[TheStoriesOfTop7] A Hidden Paradise - Kam Pul Kwong / HongKong China - IAPLC 2024

The reflection of this structure on the water surface adds to the mystical atmosphere. Although techniques like using upright driftwood to represent forest trees and white decorative sand to depict a river are not new, the creator added extra touches that earned high marks from the judges.

IAPLC 2024 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize

A Hidden Paradise

Author:  Kam Pul Kwong / HongKong China

Aquarium Size/W1,350 × D650 × H600 (mm)

Aquatic Plants

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame Moss'

Vesicularia antipyretica

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Fish & Invertebrates

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Crossocheilus siamensis

AWARDS

World Ranking 0002 Gold Prize IAPLC 2024

The second place (Gold Prize) in the World Ranking, with a total score of 1,287 points, went to Mr. Kam Pui Kwong from Hong Kong for the work "A Hidden Paradise". Six out of ten judges selected it in their top ten, with two judges, Mr. Yu-Fa Huang (Chinese Taipei) and Mr. Shogo Yamaguchi (Japan), choosing it as the Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Yu-Fa Huang (Chinese Taipei)

Among the top 100 works, this one left the strongest impression on me. The overall composition is incredibly well-executed, with the background in particular creating a landscape that conveys a sense of endless depth. The reflection of the aquatic plants in the background intensifies the natural scenery's depth and richness, beautifully expressing the natural landscape. I think it's amazing to create such a beautiful scene without excessive decoration or ornamentation. That's why I chose this work as the Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Shogo Yamaguchi (Japan)

What impressed me most is the trail piercing through in the center. I even thought the tank was very long in depth at first, but looking at the size and the proportion, it was the silhouette of driftwood in the back connecting to the trail in the front, making it look very long. It aims to create an optical illusion, and it's an excellent idea. Making a trail is a classic technique for aquatic plant layouts, and it is widely adopted. That is to say, it is so well-executed that there is little room for improvement, but this showcases yet another way of presenting it. I felt like it was a 'Columbus's egg' moment, a real eye-opener. The main plants used are mosses, and despite the complex composition, it does not seem difficult to maintain. In layout design, higher levels of skill tend to result in greater coherence and harmony. This means it can be challenging to create a strong impact, but this time, the idea driven nature of this work made it my best aquarium

Comments

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the judges for their high evaluation. Above all, I am deeply thankful to IAPLC for providing such a wonderful plat- form where people from around the world who share an interest in aquascaping can connect and improve together. Thanks to this, I have been able to further enhance my own skills. I have been involved in aquascaping for 14 years and have participated in IAPLC every year. I deeply understand that in aquascaping, you cannot achieve great results without constant challenges and innovation. In IAPLC 2020, I was honored to receive 9th place, but I have noticed that the level of the entries has risen significantly in recent years, and the overall standard has greatly improved. Therefore, being awarded the Gold Prize this year and having my work appreciated by so many people has been an incredible encouragement, and I am truly delighted. I will continue to strive even harder to create an even better work next year.