Aquascape Details
Dimensions: 120 cm x 60 cm x 57 cm
Title: Hide and Seek
Volume: 410,4 L
Lighting: Ledstar J series
Filtration: Oase Biomaster 600, Netlea canister filter
Plants: none
Live stock: lamprologus multifasciatus, mastacembelus ellipsifer, neolamprologus tretocephalus, synodontis petricola, paracyprichromis nigripinnis
Hardscape Materials: Sandstone, Shells from neothauma tanganyicense
Background: Black pvc foamplate
Substrate: Filtration sand
An impressive layout in a large tank. The use of the blend of soft sand and snail shells is very effective and the presence of algae on the rocks makes the display feel much more authentic. Foe me there are two elements however which reduce the overall score. The inclusion of the predatory Mastacembelus ellipsifer alongside the diminutive Lamprologus multifasciatus feels foolish and uncessary. These eels will attempt to eat small fishes they can fit in their mouths and the L. multifasciatus (especially any juveniles) fall into this category. The eel used here is also a large specimen. Even if the eel does leave them alone, the presence of a large predator can be very stressful for potential prey fish in the confines of a tank, with nowhere to escape to. As judges, we have to call out such ethical issues and ensure that creators are aware that this is something we pick up on. If the eel or the shelldwellers had not been included, this display would have scored much more highly. Finally, a more cosmetic issue, the rockwork, while dramatic, feels somewhat contrived and articifical with the arches and pillars. A more natural-style layout would be more effective.
