# Underwater Landscaping Competitions The International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest is Magical By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-16 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/international-aquatic-plants-layout-contest References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/01/the-incredible-underwater-art-of-aquascaping/) & [en.iaplc](http://en.iaplc.com/) The International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest, the world’s largest [nature aquarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-jellyfish) and aquatic plants layout competition, judges what has been dubbed 'aquascaping.' This term essentially refers to landscaping underwater. A rather unique undertaking, it is nevertheless relatively widely practiced, with top spots often won by [aquarium designers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rollingreef) hailing from Asian and Eastern European countries. With large amounts of biology, design and photography under their belts, it also takes a lot of patience to cultivate such scenes. Colossal points out that submissions to the International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest can take months to create. Many of the [underwater landscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat) created could easily be passed for life-sized aboveground ones. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising if they were ever used for the movie industry, especially those that revolve around more fantastical story lines. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Aquascaping:** The art of underwater landscaping is gaining popularity, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in aquarium design and products. - **Nature Aquariums:** Nature aquariums are becoming more popular, leading to a need for sustainable aquatic plant farming methods and eco-friendly aquarium products. - **Aquatic Photography:** Aquatic photography is emerging as a unique and artistic niche, leading to opportunities in underwater camera technology and accessories. ### Where This Applies - **Aquarium Design:** The popularity of aquascaping is driving demand for new and innovative aquarium designs that mimic natural landscapes and improve water quality. - **Aquatic Plant Farming:** As demand for sustainable aquatic plants increases, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovations in eco-friendly farming methods (such as aquaponics) and plant propagation techniques. - **Underwater Filmmaking:** The realistic and fantastical underwater landscapes created for aquascaping contests could find new life in the movie industry, creating opportunities for new filmmaking technologies and collaboration between industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fish Tank-Inspired Japanese Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nao-iwanari.md) - [Kinetic Reef Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-tropical-aquarium.md) - [Impressive DIY Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-terrarium1.md) - [Interactive Marine Ecosystem Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-ecosystem-sculptures.md) - [Monumental Air Installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape.md) - [Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sea-of-cortez-research-center.md) - [Award-Winning Landscape Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landscape-intervention.md) - [Naturalistic Self-Watering Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apot-selfwatering-planter.md) - [Interior Design Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-spaces.md)