Aga Contest Prep: Complete Guide for Beginners

Every aquascaping enthusiast dreams of showcasing their creations on a global stage, and the Aga Aquascaping Contest is one of the most respected platforms to do so. If you’re a beginner, preparing your first entry can feel overwhelming—but with the right approach, anyone can create a stunning underwater landscape. This complete guide will walk you through every step of Aga contest prep, ensuring your aquascape stands out and you gain valuable experience in the world of competitive aquascaping.

What Is the Aga Aquascaping Contest?

The Aquatic Gardeners Association (Aga) organizes an annual Aga International Aquascaping Contest to celebrate the artistry and skill behind aquascaping. Participating aquascapers submit photographs of their planted aquariums, which are judged by a panel of renowned experts. Entries are evaluated based on layout, creativity, plant health, technical difficulty, and overall impression. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an aspiring professional, this contest is the perfect way to challenge yourself and connect with the global aquascaping community.

Step 1: Understand the Contest Rules

The first and most important step is to thoroughly review the Aga contest rules. Some key points include:

Originality: Only submit your original work.
Timeframe: The aquascape must be created within the contest year.
Submission: High-quality, unedited photographs are required.
Category: Choose the right tank size category for your entry.

Being well-versed in these rules will prevent disqualification and ensure your submission meets the contest requirements.

Step 2: Planning Your Aquascape Design

Great aquascapes begin with solid planning. Consider these key principles:

Find Inspiration

Browse past Aga contest winners and other aquascaping designs to spark ideas. Take note of layouts you find appealing, color combinations, and use of hardscape materials.

Choose a Style

Nature Aquarium: Mimics natural landscapes, with flowing lines and layers.
Iwagumi: Minimalist rock arrangements with precise plant groupings.
Dutch Style: Focuses on vibrant plant groupings with less emphasis on hardscape.

Decide on the style that best suits your skills, preferences, and available materials.

Step 3: Selecting Plants and Hardscape Materials

Choosing the right plants and hardscape is crucial for a balanced, thriving aquascape.

Plant Selection Tips

Select healthy, easy-to-grow plants suitable for your experience level (e.g. Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne).
Mix foreground, midground, and background plants for depth.
Match plant needs (light, CO₂, nutrients) to your setup.

Hardscape Materials

Use rocks (Seiryu, Dragon Stone) or driftwood to build structure.
Arrange hardscape based on the “golden ratio” or rule of thirds for visual appeal.
Test arrangements before planting by dry-stacking your hardscape inside the empty tank.

Our guide to choosing aquascaping hardscape offers in-depth advice for beginners.

Step 4: Setting Up and Planting Your Tank

Once your design and materials are ready, it’s time to assemble your contest tank.

Start with a nutrient-rich substrate to promote strong plant growth.
Carefully place your hardscape according to your chosen design.
Mist plants before planting to keep them moist and healthy.
Plant densely from day one to prevent early algae problems.
Fill the tank slowly to avoid disturbing the substrate.

For step-by-step guidance, check out our aquascaping setup guide.

Step 5: Growing-In and Maintenance

Give your aquascape time to mature—this is where patience pays off.

Tips for Growing-In

Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality.
Trim plants to promote bushy, healthy growth and prevent them from overshadowing each other.
Monitor for algae and address issues early with good maintenance routines.
Balance light duration, CO₂ injection, and fertilization for optimal plant health.

Document progress with photos from planting day through maturity. These will help you select the perfect moment to take your contest entry shot.

Step 6: Capturing the Perfect Entry Photo

Presentation matters. The photo you submit is your sole shot at impressing the judges.

Photography Tips

Clean the glass thoroughly before shooting.
Shoot in bright, even light; avoid harsh shadows or glare.
Use a tripod for stability and sharpness.
Remove distracting objects (equipment, algae) from the frame.
Take several photos and choose the best for submission.

The Aga contest requires unedited photos, so accuracy and clarity are essential.

Step 7: Submission and What Happens Next

Once you have your best shot, visit the official Aga contest submission portal and follow instructions to upload your entry. Double-check that your entry form is complete and your image files meet all specifications.

After submission, celebrate your achievement regardless of the outcome! Every contest entry is a learning experience and an opportunity to connect with like-minded aquascaping enthusiasts.

Bonus: Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing planting or skipping the planning phase.
Overcrowding the tank with too many species.
Ignoring water quality or regular maintenance.
Submitting photos with visible equipment or dirty glass.

Avoiding these mistakes will increase your chances of impressing the judges and achieving a memorable result.

Resources for Contest Success

Ready to Enter Your First Aquascaping Contest?

Preparing for the Aga Aquascaping Contest provides invaluable experience for any beginner. By planning thoughtfully, choosing the right materials, practicing good maintenance, and presenting your aquascape effectively, you’re sure to make an impression—no matter the final score. For more tips, inspiration, and detailed tutorials, be sure to browse the rest of Aquascaping.Academy.

Feeling inspired? Start your Aga contest journey today, and join our community by subscribing to our newsletter for regular aquascaping tips and updates!