Aquashella Aquarium Festival Aquascaping Competition; Entries, Rules and Judging Summary for Contestants

Contestants are asked to submit their entries by filling out the form below. entries must comply with the following rules and include the following in their submission. 

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria:

  • The competition is open to all aquascapers!

  • Teams are allowed, if you wish to form a team for a single entry, be sure to indicate your teammates on your entry. Note that if a team wins the grand prize, there is only 1 prize, and it is up to the team to determine how the items and winnings are distributed. 

  • We want to see how you aquascape and see samples of your work. Emailed entry submissions must include the following:

    1. 4 to 6 high-quality photos of recently completed aquascape(s), ensure at least 1 is a full tank frontal photo, capturing an entire scape

    2. A 30-second video of aquascape

    3. A 30-second video of the aquascaper summarizing their aquascape techniques. Think of answering questions about what the key features of the design are, or why you choose a certain placement.

    4. A photo of and bio of yourself! If you are entering as a team, we need a bio for each team member. 

    5. An indication of which event you are applying to complete at; Dallas qualifying round, or Daytona Champions Round

  • Entries will be evaluated by our internal teams, with 10 entries selected to compete in person in Dallas, 10 entries will be selected to compete in-person in Chicago. The Top 5 from Dallas will qualify for the Daytona Champions Round and the Top 5 from Chicago will qualify for the Daytona Champions Round.

    1. The winning 5 aquascapes in Dallas will be asked to travel to Daytona to compete for the grand prize.

    2. The winning 5 aquascapes in Chicago will be asked to travel to Daytona to compete for the grand prize.

    3. If any of the top 5 from Chicago or Dallas cannot make it to Daytona, Daytona will accept “walk-on” entries from local contestants.

I. Winners from Dallas and Chicago will be required to complete a new aquascape in Daytona’s Champions Round.

  • Contestants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

  • Aquashella Aquarium Festival and its assigns hold all rights to submission materials and copyrights transfer upon submission to allow for the festival to promote and evaluate all entries.

DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION

Dallas Qualifying Round - May 17-18, 2024 - selected contestants will be notified by May 1, 2024

Chicago Qualifying Round - August 2-3, 2024 - selected contestants will be notified by July 1, 2024

Daytona Champions Round - November 1-2, 2024, selected contestants will be notified by September 25th, 2024. Walk-Ons will be accepted Starting October 1, 2024 if applicable. 

Submissions will be evaluated by our internal teams for completeness, design, and selection for competition for each round. There is no entry fee to the contest. All final scapes and equipment are property of Aquashella and will be auctioned with net proceeds going to a selected charity or charities.

Selected contestants will be responsible for their own travel to the competition locations.

Additional Rules for Aquascape Designs

Each contestant (including team members) will receive a full conference badge for admission to the exhibit hall floor. Contestants are given a timed 13 hours, over two days to complete their finished designs, aquascaping hours are as follows:

  • Friday, from 2pm to 6pm

  • Saturday, from 10am to 5pm

Scaping has been scheduled during show hours to allow attendees to watch the process, and interact with aquascapers as you are assembling your entry. Each team will be issued a timer clock to keep track of their scaping time. Each team will be allotted 13 hours to complete their scape.

Judging will commence after submissions are completed at 5 pm on Saturday, and awards will be placed on each entry for public review at 10 am on Sunday. Ribbons and judges' scorecards will be displayed at the aquariums through the conclusion of the festival on Sunday.

Aquascapers must submit examples of their work to be selected as a contestant.

Aquashella and its sponsors will provide hardscape materials such as rock, driftwood, and substrate as well as live plants to be used to build your aquascapes in the provided aquariums. 

These materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the onset of the competition on Friday. 

All contestants must complete their aquascapes using the equipment and materials provided by the contest sponsors, substitutions are not allowed. 

Contestants may use their own tools, glue and filtration media; however no logos or branding other than that of the contest sponsors may be prominently visible during the contest.

Stands, water, and adequate electricity will be provided at each tank to support the installation.

Contestants are required to use and showcase the provided products in their design and must use the materials provided on-site (36”x18”x18” or 36”x22”x22” tanks, lights, heaters, filters, tools, substrates) as part of their competition scapes.

Specifically:

  • Contestants must use the tank, light, and equipment provided by the contest sponsors, but may use equipment other than that provided if it is in addition. Substitutions of equipment are not allowed.

  • Tank backgrounds can be used, at the entrant’s discretion.

  • Hardscape materials are provided by the competition sponsors.

  • CO2 is not provided, if you wish to use CO2 on your installation, contestants must bring their own system.

  • Contestants should also consider bringing micron filters, filtration media, and other equipment necessary to clear tanks after setup.

  • Fish are allowed, but not required in any entry.

  • Any fish used in aquascapes should be appropriate for the size tank, display, and health of the animals. Irresponsible husbandry choices in design will result in loss of points during judging and may be forcibly removed if a poor representation of industry best practices.

The following products and equipment will be provided at each festival for contestants to build their aquascapes with/within:

Equipment provided:

  • (2) Fluval Plant 3.0 LED 46w 36-46in

  • (1) Fluval M 200Watt Submersible Heater

  • (1) Fluval Curved Scissors 9.8in

  • (1) Fluval Spring Scissors 5.9in

  • (1) Fluval Straight Forceps 10.6in

  • (1) Fluval Pincha Shovel 12.6in

  • (1) Fluval Algae Shaver 24.8in

  • (1) Fluval 407 Canister Filter

  • (1) Fluval X07 Spray Bar

  • (2) Fluval Stratum 17.6lb

Hardscape materials provided:

  • Fluval Stratum 17.6lb

  • Caribsea Eco Complete 20lb

  • Caribsea Super Naturals Moonlight Sand 20lb

  • Caribsea Peace River 20lb

  • Caribsea Dragon Stone rock (assorted sizes)

  • Tideline Naturescapes

  • Tidelline Naturescapes

  • Tideline Naturescapes

  • Live plants and mosses, variety (sufficient for everyone to use) 

  • Note * more items may be added

Judging Criteria and Awards

Each entry will be rated by our celebrity judges with score values being assigned by winner order. 3 judges at each competition will evaluate the entries once the allotted aquascaping time has lapsed between 5pm on Saturday (when aquascaping ends) and the presentation of awards at 10am on Sunday.

In the event of a tie; judges will be asked to re-evaluate the tied entries to determine a winner.

Judges scorecards and results will be posted for clarity and public evaluation.

Evaluation Categories

  • Overall Appearance

  • Composition

  • Choice of Materials (plants, materials, animals)

  • Aquascape Sustainability

  • Inspirational Design

Category definitions:

  • Overall Appearance - is this aquascape pleasing? Do all the selected materials and animals work well together? Is the presentation balanced and harmonious?

  • Composition - is the aquascape laid out well? How is the use of negative space? Has the aquascaper leveraged depth of field in their presentation?

  • Choice of materials - Has the plants, materials, and animals selected been appropriate for the aquascape presented? Did the aquascaper use the “right” materials for this application?

  • Aquascape Sustainability - If this aquascape was in a home, is it maintainable? How realistic is this aquascape for a hobbyist? Are the plants/animals selected and displayed appropriate for the installation and represent industry best practices?

  • Inspirational Design - Does this aquascape inspire others? Is it showcasing the love of aquascaping? Is it challenging others to reach for new ideas and push the limits? How well does this design showcase the love of aquascaping and aquarium design?

Rank Scoring Calculations; each judge will rank their top 5 tanks from top to bottom. Rankings assign points, and points are accumulated to determine the winner. A fourth score is allotted to “Peoples Choice” for which voting will be open for on Saturday by event attendees.

Ranking points system; points are added from all judges scorecards to determine winners, with each category earning up to 20 points. Aquascapers can earn a perfect score of 100 by earning a 20 in each category. The Aquascaper or Aquascaping Team with the highest point total will be the winner. 

Planned Awards

The following awards are planned for each contest. Note, awards may be changed, added, or amended depending on the quality of entries, and judges' comments.

  • $5,000 Grand Prize and Trophy (Qty 1 - awarded only at final round competition in Daytona)

  • $1,000 Regional Grand Prize and Trophy (Qty 1 at Dallas event, Qty 1 at Chicago event)

  • 3 ‘Best in Scape’ Awards - Ribbon

  • Honorable Mention - Ribbon

  • Best use of Depth and Space - Ribbon

  • Best use of Color- Ribbon

  • Best use of Plants- Ribbon

  • Best use of Hardscape Materials - Ribbon

  • Most Creative- Ribbon

THE WORLD'S PREMIER AQUARIUM FESTIVAL
EVENTS
DALLAS 2024 CHICAGO 2024 DAYTONA 2024
© 2023, AQUASHELLA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Application
Contact Name
Contact Name
First
Last
What event(s) would you like to compete in?

Team & Individual Information

Entry Type

Maximum file size: 16.78MB

Scape(s) For Consideration

Maximum file size: 16.78MB

Maximum file size: 16.78MB

Maximum file size: 16.78MB

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria:

  • The competition is open to all aquascapers!
  • Teams are allowed, if you wish to form a team for a single entry, be sure to indicate your teammates on your entry. Note that if a team wins the grand prize, there is only 1 prize, and it is up to the team to determine how the items and winnings are distributed. 
  • We want to see how you aquascape and see samples of your work. Emailed entry submissions must include the following:
    1. 4 to 6 high-quality photos of recently completed aquascape(s), ensure at least 1 is a full tank frontal photo, capturing an entire scape
    2. A 30-second video of aquascape
    3. A 30-second video of the aquascaper summarizing their aquascape techniques. Think of answering questions about what the key features of the design are, or why you choose a certain placement.
    4. A photo of and bio of yourself! If you are entering as a team, we need a bio for each team member. 
    5. An indication of which event you are applying to complete at; Dallas qualifying round, or Daytona Champions Round
  • Entries will be evaluated by our internal teams, with 10 entries selected to compete in person in Dallas, 10 entries will be selected to compete in-person in Chicago. The Top 5 from Dallas will qualify for the Daytona Champions Round and the Top 5 from Chicago will qualify for the Daytona Champions Round.
    1. The winning 5 aquascapes in Dallas will be asked to travel to Daytona to compete for the grand prize.
    2. The winning 5 aquascapes in Chicago will be asked to travel to Daytona to compete for the grand prize.
    3. If any of the top 5 from Chicago or Dallas cannot make it to Daytona, Daytona will accept “walk-on” entries from local contestants.
  1. Winners from Dallas and Chicago will be required to complete a new aquascape in Daytona’s Champions Round.
  • Contestants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
  • Aquashella Aquarium Festival and its assigns hold all rights to submission materials and copyrights transfer upon submission to allow for the festival to promote and evaluate all entries.

Recording Consent Policy

Recording Policy:

Thank you for choosing to attend Aquashella. We are excited to have you join us. As part of our event management and promotional activities, we may record audio, video, or photographic content during the event. By entering the event premises, you are consenting to the recording and potential use of your image and voice as described in this policy.

Scope: This policy applies to all attendees, including but not limited to participants, speakers, sponsors, organizers, and any other individuals present at the event.

Recording Definition: Recording includes any form of audio, video, or photographic capturing of the event, sessions, workshops, presentations, and related activities.

Consent by Entry: By entering the event premises, you grant explicit consent to being recorded in any event-related content. This includes, but is not limited to, presentations, sessions, workshops, activities, and any other aspects of the event.

Purpose of Recording: The recorded content may be used for promotional, educational, archival, or any other lawful purpose related to the event. It may be shared on event-related websites, social media channels, publications, or future event promotions.

Revocation of Consent: If you have concerns about being recorded, you have the option to avoid areas where recording is taking place or to inform the event organizers of your preference. However, please note that certain event areas may be designated as recording zones, and avoiding these zones may limit your access to specific event activities.

Minor Participants: For participants who are minors (under 18 years of age), their parent or legal guardian's presence and consent may be required for entry and to grant consent to being recorded.

Third-Party Rights: Attendees must not record, photograph, or share content that infringes on the rights of third parties, including intellectual property rights, trademarks, or copyrighted materials.

Event Organizer's Rights: The event organizers hold the right to refuse entry to individuals who do not consent to being recorded or who do not comply with the terms of this policy.

Responsibility for Content: The event organizers will make reasonable efforts to protect the recorded content's privacy and security. However, they are not liable for the actions of attendees who may independently record, distribute, or misuse any event-related content.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy or wish to discuss your preferences related to recording, please contact the event organizers at [Organizer Contact Email/Phone].

Date of Policy Acceptance:

By entering the event premises, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Event Recording Consent Policy and consent to being recorded as described herein.

Contestant Code of Conduct

Aquashella Contestant Code of Conduct

Welcome, contestants, to Aquashella, where you have the exciting opportunity to share your passion and expertise with a vibrant audience. To maintain a welcoming environment and ensure everyone enjoys a positive experience – from attendees to vendors and staff – we've established this Code of Conduct specifically for contestants. By abiding by these guidelines, you help uphold Aquashella's standards of professionalism and integrity.

Professionalism:

  • Present yourself professionally in all interactions with attendees, vendors, and staff.
  • Arrive on time and honor the allocated time slots.

Respect for Attendees:

  • Treat all attendees with respect and courtesy, regardless of their level of expertise.
  • Embrace questions and engage with the audience in a constructive manner.
  • Avoid using language or content that could be offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate.

Professional Conduct:

  • Refrain from any behavior that could be considered unprofessional, offensive, or disruptive.
  • Steer clear of controversial topics that may cause unnecessary conflict.

Compliance with Event Guidelines:

  • Familiarize yourself with Aquashella's guidelines and follow any instructions from organizers.
  • Coordinate with event staff for any technical or logistical needs related to your presentation.

Alcohol and Substance Use:

  • If alcohol is served, consume it responsibly and considerate of others.
  • The use of illegal substances during the event is strictly prohibited.

Dress Code:

  • Dress appropriately for the event and your presentation, avoiding unauthorized logos or branding.

Reporting Issues:

  • Promptly report any technical or logistical issues to event staff.
  • Report any violations of the Code of Conduct to designated staff members.

Thank you for agreeing to abide by the Aquashella Contestant Code of Conduct. Your dedication to professionalism, respect, and inclusivity contributes to the success of our event, providing a positive and enriching experience for all. We eagerly anticipate your engaging and inspiring participation at Aquashella.

Saturday Schedule
TIMEShow FloorFluval Main StageHikari Feature StageFish Stream Media LoungeAqueon Kids Corner
10:00 AMVIP EntryVIP Meet & Greet
11:00 AMEarly Bird EntrySpeaker - Jen Wanner | Dirty Jobs: Aquarium Maintenance Tips and Tricks
12:00 PMSpeaker - Alexa Borrego | Tips for maintaining multiple aquariums Hiep Hong Aquascaping Tutorial
1:00 PMGA EntrySpeaker - Keri O'neil | Management of a large-scale coral spawning programFRAG OFF Redemption RoundMermaid Photo Op
2:00 PMSpeaker - Will Nace | How Aquatics Changed my Reptile HobbyJelly Fish Demo & Giveaway with Jelly Fish ArtAxolotls Live with Louisville Axolotle
3:00 PMSpeaker - Andrew SandlerFRESHWATER SCAPE OFFAnimal Encounter with Will Nace
4:00 PMSpeaker - Julian Sprung | My Saltwater Pond: inspiration, design features, and lessons learnedTMK Aquarist Live Scaping
5:00 PMRaffle
6:00 PMClose
Sunday Schedule
TIMEShow FloorFluval Main StageHikari Feature StageFish Stream Media LoungeAqueon Kids Corner
10:00 AMVIP EntryVIP Meet & Greet
11:00 AMEarly Bird EntrySpeaker - Marc Levenson
12:00 PMSpeaker - Jeff Miotke | Aquascaping: Create Living ArtLevi Peterson NPS Corals For Beginners Workshop
1:00 PMGA EntrySpeaker - Jason Adams | Fish Keeping Myths EXPOSED!Women In Reefing Open Panel DiscussionMermaid Photo Op
2:00 PMSpeaker - Sara Stevens | A Proactive Approach to Coral Health: How to Diagnosis and Treat Disease in Your ReefGrant Eder Shrimp Keeping WorkshopAxolotls Live with Louisville Axolotle
3:00 PMAquashella AwardsAnimal Encounter with Will Nace
4:00 PMRaffle
5:00 PMClose