AGA 2013 World Ranking Announcement
The contest has grown so large that we thought it would be of value to show you which entries placed in the top ten in each category. While only First, Second, and Third are given awards, the top contenders boast a "10" ribbon on our web site ("top ten" are ordered by volume, not by actual ranking).
The Aquatic Gardeners Association Contest Committee would like to thank our judges, Karen Randall (USA), Mike Senske (USA), Dave Chow (China), and Luca Galarraga (Brazil). Also we would like to thank the members of our Biotope Committee, Karen Randall, Phil Edwards, and Scott Dowd, Senior Freshwater Aquarist of the New England Aquarium.
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, < 28L
This category just brought a great big smile to my face. Many WONDERFUL little tanks that show just what can be done in a small volume of water!!! One caution to entrants however. Think about whether the size tank you choose is suitable for fish or for animals of any type. If so they should be there. If the tank is too small don't be afraid to leave them out!
— Karen Randall
I can't imagine what the great nature can put into these tiny tanks! Creativity has no limit no matter how big or small!
— Dave Chow
Congratulations to you all you are heroes to work in such small spaces!
Very well done!
— Luca Galarraga
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 28L ~ 60L
Another category where tiny tanks contain great great work!
— Dave Chow
Once again I compliment all the talented aquascapers who can work so well in small tanks!
— Luca Galarraga
I love little tanks and I love the wonderful work you have all done with them!
— Karen Randall
I have much respect for the talented aquascapers that embrace such a small space.
— Mike Senske
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 60L ~ 120L
We find some masterpieces in this category!
— Dave Chow
I agree with Dave. There are some breath-taking aquascapes in this category. Well done indeed!
— Karen Randall
This category proves that there are no limits to aquascaping. We will be surprised year after year by these talented people!
Congratulations to all the participants!
— Luca Galarraga
In this category I found the scape that kept me coming back to it more than I thought possible. Nice work too!
— Mike Senske
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 120L ~ 200L
I found some interesting entries in this category and they made my eyes open wide!
— Dave Chow
Some really lovely scapes!
— Karen Randall
I feel this was the strongest catagory.
— Mike Senske
Congratulations for such different and stunning works!
— Luca Galarraga
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 200L ~ 320L
The competition in this category is very intense the level of each entry is very close.
— Dave Chow
There are some amazing layouts in this category. It made it very difficult to choose a winner!
— Karen Randall
So many different styles and all so good.
— Mike Senske
Amazing works here which is my favorite size to aquascape!
Congratulations to all participants and keep showing us your art next year!
— Luca Galarraga
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, > 320L
The layouts with a grand view are usually found in this category. The many details are like telling a long story to an audience!
— Dave Chow
This is always a fun category to judge. While little tanks are charming these very large tanks can be overwhelming to aquascape and hard to show off in a small photograph. Some really lovely work this year!
— Karen Randall
Amazing works. I am inspired.
— Mike Senske
Keep large planted tanks isn't for anyone ... congratulations brave warriors!
— Luca Galarraga
TOP 10 AGA 2013 Biotope Aquascape
I am THRILLED with the increased quality of the biotopes this year. Yes there are still a few tanks that shouldn't be here and a few of the worst offenders got re-categorized into their rightful places. But MANY of you can be VERY proud of the work you have done researching and executing your chosen biotopes. Good work!!!
— Karen Randall
Biotope...it's not about aquascaping anymore. Time to have a coffee with Heiko.
— Mike Senske
While I wasn't involved in judging I did have the privilege of helping pre-screen the category. This year may be the very best turnout in terms of numbers and quality of entries we've ever had! I was very excited to see the breadth and quality of entries. Keep it up!
Unfortunately a number of entries were clearly not appropriate for the category. When designing a biotope please carefully research the native habitats of the fish and plants (if any) of the ecosystem you wish to recreate. Also hardscaping for a biotope is quite different than that for an aquatic garden and try to keep it as natural as possible. There's a wealth of information available online these days. A little careful searching and thoughtful choices can make a huge difference.
Best of luck to everyone next year.
— Phil Edwards
TOP 04 AGA 2013 Paludarium
This category has some nice examples this year and the winning tanks deserve their positions. However there were far too many tanks that really attempt to stretch the definition of "paludarium" to extremes. A paludarium is neither an aquarium with some wood sticking out the top nor is it a terrarium (with or without a "damp" spot. A paludarium needs to have a water area AND a land area both fully developed!
— Karen Randall
From aquatic-gardeners.org
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