The Iwagumi layout is one of the most challenging aquascaping styles out there. Developed around 30 years back by famous aquarist Takashi Amano, such a aquascape represents not simply a minimalist layout, in addition, it reflects the Japanese culture, spirituality and love for beauty and simplicity.The Iwagumi term itself emanates from the Japanese ‘rock formation' and it refers therefore to some layout where stones play the main role. Rocks provide the ‘bony'structure with the aquascape and also the traditional geography can be a design produced from three main stones, out of which one large headstone and 2 small others.
60cm Minimalist Iwagumi 6 months old Aquascaping Aquatic Plant CentralThe trickiest task in regards to the Iwagumi aquascaping style is always to obtain that harmony and unity through simplicity. The Iwagumi is just not about just collecting a variety of stones but about placing these questions fluent, natural and spacious way so actually related both to each other and the remainder scape.Not all Iwagumi aquascapes are of the Sanzon Iwagumi type, meaning a ‘three-pillared rock formation '. The truth is, numerous rocks can be employed, as long which is a strange number (3, 5, 7 therefore on) in order to avoid that sense of symmetry we're not seeking in aquascaping.Among the most widely used stones utilized for this sort of aquascape are Seiryu-seki, Maten and Shou, but there is no actual limitation. The aim is always to build a gaggle of rocks that are similar in color and texture, yet different in shapes and contour.Nature Aquarium 60 cm Iwagumi by Adam Wozniak DooviWith regards to planting an Iwagumi style aquascape, you will find a limited range of plants you'll be able to use. This is due to, naturally, the main objective should stay with the stones, which really should not be overcome by plants, and aquarium open space, that will actually prevail. The most used plants are 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.2012 AGA Aquascaping Contest 189In the aquascaping styles, the Iwagumi aquascape looks the better to perform due to the simplicity its appearance, nevertheless, you it is among the most tricky to obtain and even harder to maintain.Limitation in the rose sector makes all the growing process difficult for aquascapers. Plants used when aquascaping the Iwagumi aquarium tend to be heavy root feeders, making the decision of substrate delicate and the choice of water filtration as meticulous.Furthermore the Iwagumi ask for extensive amount of experience in doing what choosing plants and hardscape is regarded, however the aquascape itself becomes prone to algae formation.Algae can seem even in early stages within your aquarium's development so pay completely attention and take measures when you notice warning signs of it. One solution to this problem is revealing the lighting cycle for around an hour during midday.60cm Minimalist Iwagumi 6 months old Aquascaping Aquatic Plant Central