Aga Contest Prep: Complete Guide for Intermediates
Are you ready to take your aquascaping skills to the next level and enter the Aquatic Gardeners Association (AGA) contest? If you’ve got experience but want to polish your work and compete with confidence, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through step-by-step preparation for entering the AGA contest as an intermediate aquascaper. Let’s turn your passion and expertise into a showstopping aquarium display!
Understanding the AGA Contest: What Sets It Apart
The AGA International Aquascaping Contest is one of the most prestigious aquarium competitions in the world. It rewards creative scapers who demonstrate skillful design, technical excellence, and original concepts. Whether you dream of winning big or want to see how your aquascape stacks up, entering AGA is a valuable learning experience.
- Worldwide recognition for your aquascaping work
- Categories for different tank sizes and styles
- Constructive feedback from expert judges
- Networking with other aquascaping enthusiasts
Before diving in, review our AGA Contest Basics guide if you’re new to the competition world.
Planning Your Aquascape: Setting Your Contest Vision
Define Your Style & Concept
Intermediate scapers often benefit from focusing their creative energy. Successful entries usually have a strong, cohesive theme. Consider:
- Nature aquarium layouts (Iwugami, Dutch Style, Jungle, etc.)
- Fantasy or inspired designs based on landscapes
- Biotope-inspired setups
Make a sketch or digital mockup to clarify your vision. Refer to past award-winning aquascapes for inspiration while aiming for originality.
Select the Right Tank and Equipment
Your tank’s dimensions and clarity matter. Choose low-iron glass for better photography and a manageable size for detailed plant work—often between 60-120 liters for intermediates.
- High-quality filtration and CO2 injection for plant health
- Bright, controllable LED lighting to reduce shadows and promote lush growth
- Heater or chiller for stable temperature if your plant/animal selection requires it
Hardscaping Like a Pro: Structure, Balance, and Natural Flow
Selecting and Preparing Hardscape Materials
Stone and wood layouts should be planned for visual impact and biological stability. Popular choices include Seiryu stone, Dragon stone, and driftwood varieties like Spider wood.
- Pre-soak or boil wood to reduce tannins
- Arrange rocks with natural orientation, avoiding unnatural “standing up” pieces
- Use the rule of thirds or golden ratio for balance
Layering substrate using aquascaping substrate techniques will provide depth and support plant growth.
Building Depth and Perspective
Advanced layouts make tanks look larger than they are. To impress judges, use:
- Finer substrate grades at the front, coarser in the back
- Smaller plants and rocks in the foreground
- Gradual height increase toward the background
Planting and Aquascape Maintenance
Choosing Contest-Worthy Plants
Diversity and health matter. Use a mix of stem, carpeting, and accent plants. Some favorites for contest-level aquariums:
- Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears)
- Rotala rotundifolia
- Bucephalandra species
- Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern)
Always quarantine new plants to avoid algae and pests.
Planting Technique Tips
- Use aquascaping tweezers for precise placement
- Plant densely to minimize early algae issues
- Mist plants and substrate frequently during initial setup
Cultivating Healthy Growth
A few months before your photo shoot, dial in:
- CO2 injection and nutrient dosing (see our fertilization basics)
- Stable photoperiod (usually 6-8 hours per day)
- Regular pruning to shape bushes and prevent overgrowth
- Weekly water changes for optimal plant health and water clarity
Aquascape Photography: Showcasing Your Work
When to Photograph
Capture your tank at its peak—usually 2-4 weeks after your last major trim. Plants should be lush but not overgrown, and hardscape clearly visible.
Camera Setup & Techniques
- Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera when possible
- Turn off room lights and photograph only with your tank’s lighting
- Use a tripod to avoid blurring
- Clean the glass inside and out just before shooting
- Take several shots at different angles and focal lengths
For tips on editing and submitting your photo, check out our photography guide for aquascaping.
Preparing Your Entry: Submission and Review
Reviewing Contest Rules
Double-check tank size categories, eligible plant and animal species, and specific photo formatting rules at the official AGA contest page. Missteps here can disqualify an otherwise excellent entry.
Writing Your Entry Description
- Describe your design inspiration and layout
- List your hardscape and plant choices
- Mention any aquascape challenges you overcame
- Highlight unique features or techniques
Clarity, honesty, and accurately naming species and equipment will impress the judges and help your score.
Final Tips: Stand Out With Attention to Detail
- Avoid common aquascaping mistakes like visible equipment in photos, algae blooms, or poor trimming
- Seek feedback—share your tank on forums or with local aquascaping clubs
- Document your progress for future improvement and inspiration
Participating in the AGA contest isn’t just about winning—it’s about learning, sharing, and pushing your creative boundaries as an aquascaper.
Ready to Enter the AGA Contest?
Preparing your entry takes time and dedication—but the rewards are worth it. For more tips, browse resources like our plant selection guide or dive into our advanced aquascaping techniques.
If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to the Aquascaping Academy newsletter or join our community forum for even more aquascaping insights. Good luck—we can’t wait to see your aquascape in the next AGA contest!
