The Iwagumi aquascaping style is a subset of Japanese Nature aquascaping that requires a significant amount of experience to implement and maintain. The Iwagumi style follows a general layout that requires a balance between open space, hardscape, and scale between each aspect of the design.
The word Iwagumi is used in the construction of Japanese gardens, referring to the layout of the rocks in order to recreate a natural rocky landscape. This kind of set-up must respect some principles, which are fundamental: The Iwagumi (岩組) term itself comes from the Japanese “rock formation” and refers to a layout where stones play a leading role.
The rocks must be all of the same type, color and design, to homogenize and make the layout natural, but of different size. (To know better the types of aquarium rocks see the article dedicated to the stones)
The main rock (the largest) should be placed at 2/3 of the length of the tank, according to the golden section. The remaining rocks will be positioned near from the highest to the lower, trying to give more prespective and naturalness to the layout.
The rocks must be odd, they balance and give the layout a good armony.
when you positioning the rocks, you will need to look at the veins and orient them all in the same sense because even if of different dimensions will be chained together and accentuate the sense of water flow.
The substrate material must be distributed between the rocks trying to give depth to the layout, and having a thickness ranging from 2 -3 cm in front to over 10 – 20 cm on the background.
In the Iwagumi layouts, though it is a subjective thing and depends on your choice, Takashi Amano always uses a few species of plants, often mixing them together. Eleocharis vivipara or Blyxa echinosperma, for the back area, Riccia fluitans, Glossostigma elatinoides, Echinodorus tenellus and Eleocharis for the front areas around the stones and rocks
Examples
Below we show you some examples in which the principle of aquascaping meets other varieties of aquaristics. The aesthetics of aquascaping are skillfully merged with the requirements of special biotope aquariums.
Fish Used in the Iwagumi Aquarium
The Iwagumi tank is characterized by harmony and unity through simplicity so never forget that because it is important to maintain this feeling when you add fish to your tank. The purpose of fish should be to enhance the aquascape’s sense of tranquility through their fluid movement.
Aim for small schooling fish like the ones belonging to the Tetra or Rasbora groups. Specifically, the following species are great for Iwagumi layouts:
Black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Rummy nose tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
Glowlight tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
Firehead tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)
Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
All these species are used because of their calm and gentle behavior. Make sure to always get them in groups of at least 10-12 individuals.
also freshwater shrimps love and thrive at their best in Iwagumi aquariums.
Complications and Pains of the Iwagumi Aquascape
Out of all aquascaping styles, the Iwagumi aquascape looks the easiest to accomplish because of the simplicity of its appearance, but the truth is it is the most difficult to obtain and even harder to maintain.
Limitation in the plant selection makes the growing process even more difficult for aquascapers. Plants used when creating the Iwagumi aquarium are heavy root feeders, making the choice of substrate delicate and the choice of water filtration as meticulous.
Not only does the Iwagumi ask for an extensive amount of experience in what the choice of plants and hardscape is regarded, but the aquascape itself becomes prone to algae formation.
Algae can appear even in the early stages of your aquarium’s development so pay very much attention and take measures if you notice signs of it. One solution to this problem is to limit the light period to around 6 hours a day.
Another great solution for avoiding initial algae growth is to apply the Dry Start Method when developing you Iwagumi aquascape.
Creating an Iwagumi Aquascape with the Dry Start Method
The Dry Start Method (DSM) help the plants to become established and growing lushly before you actually fill the aquarium with water. The only requirements are a nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil) and a good aquarium light fixture.
DSM have been around for a while in the aquarium hobby and it was created specifically for helping people start Iwagumi tanks without encountering algae issues. It was developed by aquarist Tom Barr around the year 2007.
Here’s how it goes:
After planting, the whole layout is sprayed with a misting bottle and then the tank is covered with a thin plastic wrap in order to maintain high humidity. The water level should only come up just below the lowest point of the substrate. Leave a thin area uncovered by plastic wrap to make sure there is some air flow in the tank.
This way the plants will grow in their emerse form (out of water) for a period of 4 to 8 weeks.
The light is turned on and kept for 8 -10 hours a day.
The substrate is sprayed with water on a daily basis to maintain moisture and a high level of humidity. you should try Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate
During this time the plants will feed off the nutrients contained in the rich substrate (aquasoil), developing new roots and expanding their growth area.
Finally, after the dry start period passes, the tank can be flooded and the water cycling process can begin. It’s important not to stock the aquarium with fish at this stage.
Trim the plants in order to promote new and faster growth and do a big water change (70-80%) after a day or two.
I Really Recommend Reading This Book And Learn more ways on how to create and maintain your own underwater ecosystem. Aquascaping is the art of creating beautiful aquariums with natural materials and live plants. written by professional and full time aquascaper George Farmer also co-founder of the uk aquatic plant society (UKAPS)
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