[TheStoriesOfTop7] Undying - Steven Chong / United States - IAPLC 2020

10 May 2024

2887

The Gold prize winning work presents a remarkable driftwood composition. The depth that goes beyond the size of this aquarium is created by expanding the central open space towards the far right side, along with the drastically arranged driftwood. In addition, a mirror embedded in the substrate gives an interesting visual effect; it looks as if a river is running in the aquascape, or the driftwood is floating in the air, depending on the viewer's viewpoint. The visual impact is enhanced by the skinny branches placed behind the large driftwood that makes up the framework of the composition, and the subtle and low-key planting of epiphytes

[TheStoriesOfTop7] Undying - Steven Chong / United States - IAPLC 2020

This work had the most visual surprise among the top winning works in this contest. This is not the first time to see a mirror used in a layout. We have seen it in the past. However, this work used the visual effect with a mirror to the maximum. Although opinions might be divided about using a mirror, it is important to pay attention to the creator's excellent skills to create the well-thought out layout composition as well as the tricky expression with the use of a mirror. In regards to the choice of fish, Inlecypris auropurpurea is primarily chosen. The pattern of the fish brilliantly matches with the reflection of small branches on the mirror. That's where the creator's aesthetic sense shines. A judge from Chinese Taipei, Mr. Huang chose this work as his Best Aquarium, and his evaluation comment is as follows.

IAPLC 2020 Gallery - Look back history - World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize

Undying

Author: Steven Chong / United States

Aquarium Size/W120×D50×H50 (cm)

Aquatic Plants

Eleocharis parvula

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Pilularia globulifera

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Taxiphyllum sp.

Riccardia sp.

Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'

Micranthemum sp. 'Monte Carlo'

Myriophyllum matogrossense

Myriophyllum sp. 'Guyana'

Microsorum sp. 'Trident'

Hygrophila pinnatifida

Anubias sp. various

Bucephalandra sp.

Rotala sp.

Microcarpaea minima

Helanthium tenellum

Fissidens fontanus

Fish & Invertebrates

Inlecypris auropurpurea

AWARDS

World Ranking 0002 Gold Prize IAPLC 2020

2nd place & Most Innovative AGA 2020 Aquatic Garden 220 ~ 320L

Comments

This year was extremely unique because we did not receive results by mail, but instead by stream. On one hand, I really liked the concept because it meant a fair experience shared by all- where in previous years, we folks in Japan were lucky to get our results first. On the other hand, it was extremely nerve-wracking for someone aiming at the top ranks, because you would be both praying that your name didn't appear YET but also praying that your name would appear SOMEWHERE. The night of the Youtube stream I was up with 3 screens on- main living room TV set to Youtube for my wife and daughters to watch. I had one laptop set up and joined into a facebook group with the Tokyo Aquascaping Union (TAU), and another laptop set up joined into a different face- book group with the The Aquascaper's Collective (TAC) in North America. It was hectic with all that going on, and impossible to deeply appreciate/analyze any of the layouts that appeared, but it was a high energy and deeply communal way to enjoy the festival of IAPLC presentation. Going into the top 7, with my name not appearing yet, of course I was wracked with nerves-but we had also gauged the overall level of the works so far. Masashi Ono said, "Ah, don't worry about it Steven, at this point you won't be dropping out. Let's look forward to seeing it!" A part of me agreed with that and was already settling in, but another part was still on high nerves that my name might not appear at all! Of course when my name did appear in the gold rank-it was an incredible rush. The TAC group erupted in cheers! The TAU group had more of a "See, nothing to worry about congrats" vibe. My daughters and wife rushed over, and I was surrounded by warm congratulations. My phone also started exploding with messages too, and I picked up an incoming telephone call from Hungary to give the Green Aqua team an interview right away. Definitely, the IAPLC results were a fantastic event, and I was filled with gratitude and joy. Also, thank you to the 900 new folks who subscribed to my Youtube Channel, SteveScapes, and 500 who followed me on Instagram after the YouTube stream! It is an honor! But... of course there is also the edge of disappointment to come so close to #1. I won't give up on the Grand Prize. Yeo, Josh, Fukada-san, Ono-san, Mr. Prayogi, be ready because I'm not going to lose

Comment of Mr. Huang Yu-Fa (Chinese Taipei)

This work looks fresh and natural because of the layout composition and placement of materials. The simplicity and solid look are effectively expressed with innovative techniques instead of using a stacking up method. Although there is no sand at the bottom of the aquarium tank, the shape of a river is effectively created with the reflection of light. This technique is very interesting and a good point to learn. Among many works, this work is my favorite because of the unique and solid look. I gave my Best Aquarium to this innovative work

Comment of Mr Kris Weinhold

The mirrored reflections in this aquascape are truly fantastic!

Comment of Mr Andre Longarco

Very interesting work that arouses curiosity with the effect of the mirror. Apart from this technique which is not new I don't see much hardscape and plant development work.
Undoubtedly it is a good job but I see disconnections between the force vectors and little fluidity in the hardscape. Each group of logs has its own and unnatural meaning.
The high point of the work is the center of the vanishing point where the composition of the plants is very natural.
Speaking of plant health as it is almost all mosses and carpet plants their health could be much better for a aquascaping contest.

Comment of Mr Juan Puchades

A step further a new way of creating aquariums without losing traditional concepts but evolving in techniques with the use of a reflection that evokes the surface of the water. Controversial or not its use is a very effective technique that in this assembly combines perfectly with the powerful yet light structure. Simply wonderful.

Comment of Mr Masashi Ono

Very impressive layout!
We have such strange feelings from the mirror effect.
Wood composition and fish selection & position are perfect.
I regret the plants have not grown enough...

Related on News & Press

Leave your comments

Latest on News & Press

Spain at IAPLC 2026: Roberto Buenadicha’s Forest and the Space Between Trunks

Roberto Buenadicha’s aquarium is the only Spanish work in the published ranks 1–300. Its slender dark trunks, fine green planting and conspicuous pale fish make it a rewarding individual study. This instalment returns to the older Spain introduction through one photograph, keeping the scope small enough for the evidence available.
France at IAPLC 2026: A Close Reading of Jean Christophe Grosset’s Woodland

Only one French work appears in the published ranks 1–300. That gives this instalment a different task: a close reading of Jean Christophe Grosset’s aquarium, with the older country introduction as context. The photograph deserves attention for its own wood, planting and fish relationships, rather than being made to represent every French aquascaper.
Singapore at IAPLC 2026: Open Stone and an Enclosed Planted Passage

Two Singaporean works appear in the published ranks 1–300, and they offer an unusually clear contrast. One makes open water and two main stones central; the other encloses a small rear opening within dense planting and roots. The pair is useful precisely because it does not support one simple visual label.
Hong Kong at IAPLC 2026: Three Studies in Light, Layers and Visual Impact

A low timber ceiling, blue-toned terraces and converging planted diagonals create three visibly different aquariums. Hong Kong’s represented works at ranks 1–300 offer a compact study of visual impact beyond the season’s leading awards. Looking at them closely is more informative than treating the cutoff count as a verdict on an entire aquascaping community.
Italy at IAPLC 2026: Calm Routes and More Dramatic Planted Frames

A clear route through planted banks can feel quiet; a coloured ridge beneath a dark frame can feel theatrical. The four Italian photographs selected for this study offer both experiences. Together, they make a useful contemporary comparison with an archive that once placed particular emphasis on calm, enduring-looking compositions.
United States at IAPLC 2026: Four Distinct Readings of a Wooded Aquarium

The four American photographs selected here all contain important wood structures, yet they do not produce one uniform wooded scene. A broad canopy, a low diagonal, a fine-leaved light window and an exposed timber subject organise attention differently. That variation lets us discuss design diversity through specific decisions rather than a broad national label.
Germany at IAPLC 2026: Four Ways to Balance Hardscape and Open Water

A dark wooded frame, a rocky valley, a brighter mixed scene and green-covered root contours make this German selection particularly useful for comparison. The photographs share an interest in separating materials from the water around them, but achieve it through different outlines and lighting relationships.
Taiwan at IAPLC 2026: Planted Contours and Changing Routes into Depth

Dense foliage, planted wood ridges and a low central route create different senses of distance in this four-work selection. The photographs are particularly rewarding when viewed through changes in leaf shape and planting height. They offer a present-season comparison with an archive that once described both graceful composition and more contemporary experimentation.
Thailand at IAPLC 2026: Surface Colour, Green Arches and Open Rockwork

Three Thai aquariums in the published Top 300 present contrasting visual priorities. MAGIC LEAVES makes the water surface a signature; another work carries a route beneath planted arches; a third exposes rock peaks against rounded greenery. This small group gives a useful reason to look beyond the first shared award photograph.
Indonesia at IAPLC 2026: Forest Craft Through Four Different Frames

The four Indonesian works published at ranks 1–300 offer a compact comparison. A coloured surface canopy, a dominant trunk, a dense grove and a wood-and-rock opening all reward close attention. The small group makes it possible to examine every represented work in this range, while keeping the conclusions specific to this season and cutoff.
Malaysia at IAPLC 2026: Wood, Plant Texture and the Visual Role of Fish

A bright gap between broad wood layers, a fine-leaved canopy and a conspicuous individual fish offer three different entrances to this Malaysian selection. The photographs invite attention to the space inhabited by fish as well as the hardscape around it. They also show why a creator’s reputation and a new aquarium’s visual decisions should be discussed separately.
Brazil at IAPLC 2026: Rock Landscapes and Wood Beyond the Familiar Label

Enchanted Hills offers an immediately recognisable rock valley, with coloured planting and fish in bright water. Three other selected Brazilian photographs build their scenes around substantial wood. Seeing them together is a useful way to revisit a familiar label without asking individual creators to fit a single national recipe.
Japan at IAPLC 2026: Nature Aquarium and Many Contemporary Visions

A pale path through hanging roots and a bright interval between exposed rocks can both make an aquarium feel spacious. Japan’s 2026 selection is rewarding because it places these different approaches beside richly planted foregrounds and coloured slopes. Six photographs offer a practical way to discuss variety within a familiar Nature Aquarium heritage.
China at IAPLC 2026: How Layered Wood Creates Convincing Depth

The Grand Prize photograph gives this study an obvious first stop, but the comparison becomes richer when it reaches beyond the winner. Six selected aquariums show different ways of framing light with wood: unequal trunks, fine leaf curtains, successive arches and repeated vertical roots. Their interest lies in how each arrangement keeps a densely constructed scene readable.
Vietnam at IAPLC 2026: Wood, Stone and a Broader Design Identity

Vietnam’s two leading 2026 awards both invite us into wooded environments. That is an interesting starting point for revisiting an archive which once associated the country strongly with stone. The most useful reading is not that one material has defeated the other. Six selected photographs show several ways of organising planted ground, open water and the route into a scene.
CIAC 2026 Official Results Update: Rankings Extend to 119

The CIAC 2026 Aquascaping Category results have received an official update. A results sheet distributed by the organising committee on 14 October lists ranks 14–119, extending the ranking information available beyond the image cards previously covered by AquaLibs.