[TheStoriesOfTop7] Great Wave - Luis Carlos Galarraga / Brazil - IAPLC 2024

The driftwood is arranged high enough to reach the water's surface, and decorative sand is laid in the foreground, making full use of the Internal space of the standard 1200mm aquarium, which is only 450mm in height, creating a powerful composition. The creator likens the composition to ocean waves, beautifully and dynamically depicting the huge, crashing swells. Additionally, the aquatic plants are meticulously arranged to complement the layout, with stem plants placed behind the driftwood on both sides, balancing the background space. The use of Bucephalandra in the shadow of the central driftwood and the mixing of fine gravel with the decorative sand are just some of the thoughtful touches that demonstrate the creator's expertise. This is truly a remarkable work that shines with mastery in detail.

IAPLC 2024 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0001 - Grand Prize

Great Wave

Aquascaping steps Great Wave IAPLC 2024 GrandPrize - Luis Carlos Galarraga / Brazil

Author: Luis Carlos Galarraga / Brazil

Aquarium Size/W1,200×D600×H450 (mm)

Aquatic Plants

Micranthemum tweediel

Glossostigma elatinoides

Littorella uniflora

Eleocharis 'Minima'

Marsilea hirsuta

Ranunculus papulentus

Vesicularia montagnel

Riccardia chamedrifolia

Anubias sp. 'Mini coin'

Anubias sp. 'Pangolino'

Bolbitis sp. Mini

Leptochilus pteropus 'Windelov'

Leptochilus sp. Mini

Cryptocoryne 'Pigmaea'

Bucephalandra sp.

Utricularia graminifolia 

Rotala sp. 'green'

Rotala nanjean

Rotala sp. 'Bangladesh'

Pogostemon erectus

Limnophila helferi

Fish & Invertebrates

Hyphessobrycon elachys

Trigonostigma hengeli

Nannostomus marginatus

Danio erythromicron

Caridina japonica

Caridina pareparensis

AWARDS

World Ranking 0001 Grand Prize IAPLC 2024

The first place (Grand Prize) in the IAPLC 2024 World Ranking was awarded to Mr. Luiz Carlos Galarraga from Brazil for his work "Great Wave," which scored a total of 1,294 points. Six out of ten judges selected this work in their individual top ten, with Mr. Adip Sajan Raj (India) and Mr. Yusuke Homma (Japan) choosing it as the Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Adip Sajjan Raj (India)

My pick for the year 2024 is the Aquascape titled 'Great Wave'. In this aquascape I feel the power of a wave by the arrangement of the drift- wood but then there is tranquillity rendered by the entire aquascape, which is well articulated by the use of various aquatic plants. The use of Eleocharis at an elevation and the liberal use of Riccardia subdue the effect of the powerful wave like driftwood in certain areas and also brings an amalgamation of brown and green colors in a harmonious way thereby creating a dramatic effect. The use of the ripple on the water surface is also very nicely done as to showcase the depth in this aquascape, the ripple blends into the infinite background. The contestant has also very smartly used some stem plants in the back- ground at the corners to hide the edge of the glass to create a perfect image. The concept, art and direction seem to appeal to the viewer and he has my best wishes for the art that was captured in this image.

Comments from Mr. Yusuke Homma (Japan)

My best aquarium for 2024 goes to "Great Wave" which featured an innovative and impressive layout material. All the top works were of high quality, making it difficult to choose between them. However, the unique composition stood out significantly from the others. The main driftwood seems to be a combination of multiple driftwoods, and it gives a unique texture and expression, which feels new. If it were just a single piece of driftwood, it would be too large, but by combining multiple pieces and attaching moss in small specific areas, the overall impact is effectively softened. The planting is detailed but does not use particularly distinctive plants. It is well-co- ordinated and I found it appealing. Among many works that feature combined driftwood, this one stands out by creating a sense of spaciousness and freshness through its generous use of space. The positioning of the fish is also very nice. In reviewing many works, the first impression holds significant weight for me. Original works that make a strong first impression are more memorable. I also consider the impression of impression area of the underwater environment the attention to detail, and the passage of time. Among many works with a sense of detail, and the painality showcased in this work was the key factor in my decision.

Comments

This year I knew I had done a great job, with a good chance of achieving a prominent position. For the first time, I started with an idea and went in search of the best material to execute the work. My team, the Aquabase Layout Team, encouraged me, recognizing it as the work with the greatest impact of my entire career. So, the expectations were very high on August 31st. At the beginning of the broadcast, my nervousness was noticeable. When the ranking 51 was announced, I thought, the first objective (to be in the top 50) had been accomplished. The top 27 arrived, and I was already Honor Prize. When the ranking 8 was announced, I started to think about the possibility of my aquarium not being among the top 100, the tension was felt in the air. My heart was beating fast in my chest, and when I finally saw my work being announced at the highest place on the podium, I fell to my knees, crying convulsively. My biggest dream had just come true!