Cheater at AGA 2011 competition spotted

AGA International Aquascaping Contest 2011 result was anouced last week and my tank "Lost" happen to be in 2nd place in 120-200L. However to my surprise the 1st place goes to IAPLC 2011 rank #14. It is a great scape, no doubth about it but according to the tank size written on the IAPLC booklet, it is 120x55x50cm tank which is 300L or 87.177 US gallons. How could the tank of that size competing in 120-200L category? I checked the AGA entry details and it was written 100x45x40cm which is 180L or 47.551 US gallons. Someone was obviously cheating. He reduce the tank size so that he can compete on smaller category (maybe he want to be in different category as Cliff Hui) or to have better depth. Imagine 300L tank submited as 180L, reported almost half.

The holy-grail of aquascaping is to make small tank look big. What the easy way to do that? Declare big tank as small tank. Imagine what would hapeen if I declare my 90x45x45cm tank as 30x15x15cm tank? Every one will amaze ont he depth that I create on that tiny little tank.

I have reported this issue to AGA but they dont seem to be eager to disqualify it.


IAPLC rank #14 entry:
AGA 2011 entry:

My IAPLC 2011 rank #20

Finally ADA released tank picture of the top 27. You can download the high res picture from the link below.

http://acuariorosa.com/2011/08/02/the-international-aquatic-plants-layout-contest-2011/

This is my tank picture, rank 20 title "Lost". I'm glad ADA did some color adjustment on my submited picture, it look nicer.

My present from ADA

Today I received my early birthday gift from ADA ...

... ta-da ... my IAPLC rank 20 stainless steel certificate and $$$ prize