Here's a sneak peak at my up and coming project, a cold water iwagumi aquarium. In the context of an aquascape, the term "iwagumi" simply refers to using only rocks as hardscape material and only low growing plants in the scape. My project is to create an iwagumi style aquarium using rocks, hairgrass and moss. Fauna will be white cloud mountain minnows and shrimp. The aquarium measures 60x30x30cm and has custom lids to fit the filter pipes. I created the hanging light hood myself and it contains two CFL fittings, the filter is an Eheim 2213, pressurized CO2 will be used with an inline diffuser and substrate will be sand on top of aquabasis. Wish me luck!

Good luck lol not that you need it with your talent Sam.

Picked up some rocks and substrate from Stone and Water World today. The substrate is red coffee grit and the rocks are "moss rocks".

Here's a few potential 'scapes I was playing around with, let me know what you think.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The photos don't show the immense depth and detail of the large rock sadly, 'scape 6. is just to see what it's like without the large rock.

the big rock ones are definitely the better ones and will look really good with small critters

Especially with that cool little cave part under it I bought this rock and 6 others for $5.68 ($0.40/kg) so I reckon it weighs about 10kgs, it really needs to be seen to be truly appreciated.

I might get to do so if we ever go critter hunting :spop:

no. 2 and 4 would be my choice.

I might get to do so if we ever go critter hunting :spop:

You mean WHEN we go critter hunting 8)

Thanks for the feedback Godly3vil, any changes you'd suggest?

I know you have not asked for opinions but you are getting mind anyway. I like 4. Good to see you found rocks that you like.

number 4 for me :cofn:

I know you have not asked for opinions

Here's a few potential 'scapes I was playing around with, let me know what you think.

Sure I have! Opinions and constructive feedback are good for developing and making sure the final layout the best it can be. I like 3 too, thanks for the feedback guys. Any reasons why you choose the 'scape you did?

I like no. 3 and 4, but i think no. 4 would look alot better either without the pointy rock in the back left corner, or replaced with another rock. It just looks too dissimilar to the rest of the rocks in the scape. :cofn:

My vote goes to number 4 :thup:

I changed mine, I meant 4 and I like the pointy rock. Thats what drew me to that scape.

I agree with Adrienne.

I like 2 and 4. 2 because it is low and four because it is low, high and has depth with a rock at middle, front and back

NUMBER ONE!

I think Liam likes number 1 :sage:

You think?

Been playing around this morning, just one scape but I'm really liking it. Also, my camera is a moody thing so I used Mum's camera instead :roll:

Here's where it gets interesting, the shape of the rock creates a natural bank at the back which I could use to do a tank like this with the plants growing at that height.

Thoughts? Opinions? Ideas?

it looks good but there would be dead spots down the front in the corners where the current wasn't as strong, the crud would collect there and not necessarily get washed around to the back.

Not sure if that would be a concern but just saying.

That is definitely of concern, I had the exact same issue in my AA tank. Nothing a couple of wavemakers can't fix Time to wash even MORE substrate :roll: :nilly:

Added more substrate so I can easily plant, moved a couple of things. Will sit on this one overnight and if I still like it tomorrow I'll plant. Also bought a couple of timers for the lights and CO2

I solved the dead spots a bit by taking the plants out of those corners, nothing for the crud to get stuck to.

I guess depends on whether you are going to cover the bottom with plants or leave some gravel bare anyway.

I like it! :spop: