EAPLC 2025: A New Chapter in European Aquascaping
We are excited to announce the results of the European Aquatic Plant Layout Contest (EAPLC) 2025. After taking a creative pause in 2024, the contest returns with fresh energy, a modernized structure, and a refined category system — ready to celebrate the best aquascaping talent in Europe.
Over the past decade, EAPLC has grown into a respected platform for aquascapers to share their passion, creativity, and technical mastery. This year’s entries reflect the continued evolution of aquascaping as an art form — with bold ideas, exceptional execution, and vibrant storytelling through planted tanks.
We congratulate all participants who dedicated time and love to their work. Every aquascape submitted this year has added something special to the community, and we’re proud to share the results with you.
Click the links below to explore the 2025 results by category:
- Wabi/Palu - Small (0-10 Liter)
- Wabi/Palu - Large (11+ Liter)
These aquascapes are more than just underwater landscapes; they are vibrant ecosystems and stories told through flora and water.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our esteemed jury panel, who dedicated their time and expertise to carefully review the entries: Dave Chow, Dennis Wong, George Farmer, John Zhang, Juan Puchades, Jurijs Jutjajevs, Ralf Gerlach, Viktor Lantos, and Yago Alonso. Their diverse backgrounds and sharp eyes for detail ensured a fair and inspiring evaluation across all categories.
We also thank the organisation team behind the scenes — Jörg Buhlmann, Jurijs Jutjajevs, and Markus Piribauer — as well as our generous sponsors, who make this contest possible year after year. And most importantly, we thank every participant who continues to shape the future of aquascaping with their creativity and dedication.
🏆 Award Ceremony – February 1st, 2026 in Vienna
We’re bringing the community back together with an in-person Award Ceremony on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, hosted by Liquid Nature in Vienna, Austria. This gathering revives the spirit of past events, such as our memorable awarding days at Garnelenhaus, and will be a day of celebration, learning, and connection.
Due to limited space, registration is required via the following form:
👉 Register here (free)
All Top 10 contestants in each category are guaranteed a spot.
For everyone else, registration will be handled first come, first served.
Event Schedule
Saturday, January 31st (Evening – optional):
Informal meet & greet for early arrivals (after shop closing)
On-site setup and preparation
Sunday, February 1st (Main Event):
10:00 – Welcome and meet the community
11:00 – Official Award Ceremony + commentary from selected jury members
12:00 – Lunch break
14:00 – Lecture 1: Florestas Submersas — Behind the Scenes
An exclusive presentation by Jurijs Jutjajevs, who was part of the ADA team that created the legendary Nature Aquarium in Lisbon in 2015
15:00 – Lecture 2: Hardscape Masterclass
A hands-on talk by Juan Puchades on how to create a contest-worthy hardscape from scratch
Evening:
Optional group dinner and relaxed get-together
The early start is designed to accommodate those who need to travel home on the same day, while everyone else is warmly invited to stay and celebrate with us.
Looking ahead: EAPLC 2026
Inspired to take part next year?
We’re happy to confirm that EAPLC 2026 will follow the same timeline as this year:
Application opens: June 1, 2026
Submission deadline: July 31, 2026
Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran — we look forward to seeing your creativity again next year.
The EAPLC Team