Aqua Design Amano Co., Ltd. hosted the International Aquatic Plants Layout
Contest 2008, and received 1,170 applications from 47 countries. The grand
prize winner of the contest 2008 is Mr. Cheng Siu Wai of Hong Kong.
Thank you very much for again sending us all of your wonderful submissions to the International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest from all over the world this year. The total number of participant countries was not quite as diverse as last year's, however we received submissions from new participant countries this year. The number of participants totaled 1,170 submissions from 47 countries. Each year the quality of the submitted layouts increases and this year's submissions were no exception. Most notably submissions made by Asian aquarists from Hong Kong and Taiwan stood out in particular. This year and last year's winners were from Hong Kong exhibiting their passion and dedication to the hobby of aquatic plant layout. Just like last year, the top 112 layouts received exemplary marks from each judge. It can be seen that these high ranked layouts make skillful use of driftwood and stone in their arrangement. We can also say that the aquascapes recreating a natural aquatic scene within the layout were highly graded this year again. All of our judges are looking forward to the passionate submissions to next year's contest displaying wonderful aquascapes from all over the world.