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IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #07 Katsuki Tanaka
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 0021
Green Valley
Aquarium Size W1200×D500×H500(mm)
Green Valley
Aquarium Size W1200×D500×H500(mm)
To “paint a living picture in water”
Q What made you get into the planted aquarium hobby?
I was doing some research on the Internet when I came across the beautiful Nature Aquarium images by Mr. Takashi Amano. I was struck by them.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
There are many appeals, but I find the greatest appeal in the use of natural materials and how I can paint a living picture in water.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
Currently, I am creating a work for the contest. So, I’m deciding on themes based on the trends of the year to see what kind of works will be highly evaluated.
Q Do you have any special items that you use when creating layouts?
I believe that the most important tools in production are good scissors and good tweezers.
I was doing some research on the Internet when I came across the beautiful Nature Aquarium images by Mr. Takashi Amano. I was struck by them.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
There are many appeals, but I find the greatest appeal in the use of natural materials and how I can paint a living picture in water.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
Currently, I am creating a work for the contest. So, I’m deciding on themes based on the trends of the year to see what kind of works will be highly evaluated.
Q Do you have any special items that you use when creating layouts?
I believe that the most important tools in production are good scissors and good tweezers.
Q In the process of creating your work, are there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
Creating a layout takes a lot of time. It is difficult to find the time to do it. I get through it by getting into a routine of standing in front of the aquarium at the same time every day.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish?
I usually choose aquatic plants and fish that do well with the water quality in my local area.
Creating a layout takes a lot of time. It is difficult to find the time to do it. I get through it by getting into a routine of standing in front of the aquarium at the same time every day.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish?
I usually choose aquatic plants and fish that do well with the water quality in my local area.
Q Is there anything that you always keep in mind while creating layouts?
I create layouts with the desire to “surprise people by creating something they have never seen before!”.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
I think it is a wonderful contest where we can compete with people around the world beyond countries and regions and share our sensitivities.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards in the contest?
I think there are secrets. Your work must wait for plants to grow. I think the characteristic of these living paintings is that they can never be created overnight by the creator. First of all, it is important to start work as early as possible and to do the “preliminary preparations”, including the gathering of materials, without delay. In addition, I believe that by “creating an environment in which we can exchange opinions” with our peers, we will be able to improve our ranking.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I am a member of Creative Aquascape Japan (CAJ). We frequently show each other our works, critique them, and discuss the best ways to improve it.
I create layouts with the desire to “surprise people by creating something they have never seen before!”.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
I think it is a wonderful contest where we can compete with people around the world beyond countries and regions and share our sensitivities.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards in the contest?
I think there are secrets. Your work must wait for plants to grow. I think the characteristic of these living paintings is that they can never be created overnight by the creator. First of all, it is important to start work as early as possible and to do the “preliminary preparations”, including the gathering of materials, without delay. In addition, I believe that by “creating an environment in which we can exchange opinions” with our peers, we will be able to improve our ranking.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I am a member of Creative Aquascape Japan (CAJ). We frequently show each other our works, critique them, and discuss the best ways to improve it.
Q If you are posting information about IAPLC on social media platforms, please tell us what you post.
Although it is not a social media platform, I have a blog called “Planted Aquarium Blog of Kyoto Seika University Aquarium Department” for more than 10 years, where I post aquarium topics, daily activities, layout techniques, and so on.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
I hope we can meet again someday in Niigata, the home of ADA. And I would like to discuss the charm of planted aquariums with you all as much as I can.
Although it is not a social media platform, I have a blog called “Planted Aquarium Blog of Kyoto Seika University Aquarium Department” for more than 10 years, where I post aquarium topics, daily activities, layout techniques, and so on.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
I hope we can meet again someday in Niigata, the home of ADA. And I would like to discuss the charm of planted aquariums with you all as much as I can.
