COAC 2025 Schedule
System Open for Entry:Apr. 29
System Registration Closed:Sep. 15
Judging Deadline:Oct. 15
Results Announcement:Oct. 20
CIAC 2025 Live Events:
Nov. 13CIAC International Master Aquascaping Show
Natural Aquascaping Master Demonstration (Hall 11.3)
Open Aquascaping Live Finals Begin!Nov. 14CIAC 2025 Award Ceremony(Hall 11.3)
Award Presentation, Judge Commentary, Entry Interactions
CIAC 2025 Celebration Gala DinnerNov. 15Industry Professional Training Seminars
Nov. 16Sponsor Booth Visits & Networking
Post-Competition ActivityGuangdong Aquatic Business Tour
COAC 2025 AWARDS
CIPS OPEN ECOLOGICAL AQUARIUM CONTEST
Gold Prize (1 Entry)
¥10,000 RMB，Trophy ，Certificate
Round-trip airfare to Guangzhou、2 nights' hotel accommodation
Guangdong Aquatic Business Tour
Silver Prize (1 Entry)
¥3,000 RMB，Trophy， Certificate
2 nights' hotel accommodation
Guangdong Aquatic Business Tour
Bronze Prize (1 Entry)
¥2,000 RMB，Trophy ，Certificate
2 nights' hotel accommodation
Guangdong Aquatic Business Tour
Exclusive access to CIAC International Master Aquascaping Show
4th–10th Place (7 Entries)
Award Certificate
2 nights' hotel accommodation
Guangdong Aquatic Business Tour
(Terrestrial, Rainforest, Stream, and Other Categories Included. Top 10 Qualify for Live Finals at CIPS Online Qualification Round)
New Judges Added
Zuo Piao, Zhang Xiaoming, Yang Ling, Pan Junfeng, Lang Zehua, etc.
Grading Guidelines
Artistic Impression (30 Points):
Originality and adherence to natural laws in overall visual aesthetics, reflecting personal creativity rooted in ecological principles.
Planting & Long-Term Sustainability (30 Points):
Rationality of plant selection and holistic design integration, ensuring landscape durability. Criteria include growth vitality, color vibrancy, and ecological balance.
Innovation (20 Points):
Novelty distinct from conventional terrestrial, rainforest, or stream aquascapes, emphasizing groundbreaking concepts or techniques.
Equipment & Life Support Systems (10 Points):
Seamless integration of artificial elements (e.g., mist systems, water circulation) and efficient use of hardware, minimizing aesthetic disruption.
Substrate Skeleton & Landscape Harmony (10 Points):
Proper utilization of substrate, stones, driftwood, moss, and other materials to create a cohesive and visually integrated aquascape.
COAC 2025 RULES
1.Eligibility: Open to global aquascapers; entries completed between 2024–2025 accepted
2.Photo Requirements:
Front-facing high-definition established scape photos only (oblique angles/partial tank shots disqualified)
Unedited JPEG files ≥300 DPI
3.Submission Format:
1 scape photo + 1 photo of entrant with tank (per category)
File size: 3MB–5MB each
4.File Handling: Organizers may compress images for web display; original high-res files required for award reproduction
5.Copyright: top 100 entries belongs to CIPS and CFAA (COAC organizers).
Final Authority: All decisions subject to final interpretation by CIAC Organizing Committee