Guidelines

Introduction & Purpose

Brief overview of BAC

The Biotope Aquarium Contest (BAC) is an international competition dedicated to the creation of scientifically accurate, natural brackish- and freshwater biotope aquariums. Its main goal is to promote awareness and understanding of aquatic habitats by encouraging aquarists to observe, study, and recreate real ecosystems in their aquariums.

The BAC is not just about decorative design – it emphasizes accuracy, research, and ecological knowledge, while remaining accessible to all motivated participants. By participating, aquarists contribute to a global archive of documented natural habitats and share their work with the international biotope community.

This contest is organized and managed by the BIOTOPE AQUARIUM Project (BAP), which ensures fair evaluation, scientific rigor, and educational value in every entry.

About the Biotope Concept

What is a biotope aquarium?

A biotope aquarium is a faithful reconstruction of a specific natural habitat, including its water parameters, substrate, plants, and fish species. The goal is to reflect the ecology of the original environment, not just to create an attractive aquascape.

Creating a biotope requires observation, research, and understanding of the ecosystem. Participants are encouraged to:

• study the habitat in the wild or via scientific references,
• choose species that naturally coexist,
• replicate environmental conditions as closely as possible.

This approach ensures that every BAC entry is educational, scientifically meaningful, and globally informative, while offering aquarists a rewarding learning experience.

Guidelines & Instructions – How They Work Together

Important bridge

The BAC Guidelines define the rules, principles, and restrictions of the contest.
The BAC Instructions provide the practical steps and technical requirements for submitting an entry.

Both documents must be followed to participate in the BAC.
For deadlines, submission formats, image requirements, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the official BAC Instructions.

Both must be followed. In case of conflict, the Guidelines prevail.

Links:

• BAC Instructions (step-by-step submission)
• Submission Forms – BIOTOPE IN NATURE & BIOTOPE AQUARIUM MODEL

Who Can Participate

Open to aquarists worldwide – First Entries Only

• Participation is open to individuals or teams worldwide, regardless of experience.
• Only first-time entries are allowed. This means each biotope submission must be original and never previously submitted to BAC or other biotope contests (except those explicitly authorized by BAP).
• Each entry must be the original work of the participant(s), including research, design, and photographic documentation.
• Multiple entries are allowed only if each represents a distinct and independently documented biotope.
• Participants agree to respect the educational and scientific purpose of BAC, contributing to a global archive of natural habitats.

Restrictions on BAC Participation

Important rules & exclusivity

To preserve the scientific, educational, and ethical principles of the Biotope Aquarium Contest (BAC), all submitted aquariums are considered exclusive first entries.

Key rules:

1. First Entries Only – Your aquarium must be a new submission, never entered in BAC or any other biotope contest (except those explicitly authorized in writing by BAP).
2. No Duplicate Submissions – Photographs or models of the same aquarium may not be reused in other biotope or aquascaping contests.
3. Winners & Finalists – Being ranked or winning in BAC does not grant permission to submit the same entry elsewhere.
4. Disciplinary Actions – Violations of these rules may result in disqualification, revocation of awards, and exclusion from future BAC editions.
5. Limited Category Rules – If a category has only one entry, competitive evaluation is considered absent; prizes may be awarded at sponsor discretion.
6. Low Score Prizes – Entries scoring 50 points or fewer are not automatically eligible for sponsor product prizes, unless sponsors decide otherwise.

IAPLC & Other Biotope Contests – Entry Exclusivity

Detailed exclusivity explanation

The BAC and the International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (IAPLC) have agreed to mutually respect each other’s competitions.

• BAC participants are not permitted to enter IAPLC or any other biotope contest (except those explicitly authorized by BAP).
• IAPLC participants submitting biotope-style entries may not enter the BAC.
• This ensures fair evaluation, scientific integrity, and respect for the jury’s efforts.

How to Participate (Overview)

Step overview

Participation occurs entirely online via the BAP Platform.

Steps:

1. Register on the BAP Platform
2. Complete BIOTOPE IN NATURE & BIOTOPE AQUARIUM MODEL forms
3. Submit visual documentation (photos, videos)
4. Entries appear on the BAP-Map

Helpful Links:

• BAP-Map
• Example Entries: BIOTOPE IN NATURE & BIOTOPE AQUARIUM MODEL

BAC Categories

Geographical fairness

• BAC divided into 8 geographical categories
• Entry must correspond to region of the biotope

Link: See full BAC Categories

Evaluation Criteria

How entries are judged

Entries are evaluated by the International Jury, based on:

• Quality and reliability of biotope data
• Biodiversity and ecological accuracy
• Aquarium model fidelity
• Overall impression and visual quality

Links:

Evaluation Criteria
International Jury

Copyright & Use of Submitted Content

Ownership and Usage

All submissions, including BIOTOPE IN NATURE and BIOTOPE AQUARIUM MODEL entries, become part of the BAP Platform and remain freely accessible to the BAP community.

BAP holds the copyright of all submitted content. Any external use, including publication or commercial use, requires explicit permission from BAP.

Private sharing of entries on social media or other platforms should only occur after official disclosure by BAP, to respect the contest process, jury evaluation, and the educational mission of BAC.