Stones or Iwagumi in the ADA style Aquarium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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