[TheStoriesOfTop7] Sunrise in the Valley - Marcelo Tonon Chiovatoo / Brazil - IAPLC 2013

Although it did not win the Best Aquarium of any judge, it was ranked third in the world ranking because each judge scored high for this work. Ms. Karen Randall, from the United States, said that she could not decide whether she should choose Mr. Marcelo's work as her Best Aquarium until the last minute. She commented, "this tank is a little more "gimmicky" than I usually like, but it is done SO well! The planting is bright and beauti- ful, the rock work exquisitely done and the fish choice is also excellent. The shale-strewn valley is just beautiful! The "waterfalls", I'm not sure how they were done... it is impossible to see them well enough in the very small photo I have, even using a loupe. But between them and the wonderful lighting chosen, the effect is magical! I expect to hear elven singing when I gaze into the aquascape!" Ms. Karen said. As can be seen in "Sunrise in the valley", one of the trends of this year's entries is superior lighting effect during the shooting. However, such effect may work negatively on some judges if it is excessive.

The first Silver Prize winning entry depicts an impressive waterfall and stream in the center. The waterfall which displays perspective is an elaborate idea, though there may be some arguments for and against the use of artificial object such as cotton. The interesting part of this work is the contrast of terrestrial landscape recreated in diorama style in the center of the layout and the surrounding aquatic plants arranged following the traditional aquascaping methods. Excellent fusion of diorama-style expression and aquascape expression presents a new potential for planted aquarium.

IAPLC 2013 - World Ranking 0002

Sunrise in the Valley

Author: Marcelo Tonon Chiovatoo / Brazil

Aquatic Plants

Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

Rotala rotundifolia

Eleocharis minima

Marseilles hairy

Glossostigma elatinoides

Callitriche sp.

Starogyne sp.

Limnophila sp. Vietnam

Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' Taxiphyllum sp.

Fish & Invertebrates

Hyphessobrycon Flammeus

Comments

Year after year I have felt a gratifying feeling on participating in this exciting contest. And every year, just like any other contestants, I spend some exciting months waiting anxiously for the ADA's letter. This year, the dream came true! The feeling of receiving this award is very good and I'm sure that this moment will mark my life forever. Have been awarded third place in a league full of true artists around the world is a great honor. I and my Brazilian aquascaper friends are truly happy with this achievement that symbolizes our growing pas- sion for Nature Aquarium. I was born and live in São Paulo, a frenetic megalopolis where people have little time to enjoy the beauty of nature. Handle with underwater plants, fishes, rocks, wood... To sit every night in front of my tank and observe the beauty of life, right before my eyes, brings me back to the roots, I mean, closer to nature. The inspiration for this work came from my visit to two beautiful places in Brazil: Iguaçu Falls and Itaimbezinho Canyon. I had an indescribable feeling ahead of the hundreds of existing water- falls and cataracts, pouring the biggest volume of water I have already seen through my eyes. Then, I felt that it would be a pleasurable challenge trying to mount a landscape which could represent that wonderful feeling. My wife and I are so happy with the award. And, we decided that it would be the right time to fully live this dream. Despite living on the other side of the world, we are travelling to Japan to take part on the NA Party. It will be our first travel to Japan and I am sure it will be an unforgettable moment in our lives.