What happens when 14 passionate aquascapers, a meticulous jury, and representatives of the most renowned brand in aquatics (Tetra, of course!) come together in one place? Meaningful friendships are formed, a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere emerges, new knowledge and insights are shared, and creativity is unleashed without limits.
It’s impossible to talk about the Tetra brand without mentioning the place where its innovative fish food formulas and aquarium care solutions are brought to life.
The Tetra factory in Melle is a true landmark—not only historically but also economically. Founded in 1951 by Dr. Ulrich Baensch, the company revolutionized the aquatics industry by introducing dry fish food, making ornamental fish care more accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.
Nestled in the heart of the city, the factory blends seamlessly into the urban landscape, embodying both tradition and innovation. Its modern buildings stand in striking contrast to the surrounding traditional architecture, symbolizing Tetra’s remarkable journey—from a small laboratory to a global leader in aquatics products.
Over the years, Tetra has become a major employer in the region, playing a significant role in the local economy and the development of the community. But the Melle factory is more than just a production center—it also houses research and development departments, where experts in biology, chemistry, and nutrition work tirelessly to create innovative products that enhance the aquatics experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
Thus, the Tetra factory in Melle* is not just a place of production; it stands as a symbol of dedication and passion for the aquatic world, leaving a positive impact both on the local landscape and on the global community of aquarists.
How else could the Tetra Aquatics Festival begin if not with an exclusive tour of the Tetra factory? This was a fantastic opportunity for participants to experience firsthand the testing laboratory—the heart of innovation—where researchers and aquatic biology specialists meticulously analyze every new fish food formula and aquarium care solution.
In a dedicated area, comparative tests are conducted against competitor products to ensure that Tetra’s formulas consistently meet the highest standards. This behind-the-scenes glimpse offered a deeper appreciation for the science and dedication that go into every Tetra product.
Festival participants also had the chance to step inside one of the most fascinating laboratories at the Tetra factory, where they discovered a microscopic universe essential to aquarium health—the bacteria farm. Under the guidance of aquatic microbiology experts, beneficial bacteria are cultivated here, making products like Tetra SafeStart and Tetra FilterActive so effective in maintaining the biological balance of aquariums.
The day continued with an outstanding workshop led by Mihal Adamek from Poland (Aqua Show), who masterfully set up a large aquarium, designed to be later displayed and admired in the entrance hall of the Tetra factory. His expertise and attention to detail captivated the audience, making this session a true highlight of the event.
The first evening of the Tetra Aquatics Festival concluded with a special dinner at the aquarium inside Osnabrück Zoo* —a project that Tetra has continuously supported since its inception. The venue was thoughtfully arranged to provide both the organizers and participants with an exceptional and memorable experience.
The dinner was not only the perfect occasion to announce the seven competing teams, introduce the jury, and present the schedule for the following day, but it also fostered a relaxed and friendly atmosphere among all attendees. Adding to the magic of the evening, guests were treated to an exclusive nighttime tour of Osnabrück Zoo, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
After a brief welcome speech from Casey Sims and Janina Garving (Brand Director Aquatics), the second day of the festival was entirely dedicated to the competition. The three judges—two renowned aquascapers, Jiří Pova from the Czech Republic and Mihal Adamek from Poland, alongside Casey Sims, Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at Tetra—were fully immersed in the event, constantly moving between contestants, analyzing, evaluating, and admiring their creations.
The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, with aquascapers working with enthusiasm and professionalism. The seven aquariums created during the competition reached an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, showcasing both technical skill and artistic vision.
| Names | Social Media Channels |
| Michał Segner (Polonia) | @ZenonAqua |
| Elois Smit (Olanda) | @LoisAquadesign |
| Ismael Aguilar Soria (Spania) | @Ismael_Aquascaper |
| Jesús Olier Pérez (Spania) | @Olier_Aquascape |
| Emilie Bonin (Franța) | @Emscaping |
| Sascha Hoyer (Germania) | @saschaHoyer |
| Lucas Müller (Germania) | @GarnelenTV |
| Alberto Farinello (Italia) | @hypeaquarium |
| Dorin Romaniuc (România) | @rodoselada |
| Adrian – Cristian Asaftei (România) | @aquascapingcreativeart |
| Pavol Kulanda (UK) | @pavolkulanda |
| James Vivian (UK) | @mr_brightfryed |
| Pawel Buciarski (UK) | @tropicalworld2 |
| Vladimir Tomek (Cehia) | @vladimirtomek |
Here’s what Team Romania had to say after the Festival:
“First of all, I want to thank our Ambassadors for joining me at this event. Once again, I was truly impressed by their professionalism, the high-quality techniques they used, and the spectacular final result, which I can’t wait to see find its way to someone in Romania who will truly appreciate it.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the incredible vibe of the aquascaping community, where many participants were meeting for the first time. Even though they were competitors, they were also part of a bigger team. Events like this are meant to bring together people united by the same passion, and beyond the spirit of competition, what truly stood out was the fair play and camaraderie. We are eagerly looking forward to the next similar events!”
— Dr. Mirela Crudulescu, Pet Trade Marketing Manager, Spectrum Brands Romania
Tetra Romania: How was the organization? Would you change anything or have any suggestions for future events? Was there anything you wished for beyond what you experienced at this event?
Cristian Asaftei: “From an organizational standpoint, there’s absolutely nothing to criticize. The first evening was all about relaxation, the next day we learned new things at the production facility, we were pleasantly surprised by the visit and dinner at the zoo, and on the final day, we got to put our knowledge into practice. When it comes to materials and workspace, everything was top-notch—plentiful, diverse, and well-prepared for everyone.”
Dorin Romaniuc: “The organization of the Tetra Aquatics Festival was at the highest level, with outstanding conditions! No, I don’t think anything needed to be changed. The experience was truly unique, we were warmly welcomed, and the time spent with the Tetra family was truly special.”
T.R.: How did you interact with the other participants and the organizers?
C.A.: “The atmosphere was very friendly. It was really easy to connect with both the organizers and the participants—most of them were very open and communicative. I already knew some of the aquascapers from social media, which made it even easier to connect. We had exchanged ideas in the past, so there was already a sense of familiarity. Overall, it was amazing to finally meet other equally passionate people from different parts of Europe face-to-face.”
D.R.: “First of all, I already knew some of the participants, but we had never had the chance to meet in person. The rest of the group integrated seamlessly, and it felt like we were one big family. As for the organizers—I have nothing but the highest praise for them.”
T.R.: Did you find the competition difficult or particularly challenging?
C.A.: “I always embrace a challenge with enthusiasm. It’s true that the dimensions of the aquarium weren’t the most ideal for aquascaping. However, despite that—and adding the extra difficulty of working with the material we chose—we still managed to create, in just five hours, a scape worthy of an international competition, with an impressive sense of depth, layering, and intricate details that are hard to achieve.”
D.R.: “Not at all—on the contrary, this is exactly what we all wanted! We had all the materials and tools we needed to unleash our creativity. The biggest challenge was the aquarium’s dimensions, which weren’t exactly optimal, especially the depth, which made things a bit tricky. But in the end, that’s the beauty of this hobby—adapting and making it work.”
T.R.: How did you work as a team? What role did each of you have?
C.A.: “I first met Rodo a few years ago on social media. He was the first person to guide me into the world of aquascaping, and I’ve learned so much from him. Over time, we’ve developed a dynamic where we evaluate each other’s work, exchange ideas, and support each other in every project we take on. Because of that, collaborating was effortless for me. Whenever I face a challenge, I become completely immersed in my work, tuning everything else out. So, if at some point I unintentionally made things difficult for him, I know he’ll forgive me. 😊 He understands how much I love what I do, and sometimes I get so focused that I forget to stop and check in—but he knows it always comes from passion. 😊”
D.R.: “Our teamwork was exceptional. I don’t think we even needed specific roles—we understood each other instantly, just by looking at each other. Knowing each other so well made it incredibly easy to come up with a plan and execute it seamlessly. We complemented each other perfectly!”
T.R.: Would you like to participate in other similar events organized by Tetra?
C.A.: “I hope I don’t miss a single one.”
D.R.: “Absolutely! When’s the next one?”
T.R.: After visiting the factory and its production departments, did you gain a better understanding of the complexity behind the development and manufacturing of fish food formulas and water care solutions?
C.A.: “The factory visit helped me understand things you simply can’t see from the outside—for example, why certain solutions vary depending on the market they’re sold in, or the intricate process behind producing high-quality products. But what impressed me the most was the level of automation.”
D.R.: “I was really curious to see what a factory dedicated to aquatics products looks like, and now I’ve had the chance to experience it firsthand. I discovered so many fascinating things, especially in the microbiology laboratory. I learned about the bacteria that populate our filters and aquariums and their essential role in maintaining the sustainability of both freshwater and saltwater environments. As for fish food, what I found most interesting was that it’s not harmful to humans—in fact, I even tasted some of the pellets myself! Honestly, I had no idea that was even a possibility. We also got to explore Tetra’s history in the factory’s on-site museum, a journey spanning 75 years—a testament to the professionalism and legacy behind this brand.”
T.R.: Until the next edition of the Tetra Aquatics Festival, we wish you endless inspiration and success in all the competitions you aim to conquer in 2025. Thank you for representing the Tetra brand with such dedication and professionalism every time the opportunity arises!
Tetra Romania continues to stand by all aquatics enthusiasts, supporting competitions, providing inspiration, and contributing to the growth of this fascinating hobby. One of the main aquascaping competitions in Romania is RONAC – the Romanian National Aquascaping Contest, and Tetra has been a dedicated partner since its very first edition in 2019. Looking ahead, Tetra will continue to support RONAC, working alongside organizers, competitors, and fellow sponsors to promote the captivating world of aquascaping and inspire future generations of enthusiasts.
2nd place: Emilie Bonin & Elois Smit
3rd place: Alberto Farinello & Sascha Hoyer
Whether you’re just starting your journey in aquatics and aquascaping or you’re already a seasoned enthusiast, Tetra will always be here to provide you with high-quality products, expert advice, and opportunities to help you transform your passion into a true art form.
Special thanks also to the team responsible for capturing the photos and videos of the festival.
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*Osnabrück Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals from approximately 290 different species. Among its most remarkable attractions is the Tetra-Aquarium, a project that has been supported by Tetra, the global leader in aquatics, since 1999.
At the Tetra-Aquarium, visitors can explore a wide range of aquatic ecosystems, featuring both freshwater and saltwater sections. The exhibit showcases an impressive variety of tropical fish species, live corals, piranhas, and even stingrays. One of the highlights is an interactive touch pool, where visitors can get up close and experience direct contact with certain fish species—an educational and immersive experience for all ages.
Beyond the aquariums, the exhibit also includes terrariums housing snakes, giant tortoises, and caimans, replicating the lush environment of a tropical rainforest with 70% humidity and temperatures around 30°C. To enhance the authenticity of the experience, a tropical storm simulation takes place three times a day in the caiman area, offering visitors a truly unique and dynamic glimpse into the wild.
The partnership between Tetra and Osnabrück Zoo has been instrumental in the continuous development and modernization of the Tetra-Aquarium. Over the years, Tetra has contributed both financial support and technical expertise, enabling the implementation of several key projects, including:
- Technological upgrades – Enhancing filtration systems, lighting, and pumps to ensure an optimal environment for aquatic life.
- Digitalization of information – Installing 19 interactive tablets next to each aquarium, allowing visitors to access detailed information about the displayed species.
- Space redesign and expansion – Renovating and opening new areas, such as the Amazon Basin exhibit, where visitors can experience aquatic flora and fauna in an environment that closely mimics nature.
Through this collaboration, Tetra continues to support education, conservation, and innovation, ensuring that the Tetra-Aquarium remains a fascinating and enriching experience for all visitors.
These initiatives not only enhance the visitor experience but also reflect the shared commitment of both institutions to education and environmental conservation.
Through the Tetra-Aquarium, Osnabrück Zoo provides a unique opportunity to explore and understand the complexity of the underwater world, inspiring both young and adult visitors to appreciate and protect aquatic biodiversity.