Final Week Before IAPLC Submission: Complete Checklist

The May 31st IAPLC deadline is approaching! This is your final week to perfect your aquascape, capture the perfect photo, and submit your entry. Here's your complete 7-day countdown checklist.

7 Days Before Deadline (May 24)

Tank Maintenance

  • Perform major trimming session - remove overgrowth
  • Clean all glass surfaces (inside and outside)
  • Remove any dead or yellowing leaves
  • Vacuum substrate to remove debris
  • 50% water change with temperature-matched water

Equipment Check

  • Add activated carbon to filter for water clarity
  • Clean or replace filter media if needed
  • Check CO2 levels (25-30 ppm target)
  • Verify lighting is functioning properly

5 Days Before Deadline (May 26)

Fine-Tuning

  • Minor trimming adjustments
  • Remove any new algae spots
  • 30% water change
  • Check for and remove any pest snails or unwanted organisms

Photography Prep

  • Test camera settings and composition
  • Ensure tripod is stable and level
  • Practice shooting at different times of day
  • Review test photos for issues

3 Days Before Deadline (May 28)

Water Clarity Focus

  • 40% water change
  • Remove surface film with paper towel
  • Clean glass again (inside and outside)
  • Reduce feeding to minimum

Final Adjustments

  • Last chance for plant repositioning
  • Add or remove small accent plants if needed
  • Ensure all hardscape is stable
  • Remove or hide equipment (heaters, diffusers)

1 Day Before Photo Session (May 29)

Final Preparation

  • 50% water change in evening
  • Final glass cleaning (inside and outside)
  • Remove ALL debris from substrate with turkey baster
  • Clean around tank exterior
  • Ensure room is clean for reflection-free shooting

Equipment Setup

  • Position tripod at tank's vertical center
  • Verify camera is level
  • Test all camera settings
  • Charge camera batteries fully
  • Clear memory card or have backup ready

Photo Session Day (May 30)

Morning (2-3 hours after lights on)

  • Final glass check - remove any smudges
  • Remove any floating debris or bubbles
  • Check for proper plant orientation
  • Verify water is crystal clear

Shooting

  1. Turn on lights 2-3 hours before shooting
  2. Reduce light intensity by 20-30% to avoid hotspots
  3. Position camera at tank center, perfectly level
  4. Use these settings: ISO 100-400, f/8-f/11, 1/60-1/125 shutter
  5. Shoot in RAW format
  6. Take 20-30 shots with slight variations
  7. Review on computer (not just camera screen)
  8. Select best 3-5 images

Post-Processing

  • Adjust exposure (±1 stop maximum)
  • Correct white balance if needed
  • Subtle contrast and saturation adjustments
  • Moderate sharpening
  • Crop if composition can be improved
  • Export at required resolution (check IAPLC specs)

Submission Day (May 31)

Before Submitting

  • Review IAPLC submission requirements one final time
  • Verify image meets resolution requirements
  • Prepare tank specifications (dimensions, equipment list)
  • List all plant species used
  • List all hardscape materials
  • Have payment method ready (entry fee ~$30-40)

Submission Process

  1. Go to official IAPLC website
  2. Create account or log in
  3. Fill out entry form completely
  4. Upload your photograph
  5. Provide tank specifications
  6. List plant and hardscape materials
  7. Pay entry fee
  8. Review all information carefully
  9. Submit before 11:59 PM deadline (check timezone!)
  10. Save confirmation email

Last-Minute Troubleshooting

Water Not Clear

  • Add more activated carbon
  • Perform additional water change
  • Wait 24 hours and reshoot if needed

Algae Appears

  • Spot-treat with hydrogen peroxide (careful!)
  • Manually remove with tweezers
  • Clean affected areas thoroughly

Plants Look Stressed

  • Verify CO2 levels
  • Check lighting duration/intensity
  • Perform water change
  • May need to delay photo session 1-2 days

Photo Issues

  • Reflections: Darken room, shoot from different angle
  • Hotspots: Reduce light intensity, diffuse with white fabric
  • Blurry: Use tripod, slower shutter, remote trigger
  • Color off: Adjust white balance, reshoot

After Submission

Congratulations! You've completed your IAPLC 2026 entry. Now:

  • Save all documentation and photos
  • Continue maintaining your aquascape
  • Share your entry with the community (if desired)
  • Wait for results announcement (August 2026)

Regardless of results, you've challenged yourself, learned new skills, and created something beautiful. That's what IAPLC is all about.

Good luck to all entrants! We can't wait to see what the aquascaping community creates.

Need any last-minute supplies? Check our IAPLC Essentials Collection.

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