Submission Platform
All entries must be submitted through the official contest page at
www.ibcclub.in.
Use the entry form available on the ibc website for your submission.
Complete the form and attach your image and video files. Only online submissions are accepted.
Photographic film, recording media, and printed photographs are not permitted.
Biotope Theme Rules
Aquascapes must strictly recreate authentic Indian freshwater or brackish water ecosystems, such as:
1. Rivers
2. Streams
3. Ponds
4. Wetlands
Paludariums are allowed if they represent authentic Indian habitats.
Only native Indian fish species are permitted.
No foreign flora or fauna are allowed.
Non-Indian biotope themes are strictly prohibited.
Open Participation & Age Requirement
The contest is open only to residents of India , including NRIs currently residing in India ,participants living abroad are not eligible .
Minimum age requirement: 18 years old at the time of submission.
Age requirement
Participants must be at least 18 years old or must have parental consent if under 18.
Entry Limits
Each participant can submit only one picture and one video.
The entry must include a front-view photo of the entire aquarium.
All entries must be created in the year 2025.
Photo Requirements
Lighting: Photos should be taken in good lighting conditions to accurately represent the aquascape.
Description: Participants must provide a brief description (up to 150 words) of their aquascape, explaining the name of the ecosystem being recreated , the inspiration behind the design , the native fishes and plants used , and any other details that show the theme or story of the tank .
Video Submission Rules
File Format: Videos must be in MP4 format and less than.
Length: Videos should be between 30 seconds and 1 minute.
Content: The video must show a walk toward the aquarium, starting from a distance, and focus solely on the front view of the setup.
Accuracy: The video should accurately display the entire aquarium and aquascape layout.
Editing: Videos must not be edited, filtered, or altered. They should represent the aquascape as seen, without modifications.
Must include verbal declaration in the same video (Today is (date). This tank is created for IBC-2025)
File Specifications
Image File Format: JPEG format . RAW data is not accepted.
Editing: Images must not be edited or filtered. They should represent the aquascape as captured, without alterations such as trimming, reversal, or retouching.
Point Deduction
Points may be deducted for the following reasons:
Incorrect or incomplete documentation of the Biotope.
Incomplete or incorrect entry forms.
Incorrect photography or video submissions that do not clearly show the entire aquarium from the front side.
Layouts created before 2025.
Altered images or videos that do not comply with the rules.
Failure to meet specified file format or size limits.
Use of artificial materials or decorative elements.
Disqualification
Entries may be disqualified if:
They do not include the mandatory verbal declaration in the video.
They violate the Guidelines and Rules or do not meet application requirements.
The contest steering committee deems them inappropriate.
They do not meet the submission guidelines or are found to be plagiarized.
They include inappropriate or misleading content.
Participants attempt to manipulate votes or engage in unethical practices.
Rights and Usage
By submitting an entry, participants grant the organizers the right to use the photos and videos for promotional purposes, including on the website, social media, and in marketing materials.
Participants retain copyright of their submissions but agree to provide high-resolution images and videos upon request.
Contact Information
Ensure that all contact information provided in the submission form is accurate and up-to-date.
Winners will be notified via the email provided in the submission form.
Changes and Updates
The organizers reserve the right to amend the contest rules or submission guidelines as necessary.
