The entries of this year in this category really prove once again that we need to do a lot of promotional work to let people understand the basics of the Dutch Style. Where some tanks excel at really showing strong contrast they miss the real focal points. Others still use way to many species (maximum of 1 species per 10cm of tank) or are in their turn missing the contrasts.
Dutch Style is also about a consistent sense of depth that integrates foreground mid-ground and background plants. And whilst Dutch Style is famous for the usage of the "streets of plants" this only works when used in good limitations and in support of focus points.
However we do see that contestants are doing their best to understand these principles and work with them. We hope that they will continue their quests for the ultimate Dutch Style aquarium!
— Marco Aukes
This category is very important to recover the great Dutch style the very origin of aquascaping. Some layouts are in very good shape but another ones were misunderstood. The Dutch style is very defined and has direct rules to be judged. I hope that this category keep growing and people understand the real importance of it. Good job people.
— André Longarço
In this category not only values good health of plants or that have more varieties only those things does not make it a Dutch aquarium. I think there are many details that would have to redirect this mode and return to give the value it really has. All that today is our hobby was born here. Thank you very much to all the participants to keep its essence alive.
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Comments
Dutch Style is also about a consistent sense of depth that integrates foreground mid-ground and background plants. And whilst Dutch Style is famous for the usage of the "streets of plants" this only works when used in good limitations and in support of focus points.
However we do see that contestants are doing their best to understand these principles and work with them. We hope that they will continue their quests for the ultimate Dutch Style aquarium!
Thank you very much to all the participants to keep its essence alive.