[TheStoriesOfTop7] RIU GES - Bernat Hosta Rovira / Andorra - IAPLC 2024

The selection and arrangement of stones are realistic, bringing the feel of a mountain stream to life. The positioning of the driftwood, allowing light to appear as though filtering through the trees, is also carefully calculated.

IAPLC 2024 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0004 - Silver Prize

RIU GES

Author: Bernat Hosta Rovira / Andorra 

Aquarium Size/W900 × D500 × H430

Aquatic Plants

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

Bucephalandra 'Deep Purple'

Bucephalandra 'Kedagang'

Bucephalandra sp. 'Red'

Cryptocoryne parva

Cryptocoryne 'Rubella'

Cryptocoryne willisii

Monosolenium tenerum

Nesaea pedicellata 'Golden'

Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Mini'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino

Eleocharis acicularis

Eriocaulon sp. 'Dong Ha'

Hemiarithus callitrichoides 'Cuba'

Hydrocotyle tripartita

Hygrophila pinnatifida

Micranthemum tweediei

Pogostemon erectus

Rotala rotundifolia 'Hra'

Vesicularia dubyana

Myriophyllum matogrossense 'Green'

Fish & Invertebrates

Hemigrammus Erythrozonus

Puntius Sachsii

AWARDS

World Ranking 0004 Silver Prize IAPLC 2024

The fourth place (Silver Prize), with a score of 1,129 points, went to Mr. Bernat Hosta Rovira from Andorra for the work "RIU GES". Five out of ten judges selected this work in their top ten, with two judges, Mr. Oliver Mengedoht (Germany) and Mr. Adam Paszczela (Poland), choosing it as the Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Oliver Mengedoht (Germany)

Compliments to the creator of this masterpiece! I never imagined an aquascape like this could exist-it's truly a breathtaking creation. I couldn't say I ever felt something was missing in aquascaping before, but the artist behind this piece clearly saw an unfilled gap and brought forth an underwater landscape that, to my knowledge, has never been seen before. This aquarium immediately caught my eye the first time I browsed through the Top 100. The rocky landscape, overgrown with "trees," evokes images of exotic formations in East Africa while also seeming plausible in Japan. However, it was apparently inspired by a mountain river in the Spanish Pyrenees-my favorite mountain range. There is, in fact, a river called Riu Ges, which flows into the Catalonian River Ter. This river, winding through a deep gorge surrounded by beech and oak forests on its way to Torelló, might well resemble this aquascape. When I look at satellite images of the area, I can easily imagine how this stunning landscape could have inspired the vision that the artist brought to life in this glass tank. Whether or not my guess about the origin of "Riu Ges" is correct, one thing is clear: this aquarium stands out from all the other submissions. There are always aquascapes showcasing different landscapes, each realized with creativity and uniqueness. But this one is so distinct from the rest that it naturally commands attention. Chapeau.

Comments from Mr. Adam Paszczela (Poland)

I chose the aquarium titled "Riu Ges" as my Best Aquarium. This layout strok me as an incredibly haunting yet beautiful and peaceful aquascape. I was thrilled to see that it embodies the style that has shaped the IAPLC competition. The diorama style is perfect a hybrid of all styles-both expressive and open in space. I was also surprised that the tank was only the classic 900mm size. The calm green tones, combined with grey-violet stones and rocks, and the small brown wood details, which are perfectly pro- portioned, creating an exceptionally successful layout. The deli- cate reveal of the front line, though only in fragments, along with the blue light screen in the background, opens up the scenery and enhances the observer's perception. At first glance, it feels as though a wild, primeval landscape has been dropped into an aquarium. This work captivates with its warm reception and naturalness, reminiscent of the original landscapes of Australia's interior. The artist skillfully utilized perspective in the composition, high- lighting individual elements and details, drawing the viewer deeper into the scene. The rays of light filtering through the leaves invite us to wander through the forest atop rocky hills, to practice shin-rin-yoku. Congratulations to the creator for their vision and attention to detail. The magical reference to both the present and ancient natural worlds is one of the many strengths of this arrangement. I felt a truly positive message emanating from this work

Comments

I'm really happy, pleased and honored to achieve this Silver Prize, the best result I've ever got in the best and most valuable aquascaping contest of the world. To create new forms or styles in aquascaping contests is always a risk on the results you can get. 

Despite that, one of my main passions is to offer or invent new concepts or new elements in every scape I do in this great and passionate hobby. Many thanks to ADA, IAPLC Steering Committee and Judges. See you at the Award ceremony in November!!!.