It’s time to help contribute for biggest aquarium gallery online

AGA 2013 World Ranking Announcement

13 May 2025

225

We are thrilled to announce the results of the 2013 AGA International Aquascaping Contest. There were 506 entries, a record number this year. There continues to be some truly inspirational and original ideas, and some interesting trends in aquascaping. Some categories were very difficult to judge because of the high number of quality entries.

AGA 2013 World Ranking Announcement

Aquatic Garden, <28L

Aquatic Garden, 28~60L

Aquatic Garden, 60~120L

Aquatic Garden, 120~200L

Aquatic Garden, 220~320L

Aquatic Garden, >320L

Biotope Aquascape

Paludarium

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

1 - Pocketful of Sunshine - Paulo Vitor Pacheco - Brazil .
10 - Escape Eden - Shawn McBride - US.
2 - Haohanlinxi - HONG TE SYU - Taiwan.
3 - Thym thym thym - CHEAH SWEE LIM - France.
4 - Mononoke Forest - Dewi Ratnaningrum - Indonesia.
5 - Secret of water - Maciej Strzalko - Germany.
6 - Field of Dragons - wongsawan wetchasit - Thailand.
7 - Mini Mountain Range - Tibor Szecsei - Hungary.
8 - Two towers - Jirasuda Wetchasit - Thailand.
9 - Valfenda - Fabian Kussakawa - Brazil.

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

1 - Seven Falls - Fabian Kussakawa - Brazil.
10 - Bemaraha - Adriano Montoro Nicácio - Brazil.
2 - Tree on the Rock - Harry Kwong - HongKong.
3 - Lin Jin - HONG TE SYU - Taiwan.
4 - Rivendell - wongsawan wetchasit - Thailand.
5 - Spring Valley - Walmir Figueiredo Bezerra - Brazil.
6 - Deep Green Forest - Wendy Kurniawan - Indonesia.
7 - The enchanted waterfall - Lucas de Santana Carnelós - Brazil.
8 - Blessing - Sim Kian Hong - Indonesia.
9 - Amanhacer da Primavera - Thiago Daniel Eloi da Hora - Brazil.

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

1 - Sunrise in the valley - Marcelo Tonon Chiovatto - Brazil.
10 - Van Gogh - Plate Raised - China.
2 - Amazing Green Tree - Nobphacha Yimyou - Thailand.
3 - The Crag - Mustafa Erdogar - Turkey.
4 - Golden hour - Paulo Vitor Pacheco - Brazil.
5 - wongsawan wetchasit - Wongsawan Wetchasit - Thailand.
6 - Rising sun - Duong Le Trieu - Vietnam.
7 - Reborn - Nguyen Anh Tuan - VietNam.
8 - Home - Jirawong Laopiyasakul - Thailand.
9 - Forest Lair - Tibor Szescei - Hungary.

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

1 - Cove - Robertus Hartono - Singapore.
10 - picturesque landscape - Chen Jingbin - China.
2 - Intricate Balance - Michael G.W. Wong - China.
3 - Breezing Gorge - Chen Han-Hsuan - Taiwan.
4 - Bomboo - Zhang Jian Feng - Macau.
5 - Whisper of the Pines - Serkan ÇETİNKOL - Turkey.
6 - Wind of change - Edgardo Villagracia - Philippines.
7 - Mysteroius Waterfalls - Jean Ricardo Olinik - Brazil.
8 - Pyrenean Valley - Juan Puchades Rufino - Spain.
9 - Lost Pardise - Harry Kwong - HongKong.

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

1 - Overland - Andre Luiz Longarco - Brazil.
10 - Friendly Moutain - Pablo de Amorim Góes - Brazil.
2 - Charm of light - Timucin Sagel - Turkey.
3 - Stepping Out into the Valley - Zanda Sejane - Latvia.
4 - VERDANT HILLS AND GREEN WATERS - Wong Chung Ming - Macau.
5 - Summer In Borneo - M Saidi Arif - Indonesia.
6 - Picnic in the Jungle - Karl Titze - Germany.
7 - A drowned forest - Piotr Stoszek - Poland.
8 - Red in wildness - Jean-Michel Barre - France.
9 - Beyound the black rocks - Roberto Luiz Longarço - Brazil.

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

1 - Destiny - Sim Kian Hong - Malaysia.
10 - Legend Return - Wu Kwok Fai Gary - HongKong.
2 - Autumn - Lao chan fei - Macau.
3 - Eruption - Michael G.W. Wong - China.
4 - Sky - Wang Chao - China.
5 - Windtalkers - Kryshtopa Vyacheslav - Ukraine.
6 - Midnight Path - Arthur Sarti de Almeida - Brazil.
7 - Forest Mapping - Chen sung pin - Taiwan.
8 - Cypress hills - pasquale buonpane - Italy.
9 - 50 Shades of Red - Alan Yan - Australia.

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

1 - Tuquan meets Susquehanna - Geoffrey Gallo - US.
10 - Lost in Time - Hamza Poonawalla - India.
2 - Rhodeus amarus habitat in river Ticino - Andrea Perotti - Italy.
3 - The summertime in a shallow North European pond - Zanda Sejane - Latvia.
4 - Within White Rock Creek - David A Voegtle - US.
5 - Rain Forest - Claire Moreira - Portugal.
6 - Still waters of Malaysia - Jakub Kijak - Poland.
7 - Black Heaven - Achintya Shankar Adhikari - India.
8 - Rio Tapajos Biotope - Abrar Ahmed Khan - India.
9 - Coast of Tanganyika - Cevher Savranbasi - Turkey.

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

1 - Nature Resting - Luidi Rafael de Souza Doim - Brazil.
2 - The Fountain of Life - Lee Ming Hei - China.
3 - A Beira Rio do Paraná - Fabian Kussakawa - Brazil.
4 - Lost - Petra Basic - Croatia.

From aquatic-gardeners.org

Related on News & Press

Leave your comments

Lastest on News & Press

VNAC 2025 - A Symphony of Nature and Art

The national aquascaping competition, VNAC 2025, is hotter than ever as the first works from the top 21 most outstanding entries have just been officially announced. While the journey to crown the champion is still ahead, witnessing these initial aquascape "gems" is enough to leave a profound impression and ignite immense pride within the art-loving community. As an admirer, immersing myself in the vibrant and lively atmosphere created by these unveiled masterpieces, I truly feel this is a rare privilege. VNAC 2025 isn't just a competition; it's a powerful testament to the remarkable development of aquascaping art in Vietnam.
AGA 2012 World Ranking Announcement

Once again we arrive at the close of the AGA's Annual International Aquascaping Contest with an oustanding number and quality of aquascapes having been submitted. Our team of esteemed judges have tabulated the scores and prepared the rankings for everyone to see. As in years past, there were many stunning aquascapes making the work of the judges especially difficult in choosing this year's best of show.
Special benefits and prizes for IAPLC participants

Since 2021, IAPLC has been offering various prizes to top-ranking participants, such as the TOP100 medal for the winners and official stickers for all applicants. As of 2025, the current benefits for participants and prizes for winners are as follows.
Resilience - IIAC 2023 #01 Juan Puchades / Spain

Resilience is a project that was born thanks to a trip to Vivarium in the Netherlands. There I found a piece of wood that had multiple virtues: dynamism, uniqueness, natural beauty and a considerable size. I dedicated many hours to find similar pieces that could complement it. From that point on, the design had to strike the perfect balance between three elements: stone, wood and planting.
Curves - IIAC 2023 #02 Ant Long Tran Hoang / Vietnam

Curves is the name as well as the shape of material of my aquarium. The suitable aquatic plant shapes emphasized curves of rock also created the flow of underwater streamline too, and the flow is the main idea of this layout.
FALLEN - IIAC 2023 #03 Tran Duc Minh / Vietnam

In my work this year, I aim to offer viewers a different perspective that allows them to experience strength, power, and strong reflections between dark and light, near and far, big and small, without deviating from the beauty of nature. In addition to taking meticulous care of the vanishing point, I utilized all the remaining space in the aquarium. Regarding the plants, I have tried to take care of them so that they are in the best growing conditions. Lastly, I am grateful and thankful to the IIAC Steering Committee and the judges for recognizing my work.
Evergreen Valley - IIAC 2023 #04 Bahtiar Gigi / Indonesia

I was inspired by my city, the city of Depok, which has lots of caves in its rivers, and lots of very lush trees. And finally I made a middle cave in the aquarium.
Memory of the Eye - IIAC 2023 #05 Cho Jae-Sun / South Korea

We first experience nature visually. This artwork stemmed from that visual inspiration, naturally prompting thoughts on how nature perceives us through its own visual lens. How will we appear to nature? We hope that we and nature will discover each other's beauty and cherish it.
Gerandong Cave - IIAC 2023 #06 Acho Choky / Indonesia

Alhamdulillah.thank you to the IIAC contest organizers & all the judges who have judged them very well. The tank theme concept that I created this year was from my own inspiration & imagination. Even though it's not optimal, I'm very satisfied with the results of this year's ranking. Thank you IIAC, the judges & all my friends and team who always provide support. Always success IIAC, I'm looking forward to the next contest in 2024 greetings.
Towering Ancient Trees - IIAC 2023 #07 Guan Liwei / China

Interesting angles using the wood for depth and hillside effect, nice path running through the hardscpe.
Sunken Woods - IIAC 2023 #08 Luis Cardoso / Portugal

I tried to do a colorfull layout with underwater feeling, combining bold woods and a wide variety of plants, like the title says, the main idea is to look at big sunken woods aged by the time and covered with plants.
Sound of Silence - IIAC 2023 #09 Efrain Sequera / Spain

In this work I have tried to create something powerful but at the same time transmits serenity. A strong contrast that captivates the viewer. I hope I achieved it and that you enjoy that feeling. The inspiration is taken from a large tree with strong roots in a cloud forest environment.
Twilight - IIAC 2023 #10 Pham Duc Manh / Vietnam

The Rotala rotundifolia on the background is colorful and the transferring from green to red is very attractive. The construction of flaky sedimentary rock is also very well-balanced.
KIAC 2025 Announcement: Important Changes

To accommodate more participants, this year's KIAC will open later than last year. The competition schedule has been finalized, and we are in the process of selecting judges.
Rhythmical Breeze - IIAC 2023 #11 Jeon Hyoungjoo / South Korea

First of all, I am happy to be able to continue participating in the IIAC contest.
Hug - IIAC 2023 #12 Yoon Taegi / South Korea

I didn't draw an image, but created it with the feeling of surrounding myself with the theme of nature's generosity, acceptance, and tolerance. As the title suggests, the theme is "Nature that Hugs." Thank you very much

Aquarium Library

Aquarium Accessories

Start Nature Aquarium

Famous Contest

Support your aquarium

It’s time to help contribute for biggest aquarium gallery online

AGA 2013 World Ranking Announcement

AGA 2013 World Ranking Announcement

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, < 28L

1 - Pocketful of Sunshine - Paulo Vitor Pacheco - Brazil .

10 - Escape Eden - Shawn McBride - US.

2 - Haohanlinxi - HONG TE SYU - Taiwan.

3 - Thym thym thym - CHEAH SWEE LIM - France.

4 - Mononoke Forest - Dewi Ratnaningrum - Indonesia.

5 - Secret of water - Maciej Strzalko - Germany.

6 - Field of Dragons - wongsawan wetchasit - Thailand.

7 - Mini Mountain Range - Tibor Szecsei - Hungary.

8 - Two towers - Jirasuda Wetchasit - Thailand.

9 - Valfenda - Fabian Kussakawa - Brazil.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 28L ~ 60L

1 - Seven Falls - Fabian Kussakawa - Brazil.

10 - Bemaraha - Adriano Montoro Nicácio - Brazil.

2 - Tree on the Rock - Harry Kwong - HongKong.

3 - Lin Jin - HONG TE SYU - Taiwan.

4 - Rivendell - wongsawan wetchasit - Thailand.

5 - Spring Valley - Walmir Figueiredo Bezerra - Brazil.

6 - Deep Green Forest - Wendy Kurniawan - Indonesia.

7 - The enchanted waterfall - Lucas de Santana Carnelós - Brazil.

8 - Blessing - Sim Kian Hong - Indonesia.

9 - Amanhacer da Primavera - Thiago Daniel Eloi da Hora - Brazil.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 60L ~ 120L

1 - Sunrise in the valley - Marcelo Tonon Chiovatto - Brazil.

10 - Van Gogh - Plate Raised - China.

2 - Amazing Green Tree - Nobphacha Yimyou - Thailand.

3 - The Crag - Mustafa Erdogar - Turkey.

4 - Golden hour - Paulo Vitor Pacheco - Brazil.

5 - wongsawan wetchasit - Wongsawan Wetchasit - Thailand.

6 - Rising sun - Duong Le Trieu - Vietnam.

7 - Reborn - Nguyen Anh Tuan - VietNam.

8 - Home - Jirawong Laopiyasakul - Thailand.

9 - Forest Lair - Tibor Szescei - Hungary.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 120L ~ 200L

1 - Cove - Robertus Hartono - Singapore.

10 - picturesque landscape - Chen Jingbin - China.

2 - Intricate Balance - Michael G.W. Wong - China.

3 - Breezing Gorge - Chen Han-Hsuan - Taiwan.

4 - Bomboo - Zhang Jian Feng - Macau.

5 - Whisper of the Pines - Serkan ÇETİNKOL - Turkey.

6 - Wind of change - Edgardo Villagracia - Philippines.

7 - Mysteroius Waterfalls - Jean Ricardo Olinik - Brazil.

8 - Pyrenean Valley - Juan Puchades Rufino - Spain.

9 - Lost Pardise - Harry Kwong - HongKong.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, 200L ~ 320L

1 - Overland - Andre Luiz Longarco - Brazil.

10 - Friendly Moutain - Pablo de Amorim Góes - Brazil.

2 - Charm of light - Timucin Sagel - Turkey.

3 - Stepping Out into the Valley - Zanda Sejane - Latvia.

4 - VERDANT HILLS AND GREEN WATERS - Wong Chung Ming - Macau.

5 - Summer In Borneo - M Saidi Arif - Indonesia.

6 - Picnic in the Jungle - Karl Titze - Germany.

7 - A drowned forest - Piotr Stoszek - Poland.

8 - Red in wildness - Jean-Michel Barre - France.

9 - Beyound the black rocks - Roberto Luiz Longarço - Brazil.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Aquatic Garden, > 320L

1 - Destiny - Sim Kian Hong - Malaysia.

10 - Legend Return - Wu Kwok Fai Gary - HongKong.

2 - Autumn - Lao chan fei - Macau.

3 - Eruption - Michael G.W. Wong - China.

4 - Sky - Wang Chao - China.

5 - Windtalkers - Kryshtopa Vyacheslav - Ukraine.

6 - Midnight Path - Arthur Sarti de Almeida - Brazil.

7 - Forest Mapping - Chen sung pin - Taiwan.

8 - Cypress hills - pasquale buonpane - Italy.

9 - 50 Shades of Red - Alan Yan - Australia.

TOP 10 AGA 2013 Biotope Aquascape

1 - Tuquan meets Susquehanna - Geoffrey Gallo - US.

10 - Lost in Time - Hamza Poonawalla - India.

2 - Rhodeus amarus habitat in river Ticino - Andrea Perotti - Italy.

3 - The summertime in a shallow North European pond - Zanda Sejane - Latvia.

4 - Within White Rock Creek - David A Voegtle - US.