Arrangement of the Main Stone
The main stone decides the whole impression of the Iwagumi layout.
So please select the stone carefully, considering its shape,
size and personality. As the main stone placement is the most
important, please consider all the aspects including its position,
angle and direction. Here we placed the main stone in the middle
to the left side so that the gravity of the layout does not
come in the middle of the aquarium tank.
1. Arrangement of the Sub Stone
Then we placed the second largest stone, sub stone, on the
opposite side of the main stone in a learning form. Here we
adjusted the direction and angles of those two stones, and
carefully decided their positions. In Iwagumi layout, it usually
starts with arranging larger stones to small stones.
2. Arrangement of the backbone stones
Next to the five backbone stones (1~5), here we added smaller
stones in a direction as if they support the leaning backbone
stones. By arranging the rocks in zigzag, a sense of depth
can be created in the layout. Placing a much smaller stone(6)
between the larger stones makes a sense of unity in the layout,
and the layout looks more natural.
3. Making a mound around the stones
After arranging the stones, we use Aqua Soil Powder type
and make a mound around the stones. By making a slope from
the foreground to the background and sprinkling the Aqua Soil
between the stones, a continual line is created in the layout.
Do not put too much soil in the foreground.
4. Planting
Planting becomes easier by filling the aquarium with water
up to the level of the substrate. Here we placed small stones
tied with Riccia along the lines of the large stones. Then
we planted Hemianthus callitrichoides in the front and Glossostigma
in the back. The use of short plants with tiny leaves emphasizes
the existence of the stones.
5. Planting along the stones
Next to the 5 backbone stones, we planted Blyxa rovoguineensis
leaf and Echinodorus tenellus. Planting beside the stones
is very important, and it makes the layout more natural. In
the final form, these plants and rocks promote a naturalness.
6. Filling the aquarium tank
Lastly, we chose Eleocharis vivipara for the background.
Eleocharis also plays a role of easing the strong rock impression.
The planting area is decided depending on the balance of the
layout. Here we planted from the left side to the back of
the No.2 stone. Then finally, we filled the aquarium tank
with water gently so that the water does not crumble the substrate.
Nature Aquarium Gallery 4
This is an iwagumi layout characterized by Manten Stone texture.
When arranging the stones, it is important to pay attention
not only to the size and leaning angle of the stone, but also
the texture of the stones such as uneven surface. Then you
can make a sense of unity among the stones. Eleocharis vivipara
planted in the back of the main stones is softening a strong
image of the stones.
A natural rhythm of the Landscape
A layout composition with several arranged stones, widely
spreading sideways, gives the layout a sense of stability,
and this type of layout is recommended for a panoramic size
aquarium. A key to create such stone layout is setting the
stones in the way as if they were connected under the ground.
It is very important to have an intricate rock arrangement
design and a continuous outline of the stones like a skyline
of mountain. We can find them in a landscape and learn from
it; for example, in the landscape of rock reefs being washed
by stormy surf. Observing a natural landscape is the first
step for improving your rock arrangement skills.
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