2024 paludarium category

#219 Woodland’s Embrace by Tianxu Yang, United States of America

Aquascape Details

Dimensions: 35 cm x 25 cm x 12 cm

Title: Woodland’s Embrace

Volume: 10 L

Lighting: CHIHIROS AII MAX

Filtration: Water pump

Plants: Fittonia albivenis,weeping moss, Tradescantia Blossfeldiana, Hedera helix ‘Eva’, anubias, buce phalandra, Hygrophila Pinnatifida

Live stock: Betta fish, Horned Nerite Snail

Hardscape Materials: white elephant skin stone, driftwood

Background: weeping moss on plant pads

Substrate: ada colorado sand

Looks newly set up and under developed. Hardscape looks good but needs softening with more plants.
— Nick Kinser
This display offers an interesting variety of plants with an emphasis on color. There is great consistency of tone between hardscape elements, which feel new and without the passage of time present. Many species appear to be in good health, with some species suffering in the emergent portion, like the lower leftmost Hygrophila Pinnatifida. Certain areas of the moss wall would benefit from trimming to reduce browning. The transition from submerged to emergent is sudden regarding plants, but is smoothly executed with hardscape. Plant density in the display’s marginal area should be increased. Overall, an attractive display that only lacks overall integration.
— Jack McCarley