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Home Aquarium Competition Rules

These are just a few notes set out as guidelines to assist those entering the competition and to provide the judges with some simple rules for judging the competition.

The competition is open to all members of the Society and to residents of the Ilford area. The Committee however reserves the right to refuse any entry.

There is no maximum size for an entry, but it is felt that it should be no smaller than 18" x 10" x 10"
Any type of "natural aquaria" designed for its aquatic inhabitants in near natural surroundings may be entered
"Natural aquaria" include coldwater, tropical, freshwater or marine, and may include aquascaping where a part of the visible display is above the water surface, provided the major part is aquatic and the terrestrial part is specifically designed for the aquatic inmates, e.g. archer fish, seashore life, aquatic invertebrates, and some others
All artificial parts such as heaters or filters should be well hidden or absent, and no ornaments such as divers or sunken ships are allowed
Novelty aquaria are not allowed

Points are awarded as follows:-
Set Up50 Points
Water10 Points
Plant and Animal Life
(fish or amphibians or invertebrates)
40 Points
Total100 Points

POINT GUIDELINES

Set up - 50 Points Design (10 Points)
Includes the general appearance and grouping of rocks and plants especially where territorial fish are kept, and any practical and effective departure from the commonplace.Achievement (15 points)
The degree of success in achieving a well established and long-lasting effect. The absence of all harmful facets, e.g. sharp edged rocks, sites where debris will collect and rot and cannot easily be removed. No artificial parts should be obviously on view. Rocks, wood, gravel or sand (10points)
Gravel and rocks should complement each other. Rocks should not be seated on top of gravel but should appear to be emerging through gravel and should be in proportion to the whole set up.Cleanliness (5 points)
There should be no algae on glass or plants. Some algal film on rocks or bark is natural and acceptable. Most fish do not need any mulm or debris in the aquarium and as such this would be down pointed. However some invertebrates like, and need, a little debris and if these creatures are included in the presentation clinical cleanliness would be down pointed, but only small amounts of debris are acceptable as required by inmates.
The Water - 10 points Clarity (7 points)
Crystal clear water is the objective provided filter feeders are not present (such as marine invertebrates). Pea soup appearance is definitely not needed! (The particles present for filter feeders should be suitably sized food and only in fine suspension).Level (3 points)
The surface level should not be visible through the glass, although it should not be so high that fish at the surface disappear from view. If an aquascape is part of the design, then the level is very important to be correctly balanced for the aquatic inmates. At the same time, the beauty of the terrestrial part must be clearly visible to the observer.
Plant and Animal Life (Invertebrates, fish, amphibians) - 40 points Variety & Suitability (10 points)
A good variety of plants and animal life should be present and in keeping with each other. There are very few set ups where plants cannot thrive, provided they are chosen correctly. Plants should be of a species suitable for the set up. No terrestrial plants should be slowly drowning in the aquaria. Aquascaped plants should be suitable for damp terrestrial areas. Fish living in shoals naturally should not be kept as individuals.Condition Plants (15 points)
No yellow or damaged leaves should be seen on plants. They should be correctly positioned and grouped without roots showing. Young plants should be present as well as mature specimens and should not be overcrowded, but be planted in thickets rather than as individuals.Condition Animal Life (15 points)
Animals should be well fed, free from disease and obviously happy, not gasping at the surface or hiding in corners. They should be of top quality, but up to one third may be youngsters. Enough should be present to have a good display on permanent view.

Finally, it is hoped these notes will not deter you - it really is not difficult to present an attractive aquarium as, no doubt, you are well aware. We all have differing ideas and needs for the aquarium. It is not just a thing of beauty, but also a miniature living world with many varied demands from its inhabitants.

May your aquarium always fulfill your wishes.


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