[TheStoriesOfTop7] Leading The New World - Roger Goh / Singapore - IAPLC 2020

13 May 2024

2625

The first Bronze prize is awarded to a forest style aquascape, a popular theme of the contest. Thick driftwood pieces are used to create trunks, branches, and roots of the trees that form the hardscape of the composition, and thinner driftwood branches represent aerial roots and creeper plants. On top of the trees, thick canopies are created with Bolbitis, and at the base of the trees, the combination of moss and Bucephalandra depicts the vegetation of the forest floor. Such a powerful expression of forest is eye-catching. In addition, the open space that is clearly outlined in the center looks like an exit leading to a new world.

[TheStoriesOfTop7] Leading The New World - Roger Goh / Singapore - IAPLC 2020

It can be said that a layout composition with standing trees and an open space in the middle is a standard style in the contest. Even though there is a lack of novelty, many entries are made every year with this type of work. The reason is because it is common for planted aquarium layouters to have aspirations for such scenery. In the contest, original expressions and novelty are highly evaluated for sure. However, making an ordinary creation more sophisticated even without any new expression deserves a recognition too. In that sense, this work was considered to be a more sophisticated and well-executed forest layout. Therefore it is highly recognized. The shadows of the tree trunks appropriately tightens up the scen- ery, and green shades of aquatic plants beautifully express ups and downs of the forest floor and depth of the forest. The profound forest creates overall a dark atmosphere, but bright colors lead to the open space deep inside the forest. That's one of the factors that gives a good impression. The more you see this type of style in each contest, the more sophisticated works are becoming. That's the outcome of planted aquarium layouters' hard work. 3 judges including Mr. Andre Longarco highly evaluated this work

IAPLC 2020 Gallery - Look back history - World Ranking 0005 - Bronze Prize

Leading The New World

Author: Roger Goh / Singapore

Aquarium Size/W150×D60×H55 (cm)

Aquatic Plants

Micranthemum sp. 'Monte Carlo'

Bucephalandra sp.

Fissidens sp.

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Eleocharis sp.

Staurogyne repens

Ceratopteris thalictroides

Hottonia palustris

Bolbitis heudelotii

Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas Moss'

Rotala macrandra

Rotala sp. 'Vietnam Hra'

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

Rotala rotundifolia

Alternanthera recknii 'Mini'

Fish & Invertebrates

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Otocinclus sp.

Crossocheilus atrilimes

Caridina multidentata

AWARDS

World Ranking 0005 Bronze Prize IAPLC 2020

Comments

Every year, every aquascaper avidly wait for their results via air mail. This year is different due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I had mixed feel- ings when the organizer informed that results would be announced through a live stream. On the fateful day when results was announced, I was out doing tank maintenance at a client's place. I left his place just in time to tune in to the live broadcast via YouTube. To be honest, I was driving when the results were begin announced live. Though I was not viewing the screen on my mobile phone, I was paying a lot of attention listening. This was an intense moment as I was hoping not to hear my name being announced too early. When it was time to announce the top 27 ranking, I felt relieved but at the same time nervous. I have received 8th position previously and the feeling is so close, and yet so far from ideal. When I did not hear my name till the top 7 rankings, I was feeling "dark" and "dead". I was "revived" and "relieved" when I was placed 5th for IAPLC 2020. This felt like I had been in a car crash and survived with no injuries. My workers who were in the car with me were shouting and cheering me on. A gentle reminder for everyone: Never watch a live stream announcement whilst driving!

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