EAPLC 2026 – A New Chapter Begins
Following the successful return of the European Aquatic Plants Layout Contest in 2025, we are excited to announce the launch of EAPLC 2026.
Over more than a decade, EAPLC has established itself as Europe's leading aquascaping contest, bringing together passionate aquascapers, respected industry professionals, and dedicated sponsors from across the continent. We are grateful for the continued support that allows us to keep improving and expanding the contest year after year.
New Sponsorship Structure
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the contest and provide greater value to our partners, EAPLC 2026 introduces a new sponsorship model consisting of three partnership levels:
- Bronze Sponsor
- Silver Sponsor
- Gold Sponsor
This new structure allows sponsors to receive different levels of visibility throughout the contest, social media campaigns, website presence, and the annual award ceremony.
We would like to thank all companies that continue to support EAPLC and help us grow the contest for future generations of aquascapers.
Powered By
EAPLC 2026 is proudly powered by European Aquaristics and Aqua Design Amano (ADA).
Gold Sponsors
ARKA Biotechnologie
We are delighted to welcome ARKA as a new Gold Sponsor for EAPLC 2026. Over the years, ARKA has established itself as one of Europe's leading aquarium brands through innovative product lines such as the myAqua reverse osmosis systems, trusted by aquascapers for producing high-quality water, and proven biological solutions including Special Blend and other beneficial bacteria products. Through its DIY-focused sub-brand Kraftprotz, ARKA has also become a well-known name among aquarium enthusiasts looking for practical tools and solutions for custom projects. Their commitment to innovation and the aquarium hobby makes them a valuable partner for the continued growth of EAPLC.
Garnelenhaus
We are equally excited to welcome Garnelenhaus as a new Gold Sponsor. Through its internationally recognized in-house brands GlasGarten and SaltyShrimp, the company has earned an outstanding reputation among shrimp keepers and planted aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. From specialized shrimp nutrition and care products to premium mineral salts used in aquascaping and breeding projects across the globe, these brands have become trusted names throughout the freshwater aquarium community. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and education makes them a valuable addition to the EAPLC family and a strong supporter of the European aquascaping community.
Silver Sponsors
Aquasabi
One of Europe's leading aquascaping retailers, providing plants, hardscape materials, and professional aquarium equipment.
Tropica Aquarium Plants
World-renowned for high-quality aquatic plants and educational resources that help aquascapers succeed.
UNS (Ultum Nature Systems)
Premium aquariums, equipment, and aquascaping tools inspired by modern design and nature.
Bronze Sponsors
2hr Aquarist • Aquadeco • Mosscotton
New Jury Members
A strong and diverse jury has always been one of the cornerstones of EAPLC.
While we thank all judges who have contributed to the contest over the years, we are particularly excited to welcome four new judges to the panel for 2026:
- Oliver Knott (Germany)
- Ryan Noel (USA)
- Tobias Coring (Germany)
- Tereza Lazar (Ukraine)
Their experience, unique perspectives, and contributions to the aquascaping community will further strengthen the international judging process.
Updated Contest Structure
Based on participant feedback and contest statistics from previous years, we have simplified the category structure.
The Wabikusa and Paludarium categories have been retired, allowing EAPLC to focus entirely on traditional aquarium aquascaping.
The 2026 categories are:
- Nano (0–30L)
- Small (31–60L)
- Medium (61–100L)
- Large (101–200L)
- X-Large (201–300L)
- 2X-Large (301+L)
Introducing the European Aquascaping Champion
For the first time in EAPLC history, we will crown an overall winner across all categories.
In addition to category rankings, one layout will be selected as the best entry of the entire contest. Its creator will receive the title:
European Aquascaping Champion 2026
This new distinction aims to recognize the single most outstanding aquascape submitted to EAPLC and further elevate the prestige of the competition. Alongside this title, the overall winner will be awarded a large championship trophy, representing the highest achievement within EAPLC.
New Award Structure for 2026
To further increase the prestige and recognition associated with EAPLC, we are introducing a revised award structure for 2026.
Within each category, the top 3 contestants will receive newly designed premium acrylic trophies, placing greater emphasis on outstanding performance and category excellence.
In addition, all contestants who finish within the Top 10 of their category will receive an official printed certificate recognizing their achievement.
By highlighting both category winners and the overall champion, we aim to create a clearer pathway of recognition within the contest and further establish EAPLC as one of the most prestigious aquascaping competitions in Europe.
Awarding Ceremony
Following the positive response to the return of our physical gathering in Vienna, we are pleased to continue the tradition of bringing the community together in person.
The EAPLC Awarding Ceremony will once again be hosted by Liquid Nature in Vienna, Austria, providing participants, judges, sponsors, and aquascaping enthusiasts the opportunity to meet, learn, and celebrate together. Exact date and tickets/reservation details to be announced shortly.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: June 1, 2026
- Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
We invite aquascapers from across Europe to take part in the next chapter of EAPLC and look forward to another year filled with creativity, inspiration, and outstanding aquascapes.
The EAPLC Team