The Iwagumi layout is the most challenging aquascaping styles out there. Developed around 30 yrs ago by famous aquarist Takashi Amano, such a aquascape represents not really a minimalist layout, additionally, it reflects the Japanese culture, spirituality and fascination with beauty and simplicity.The Iwagumi term itself originates from the Japanese ‘rock formation' and it refers therefore to the layout where stones play the key role. Rocks provide you with the ‘bony'structure in the aquascape as well as the traditional geography is often a design created from three main stones, out of which one one large headstone and a couple small others.
Nature Aquarium 60 cm Iwagumi by Adam Wozniak DooviThe most difficult task with regards to the Iwagumi aquascaping style is always to obtain that harmony and unity through simplicity. The Iwagumi will not be about just collecting numerous stones but about placing them in a fluent, natural and spacious way so likely related both to each other and the other scape.Not all Iwagumi aquascapes are of the Sanzon Iwagumi type, meaning a ‘three-pillared rock formation '. The fact is, various rocks can be used, when since it is a strange number (3, 5, 7 and therefore on) in an attempt to avoid that sense of symmetry nobody is going after in aquascaping.Among the most widely used stones employed for such a aquascape are Seiryu-seki, Maten and Shou, really clean no actual limitation. The aim should be to build several grouped rocks that offer a similar experience in color and texture, yet different in shapes and contour.Saintlys 60cm Iwagumi Blue Sky AquaScaping World ForumWhen it comes to planting an Iwagumi style aquascape, you will find there's limited quantity of plants you may use. It is because, obviously, the focus should stay on the stones, which mustn't be overcome by plants, and aquarium open space, that will actually prevail. The most famous vegetation is low laying carpet flora like Dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis), Glossostigma elatinoides and Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba '.Other suggested plants for your Iwagumi aquascape include: Pogostemon helferi, Riccia fluitans (submersed and stuck just using rocks), background plants like Vallisneria nana, Eleocharis vivipari and Rotala sp.Tutorial Aquascape Step By Step 60cm Nature Aquarium Tank moss shrimps by Giuseppe Nisi Out of all aquascaping styles, the Iwagumi aquascape looks the simpler to accomplish as a consequence of the simplicity of its appearance, even so it is the most tough to obtain and in some cases harder to maintain.Limitation in the guarana plant sector makes the growing process even more complicated for aquascapers. Plants used when aquascaping the Iwagumi aquarium are heavy root feeders, making the decision of substrate delicate and the option of water filtration as meticulous.Furthermore the Iwagumi ask for extensive amount of expertise in doing what the choice of plants and hardscape is regarded, but the aquascape itself becomes at risk of algae formation.Algae can be displayed even noisy . stages within your aquarium's development so pay a lot attention and take measures if you see symptoms of it. One solution to this problem is breaking the lighting cycle for around an hour during midday.2011 AGA Aquascaping Contest Entry 259