Costs, Gear, and Time: Planning for Competition Build Log

Dreaming of taking your aquascaping passion to the next level and competing on the world stage? Whether you’re drawn to the stunning layouts of the IAPLC or ambitious local showdowns, successful competition aquascaping requires more than creativity—it demands thoughtful planning. In this guide, we break down the actual costs, essential gear, and time investment you’ll need, so you can set realistic expectations and maximize your aquascaping journey.

Understanding Competition Aquascaping: What’s Involved?

Competition aquascaping pushes your skills to the limit. Judges assess not only visual impact, but also the technical execution, plant health, and originality of your aquascape. Preparing for these events means careful selection of equipment, meticulous design, and consistent maintenance—sometimes over several months.

1. Typical Costs for a Competition Build

Planning your budget early is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises. Below, we’ll break down the major expenses:

Aquarium and Stand

• Tank: High-quality glass or acrylic, often rimless for clean lines. Expect to spend $150–$600 for competition sizes (45–90cm).
• Stand: Sturdy, level stands range from $100–$400, depending on materials and customization.

Filtration and CO₂ Systems

• Canister Filters: Essential for water clarity and stability, costing $60–$250.
• CO₂ Kit: Pressurized CO₂ is nearly always required. Complete kits start around $120 and can reach $350 for precision setups.

Lighting for Plant Growth

High PAR LED units are the standard. Leading brands like Chihiros or Twinstar range from $90–$300 depending on size and features.

Substrate, Hardscape, and Plants

• Substrates: Premium aquasoil is $25–$50 per 9-liter bag; most tanks require 1–3 bags.
• Hardscape: Quality driftwood and stones cost $50–$300 as amount and rarity vary widely.
• Plants: Expect $100–$400 for a lush, healthy selection tailored to your vision.

Ongoing and Miscellaneous Expenses

• Fertilizers and additives: $10–$30/month.
• Water test kits, tools, maintenance gear: $50–$150 initial outlay.
• Photo equipment or professional shoot: $0–$300, depending on submission requirements.

For a detailed look at substrate options, see our Aquascaping Substrate Guide.

2. Essential Gear for Competition Aquascaping

Your equipment can make or break your build. Here are the must-haves for serious aquascapers:

Tools of the Trade

• Aquascaping scissors and tweezers for precise plant care
• Substrate spatulas and trimmers for clean lines
• Siphons and cleaning brushes for maintenance
• High-quality aquarium lighting with adjustable spectrum/timer features
• Glass lily pipes for minimal visual distraction
• Timers, auto-dosers, and other automation (optional, but helpful)

Don’t underestimate the value of investing in quality gear up front; these tools support long-term success and reduce frustration during intense build periods.

3. How Much Time Does It Really Take?

Competition-level aquascaping is a time-intensive hobby—but hugely rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of where your hours typically go:

Planning and Design Phase

• Research and inspiration: 10–20 hours (browsing past winners, sketching layouts)
• Mock-up and plant/hardscape selection: 5–10 hours

Initial Build and Planting

• Hardscape setup: 3–8 hours (can vary with complexity and revisions)
• Planting: 2–6 hours (fine-tuned placement and density)

Maturation and Maintenance

• Daily/Weekly care: 1–3 hours/week over 3–6 months
• Pruning, dosing, troubleshooting: significant attention in final 4–8 weeks

Photography and Submission

• Photography and editing: 2–8 hours
• Preparation of contest materials: 1–2 hours

In total, a competitive aquascape might demand 60–200 hours over several months, depending on your ambitions and workflow.

Pro Tips for Successful Competition Planning

• Start early: Allow time for plants to fill in naturally and for any issues to be corrected.
• Keep a build log: Document each stage—notes, photos, challenges—which is invaluable for self-improvement and future competitions.
• Network with the community: Join forums or social media groups for feedback and motivation.
• Study contest rules: Each aquascaping competition has unique requirements and deadlines.

Final Thoughts: Is Competition Aquascaping Worth It?

While the investment in time and money is not insignificant, few experiences match the satisfaction of unveiling your finished aquascape to the world. Mastering the costs, gear, and time commitments up front gives you the confidence—and head start—you need to create a contest-worthy aquarium. Every champion started somewhere, so why not begin your build log today?

Ready to Dive In?

Explore our full library of aquascaping guides and take the next step toward your competition dream. If you have questions or want to share your progress, reach out to us or join our email list for tips and community updates!