Why partipate in Aquascaping Competitions?

[John N.]

In the future, I hope to have an Annual Aquascaping Competition here at ASW. I'm curious to know why folks participate in an aquascaping competition to begin with? Are you trying to win the prizes? Get feedback? Or something else?

-John N.

[JDowns]

Well thats obvious. The CHICKS!!!!!!!!

[George Farmer]

1. It's fascinating to see how others perceive your work, in terms of actual feedback and ranking. I'm also quite competitive, that I think adds extra motivation to 'perform'.

2. It's nice to take part in something that focuses on one of my passions. Seeing your aquascape physical alongside others is also very interesting and gives me a different perspective.

3. Contests make me want to get the aquascape into that 'perfect' state where all the plants are grown in/pruned appropriately. They give an added sense of purpose and end goal.

4. Another good excuse to get really into the photography aspect.

[trenac]

John, I like the idea for a future aquascaping contest.

I've never enter an aquascaping contest before, but have thought about it many times. If I do it would be mainly for the judges feedback. However, I would also like to see how I stack up against others in the scaping realm.

[John N.]

Originally Posted by George Farmer

1
3. Contests make me want to get the aquascape into that 'perfect' state where all the plants are grown in/pruned appropriately. They give an added sense of purpose and end goal.

I've never thought of Aquascaping Contest serving this purpose. In retrospect having a plan to enter a contest would motivate me too to watch and develop my aquascape more.

Originally Posted by trenac

John, I like the idea for a future aquascaping contest.

I've never enter an aquascaping contest before, but have thought about it many times. If I do it would be mainly for the judges feedback. However, I would also like to see how I stack up against others in the scaping realm.

Yup, it's in the plans for the site. What's an aquascaping forum/site without a Aquascaping Contest?

Sometimes the comments I've read from judges feedback is often repetitive, and can be generic. I'm not saying all comments are like that, but I think when faced with over 100 aquascapes the quality of the comments can dwindle from entry to entry.

-John N.

[Roy Deki]

Great idea John...

For me, like George, I too want to see other scape next to mine to compare and learn. I also respect the judges comments and I realize that it is really subjective. I think the judging formula that ADA uses really defines the best of the best. Rather than having three to four people deciding what tank wins. Everyone has a different view or opinion of a specific tank. Some people prefer the nature aquarium look as compared to a dutch style tank, or vise versus.

I enter the ADA competition only in hopes of getting into the book. I often use the book for inspiration for my our projects. Also it's nice to have one of my own creation in the same book as some of the greatest aquascapers in the world.

[ERiK]

I've never entered any aquascaping competitions, but I plan on entering from now on. I really want to find out how good I am!
I don't get a whole lot of feedback living in Utah as there really aren't very many people into plants, and I'm one of the most experienced 'scapers.

[brams]

Ofcourse it is the feedback that gives the biggest motivasion but also I think its a very good inspirationsource to look at others scapes. You get them all at the same time at the same website and get alot of ideas fast. So it i your duty (if you agree whit me) to join and share your work!
Im looking forward to see ya all in a competition here.