciate nature in the little things. I started to dedicate myself to planted aquariums when I was 25
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
The way the plants grow. I can almost see them smile. I can see that they are healthy and happy.
And how I can create a harmonic composition with them.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I like to respect the natural shape of the hardscape, especially large pieces of wood.
That’s where my main focus is. So, I imagine what it would look like if I found it in the wild.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish?
For me, it’s essential to know the shapes and growth times of each plant species. So, I can create harmonic growth and lots of space for the fish to swim. I like small and colorful fish.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
It has to look like I didn’t do it. Nature did.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards in the contest?
Yes. The secret for my award was that I didn’t make this tank to be in a contest.
I thought doing the best planted aquarium I could make, that I was going to appreciate nurturing the plants.
And it was my best work so far.
For me, it’s essential to know the shapes and growth times of each plant species. So, I can create harmonic growth and lots of space for the fish to swim. I like small and colorful fish.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
It has to look like I didn’t do it. Nature did.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards in the contest?
Yes. The secret for my award was that I didn’t make this tank to be in a contest.
I thought doing the best planted aquarium I could make, that I was going to appreciate nurturing the plants.
And it was my best work so far.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
I needed some guidance. And to have more experienced people appreciating my work really inspired me.
Everyone should express their love for this hobby, and IAPLC is the purest and best Aquatic plants competition to do it.
Q If you post information about IAPLC on social media platforms, please tell us what you post.
I usually don’t post. After the ranking announcement, I posted a screenshot of the live stream with my aquarium and my ranking, and a photo of the medal and certificate.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
“The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”
If you have more faith in your love for planted aquariums, rather than on your skills, you will create the best works that you can. Just be creative and follow your heart.
I needed some guidance. And to have more experienced people appreciating my work really inspired me.
Everyone should express their love for this hobby, and IAPLC is the purest and best Aquatic plants competition to do it.
Q If you post information about IAPLC on social media platforms, please tell us what you post.
I usually don’t post. After the ranking announcement, I posted a screenshot of the live stream with my aquarium and my ranking, and a photo of the medal and certificate.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
“The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”
If you have more faith in your love for planted aquariums, rather than on your skills, you will create the best works that you can. Just be creative and follow your heart.
