[TheStoriesOfTop7] Red alert - Nobphacha Yimyou / Thailand - IAPLC 2023

23 August 2025

1903

The red leaves of the water lilies make a strong impression in this work, which won the second Silver Prize. The layout is as if we are looking up at the surface of the water from the bottom of a pond with highly transparent water, and the symmetrical composition is also effective in this layout.

[TheStoriesOfTop7] Red alert - Nobphacha Yimyou / Thailand - IAPLC 2023

Aquatic plants are planted behind the stones arranged like a towering wall, and their reflections on the surface of the water add even more beauty to the aquascape. Together with the lily pads in the foreground, the effect was intended to create a visual effect when photographing the scenery. The Carnegiella strigata fasciata swimming near the surface of the water is also well positioned, giving the viewer an impression of peace and tranquility, despite the title.

The fourth place in the world ranking (Silver Prize) was a work called "Red alert" by Mr. Nobphacha Yimyou from Thailand, which scored total 1,108 points. This work was selected individually as one of the top 10 works by 4 out of 10 judges, and Mr. Yusuke Homma (Japan) selected it as his Best Aquarium.

IAPLC 2023 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0004 - Silver Prize

Red alert

Author: Nobphacha Yimyou / Thailand

Aquarium Size/W1,200×D600×H500 (mm)

Aquatic Plants

Nymphaea rubra
Bolbitis heudelotii
Vesicularia dubyana
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Cryptocoryne willisii
Bucephalandra sp.
Fissidens fontanus
Taxiphyllum sp.
Marsilea hirsuta
Micranthemum sp.
Hygrophila pinnatifida
Eleocharis montevidensis
Eleocharis acicularis
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Pogostemon helferi
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'
Microsorum sp. 'Trident'

Fish & Invertebrates

Carnegiella strigata fasciata
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Boraras maculates
Crossocheilus oblongus

AWARDS

World Ranking 0004 Silver Prize IAPLC 2023

TOP TEN AGA 2023, Aquatic Garden > 320L

Comments from Mr. Yusuke Homma (Japan)

This time, | chose a work with water lilies used as the main aquatic plant for the Best Aquarium. When water lilies are used as the main plant, from the viewpoint of long-term maintenance, there is a concern that the lily pads will block the light and prevent the growth of other aquatic plants. For this reason, water lilies are generally used in a supporting role. As if to resolve such concerns, this work successfully creates a water lily layout by dividing the space where water lilies develop and the space where they do not develop into a front and back space. Long-term maintenance is considered with layout composition and the undergrowth in the water lilies' space in the foreground is blocked from the light, and seems to express the state of shade-grown undergrowth that does not grow in dense clusters. Normally, such foreground areas would be densely planted with a certain number of aquatic plants to create beauty, but in this work, I wondered if the creator had planted the plants in a rough manner in consideration of the light-blocking environment. Although this may be reading too much into it, I felt that the undergrowth was rather naturalistic under the water lilies. The composition is very simple, but the V-shaped line of driterd is emphasized a sense of perspective by the wide-angle lens, giving the red water lilies an impact as if they were looming right in front of the viewer. The use of these water lilies, the layout composition, the photographic technique, and the boldness of the idea led to a great chance to win the competition.

Comments from Karen Randall - AGA 2023 Aquatic Garden > 320L

This very naturalistic "pond" scape brings a smile to my face and a song to my heart!

Comments from Nigel Hoevenaar - AGA 2023 Aquatic Garden > 320L

Beautiful underwater feeling with the lily sp. Refreshing to see this work of art. Congratulations my friend!

Comments from Tereza Lazar - AGA 2023 Aquatic Garden > 320L

This work captivated me with its plants. The red nymphs give it a special charm. At first glance it seems to be an ordinary work but these nymphs make it special creating an atmosphere of calm and a note.

Comments from Cho Jaesun - AGA 2023 Aquatic Garden > 320L

This artwork will likely be considered one of the most impressive pieces of this year. It's a work that transcends the boundaries of aquascaping as an art. While we usually marvel at impactful compositions this piece astonishes with the artist's imagination. Despite the abundant use of red hues the balance and sophistication of the color palette are remarkable. I eagerly anticipate the next piece by this artist. I respect your artistry.

Comments

The award ceremony of lAPLC has been canceled after Covid 19 pandemic. 2 years after I had a new fresh idea with clear aspect together my dedicated work, l just got a little hope that this work will make me get closer to my target a single digit |APLC ranking. IAPLC 2023 award ceremony has been canceled again this year that make me a bit disappoint but I still concentrated to the day of world ranking announcement from live stream. 3 months after the entry submitting it feel like a year but when the date was come, the suffering was not over yet. I and my Thai aquascaper fellows (around 10 people) gathering at my house. We enjoy chatting and laughing at the beginning but when the top 100 was announced, the atmosphere was suddenly changed to quiet, our hands were chilled, faster pulse rate. We only got first ranking from Thailand at 40th, of course that's not mine. When Top 27 was announced, my work was not appeared but I thought I could get further and didn't want my work announced at that time hoping to get single digit ranking. Finally, Red Alert my tank title was heard with the 4th ranking. Just in a second our house was filled with joyful of me, my wife and everybody. My 15th effort for lAPLC was finally succeed. I got a lot of congratulation from family and friends in Thailand and all over the world. Such a wonderful and memorable moment.

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