If you want to enter one of the most prestigious and lucrative live aquascaping contests at the best aquarium festival in North America, you’ve come to the right place! Selected contestants have 12 hours over two days to create a masterpiece along with 11 other top scapers. Oh, and there’s cash prizes! Sound good?

Apply now!

Application for this contest is open to all! But the field of 12 aquascapers will be selected by Aquashella event organizers. And it is a LIVE contest, so you must be present to participate. Make sure you fill out the form completely and we’ll be in touch. Applications will no longer be accepted 30 days prior to the event or when the field is filled.

Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Application
What event(s) would you like to compete in?
Contact Name
Contact Name
First
Last

Team Information

Team Member 2
Team Member 2
First Name
Last Name
Team Member 3
Team Member 3
First Name
Last Name
Team Member 4
Team Member 4
First Name
Last Name

Aquascaping Work Samples

Maximum file size: 83.89MB

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria:

  • The contest application is open to all aquascapers!
  • Teams are allowed, 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. 
  • Applications will be evaluated by our internal teams, with 12 entries selected to compete
  • 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.

Contest details

It’s important that aquascapers can be present for as much of the contest as possible. Here is a basic schedule of the event. Scaping has been scheduled during show hours to allow attendees to watch the process, and interact with aquascapers as you are assembling your entry. Upon selection additional details will be provided.

Contest Schedule (Subject to change)

Friday
1:30 pm — Kick-off meeting with contestants and judges
2:00-6:00 pm — Aquascaping session
6:00-7:00 pm — Clean up area

Saturday
9:00-5:00 pm — Aquascaping session
5:00-6:00 pm — Clean up area
6:00 pm — Judging begins
7:00 pm — Awards Reception

Sunday
9:00 am — Water changes and tank touch-ups for the showcase day

Travel

Contestants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

High honors, legendary status and cash!

Grand Champion — $1500
Second Place — $500
Third Place — $250
Fourth and Fifth Place — On-stage recognition and high fives

Plus awards will be given at the award ceremony for exemplary work in these categories:

  • Best use of Depth and Space
  • Best use of Color
  • Best use of Plants
  • Best use of Hardscape
  • Most Creative

FAQs

Q: What happens to the finished aquascapes?
All final scapes and equipment are property of Aquashella and will be auctioned with net proceeds going to a selected charity or charities.

Q: Do I have to pay to get into the event?
Each contestant (including team members) will receive a full conference badge for admission to the exhibit hall floor.

Q: What is provided?
Everything you need to make a beautiful aquascape! The following is provided:

  • Hardscape materials (a variety of stone and driftwood)
  • Substrate (soil and sand)
  • Live plants
  • Hardware (aquarium, stand, light, filtration, and aquascaping tools)
  • Electricity
  • Water

THE WORLD'S PREMIER AQUARIUM FESTIVAL
EVENTS
DALLAS 2025
APPLICATIONS
CREATOR APPLICATION DEALER PASS APPLICATION
© 2025, AQUASHELLA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Application
What event(s) would you like to compete in?
Contact Name
Contact Name
First
Last

Team Information

Team Member 2
Team Member 2
First Name
Last Name
Team Member 3
Team Member 3
First Name
Last Name
Team Member 4
Team Member 4
First Name
Last Name

Aquascaping Work Samples

Maximum file size: 83.89MB

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria

Contest Entrance Rules and Submission Criteria:

  • The contest application is open to all aquascapers!
  • Teams are allowed, 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. 
  • Applications will be evaluated by our internal teams, with 12 entries selected to compete
  • 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.