Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a Photo Contest?

No. The winners of the Contest portion of this event will be the best aquascapes, not necessarily the best photographs (see the judging guidelines for details on how this will be accomplished). It is important, though, that your photos be sharp and clear so that the judges (and the viewers) can see your aquascape as well as possible.

Are amatuer and beginner submissons judge right along with those from advanced and professional aquascapers?

Yes, we don't try to decide who is advanced, novice, etc. Each submission is judged on it's own merits. Last year a beginner won best of show.

That Biotope tank doesn't have any plants in it! Why didn't you disqualify it?

There is no requirement that the Biotope Aquascape contain plants. If the entrant is attempting to emulate a biotope with little or no plants, such as the rocky floor of Lake Malawi, then this is perfectly acceptable. But take not that in this case, the choice and placement of rocks will matter quite a bit to the judges! For more details on biotope aquariums, please see our Biotope Guidelines.

What are the Prizes?

Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category and class.
Additionally, we are contacting aquarium related businesses for prize donations (merchandise, vouchers, gift certificates, etc.) which will be distributed amongst the category winners and Best of Show.
The People's Choice winner (selected via viewers' votes) will also receive both a Ribbon/Rosette.

The actual prizes to be awarded will be announced later. Check back here for details.

Why are marine tanks not eligible to be entered?

This event was organized by a group of aquatic gardeners, whose main interest (and expertise) is planted freshwater aquaria. Our goal is to provide freshwater aquascapers with a forum to display their efforts, and compare approaches used in different parts of the world. We have widened the eligibility rules of the event to include all types of freshwater, brackish water and paludarium set-ups. This means that a hobbyist who is interested in African Rift Lake Cichlids or one who is interested in Mudskippers or other brackish tank inhabitants, or even someone who uses plastic plants in their tanks can also become involved.

However, the inclusion of saltwater tanks will require an immense amount of extra work, and goes beyond our areas of expertise, so we have chosen not to include marine aquaria.

Why do you ask for a signed Photo Release?

Placing images on the Internet is legally considered a form of "publishing" them. Without asking and receiving permission to do so, it is against the law in most countries to publish the work of another person without first obtaining their permission to do so in writing. (Please see the Photo Release itself for exact details.)