AGA International Aquascaping Contest 2024 Results

[Tom Ryan (@aquascaperay)]

Hi all (and a Happy New Year)!

Some of you may have noticed that the contest results for the AGA IAC 2024 have been published!

I believe this is the last awaited contest result of 2024. A link to the full results can be found here: Home - AGAIAC

AGA, unlike some of the other global contests, has separate categories based on tank size. They also offer a contest for biotope enthusiasts or even wabi-kusa layouts. For the purposes of this post, I will focus on the categories within the ‘Aquatic Garden’ (aka Nature Aquarium) category.

The winning works under each category is as follows:

Less than 28L


28-54L


55-79L


80-161L


162-219L


220-319L


Greater than 320L


Overall, my first impressions are there are some high-level works this year (although many we have already seen through entries to other global contests and very few ‘new’ layouts made specifically for the AGA). This is a slight shame as it would have been nice to see a new ‘wave’ of aquascapes being created specifically for this contest.

The nano/tank categories however does open the door for more high quality works to be showcased in the top ranks (as typically the other international contests favour the larger tanks).

Rounding off 2024, I can say that my personal favourite of this year is ‘Rolling River’ by Ismael Aguilar.




This ranked #2 in the largest tank size category in AGA. For me, this perfectly captures the essence of Nature Aquarium by creating an ‘underwater’ feeling. If this photo was taken in a stream in the wild, I wouldn’t have second-guessed it! I believe this is one of those rare layouts that might also fool the fish into thinking their part of a natural habitat!

Big congrats to all entrants and I hope to see more UKAPS members enter in 2025! Excited to hear members thoughts on the works and your favourite aquascape of 2024!

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Ehcosbie]

I didn’t know about this contest, definitely opened a door for me with the smaller aquarium categories. Thank you for sharing.

 

[FrozenShivers]

Nice to bring eyes to some other contests, I didn't know of AGA really. That "Rolling River" scape you highlighted is absolutely stunning!

 

[megwattscreative]

I love the 28L entry! Those chili's look absolutely fantastic. It's nice to see a cube too, I feel like they're less common in competition settings?

 

[FrozenShivers]

I love the 28L entry! Those chili's look absolutely fantastic. It's nice to see a cube too, I feel like they're less common in competition settings?

Cube tanks can be pretty challenging to scape compared to cuboid tanks due to their aspect ratio, I guess this is why. They should just make a cube category though 😀

 

[JozefSC]

It is great that AGA has categories as with my 60cm tank it is almost impossible to compete with large tanks in other competitions then the ranking is quite low. However thanks to AGA and categories the rankings are more accurate and you can compete with equal tank sizes. Downside is only the first 3 places numbered, after that 7 tanks are in random order as complete the top 10, if you are placed below 10 you don't get any ranking, that's a shame it would help a lot of people to build on the feedback.

I managed to rank in the top 10 whether I was 4th or 10th I would never know. Still very thankful for the result, my biggest achievement this year.

Aquatic Garden 80-161L - AGAIAC

agaiac.org

Congratulations to all participants.

IADC results are still not out yet that should be the last contest for year 2024. Good luck who entered.

Sent from my XQ-DQ54 using Tapatalk

 

[megwattscreative]

Congratulations Jozef!

 

[Aqua360]

Loving that 27l nano

 

[FrozenShivers]

It is great that AGA has categories as with my 60cm tank it is almost impossible to compete with large tanks in other competitions then the ranking is quite low. However thanks to AGA and categories the rankings are more accurate and you can compete with equal tank sizes. Downside is only the first 3 places numbered, after that 7 tanks are in random order as complete the top 10, if you are placed below 10 you don't get any ranking, that's a shame it would help a lot of people to build on the feedback.

I managed to rank in the top 10 whether I was 4th or 10th I would never know. Still very thankful for the result, my biggest achievement this year.

Aquatic Garden 80-161L - AGAIAC

agaiac.org

Congratulations to all participants.

IADC results are still not out yet that should be the last contest for year 2024. Good luck who entered.

Sent from my XQ-DQ54 using Tapatalk

Lovely tank either way and well done top 10 🙂

 

[Tom Ryan (@aquascaperay)]

Yeah the AGA opens up new opportunities with the various tank size categories! Cube tanks are definitely tricky to aquascape! As you say, it’s mainly due to the aspect ratio but also the fact that you’re limited on plant and fish choice too to get the sense of scale you need!

I managed to rank in the top 10 whether I was 4th or 10th I would never know. Still very thankful for the result, my biggest achievement this year.

Amazing work Jozef! I love the surface reflections and shadows created in your work! Looking forward to seeing your entries for this year!

 

[JozefSC]

Thank you guys,

My preparation for next year isn't going well, a bit busy with life. I still will try to bring on one solid tank to enter and support competitions this way.
Today I received plans from aquarium garden, need to adjust the hardscape and plant again.

Anyway I am sure we all are more excited to see your iaplc enter this year Tom.
Good luck everyone.