TOP OF THE WORLD 2021 #05 Matthew Israel Manes

**SYNERGY**
**Aquarium Size W120×D45×H45(cm)**

**Plant**
*Micranthemum* sp. ‘Monte Carlo’
*Hemianthus callitrichoides*
*Schismatoglottis prietoi*
*Glossostigma elatinoides*
*Bucephalandra* sp. ‘Mini Phantom’
*Bucephalandra* sp.
*Bucephalandra* sp. ‘Angel Tears’
*Marsilea crenata*
*Vesicularia montagnei*
*Riccardia chamedryfolia*
*Hydrocotyle tripartita* mini
*Rotala rotundifolia* ‘Colorata’
*Hemianthus micranthemoides*
*Ludwigia arcuata*

**Fish**
*Hemigrammus bleheri* var.
*Otocinclus* sp.
*Neocaridina* sp.
*Nalentina natalensis*

Matthew Israel Manes
Philippines

Age/ 25
Years of experience in the aquarium hobby/ 9 years
Record of Award on IAPLC/
Rank: 728 (2017)
Rank: 303 (2018)
Rank: 561 (2019)
Rank: 161 (2020)
Other hobbies/ Photography, Painting

The powerful look of the scenic photo is reflected in the layout.

IAPLC unites aquascapers around the world together

AJ: Tell us how you feel now that you won the Prize in the IPALC 2021.
I’m so grateful because this is the very first time the Philippines has won Top 5 in the IAPLC history. And I’m happy because after 5years of hard work joining the competition this year I won.

AJ: Tell us what you wanted to express with your layout work.
My entry this year was inspired by a photo of a canyon I saw on the internet, and I wanted to build one with big impact and lots of details, and different from my previous works.

AJ: What was the most difficult aspect of creating and maintaining this layout work?
The toughest part of the process was creating the hardscape because I used the unusual hardscape which is the slate stone and I’m not familiar with using. And during the water change, I used soft water. I bought from the water station and filling in the tank was a struggle.

AJ: Tell us about layout materials which were used for this layout.
I used some slate stone, commonly found in my country. I chose it because it’s identical to the reference I wished to achieve.

AJ: What fascinates or attracts you the most about the planted aquarium hobby?
Planted aquariums hobby is really an interesting hobby because it’s unique among other arts and relaxing.

AJ: Do you have any tips for winning in the IAPLC?
My tip is not to be afraid to use unusual materials. Don’t be afraid to seek help from others. Mostly, be innovative.

AJ: What are your favorite ADA products?
My favorite ADA product is the substrate because it gives my plants a proper growth.

AJ: What kind of aquascape do you want to create in the future?
I want to create a never been done scape in competition and IAPLC.

AJ: What do you think about the IPALC?
I think IAPLC has given us every opportunity to discover more different ideas on aquascaping, and it also unites aquascapers around the world together.