Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Stunning Rock-Scape Aquarium

(Iwagumi Style & Natural Biotope Techniques)

Phase 1: Planning & Design (Days 1-3)

1.1 Conceptualization

  • Style Selection: Choose between:
    • Iwagumi (minimalist Japanese style with 3-5 dominant stones)
    • Nature Aquarium (harmonized rock/wood/plant combinations)
    • Biotope (region-specific replication, e.g., Amazonian riverbed)
  • Tank Dimensions: Optimal ratios:
    • Length:Height = 2:1 (e.g., 90×45×45cm) for depth perception
    • Volume ≥ 60L for stable water parameters

1.2 Material Preparation

Category

Items

Notes

Hardscape

Seiryu stone, lava rock, dragon stone

Acid-wash to remove impurities

Substrate

ADA Amazonia II (9L/60cm tank) + Power Sand Advanced

Layer thickness: 3cm front → 8cm rear

Tools

Stainless steel tweezers, glue gun, bubble level

  

Phase 2: Structural Implementation (Days 4-7)

2.1 Hardscape Arrangement

  • Rule of Thirds: Position primary stone (Oyaishi) at 1/3 axis with 15° tilt forward
  • Secondary Stones: Fukuishi (2/3 size of Oyaishi) and Soeishi (1/3 size) form triangular composition
  • Stabilization: Use underwater epoxy putty (e.g., Mr. Stick) for risky overhangs

2.2 Substrate Layering

  1. Base Layer: 2cm lava rock mesh bags for drainage
  2. Nutrient Layer: 4cm Power Sand + Bacter100
  3. Top Layer: 5cm aqua soil (sloped toward back)

Pro Tip: Place plastic cards on soil when filling water to prevent clouding

Phase 3: Biological Activation (Days 8-30)

3.1 Planting Strategy

  • Carpet Plants: Dry-start Monte Carlo (4 weeks under cling wrap at 85% humidity)
  • Epiphytes: Superglue Anubias nana ‘Petite’ to rock crevices
  • Stem Plants: Rotala ‘H’ra’ in rear corners for color contrast

3.2 Cycling Protocol

  • Ammonia Source: 2ppm pure ammonium chloride (no fish!)
  • Bacteria Boost: FritzZyme 7 daily for 7 days
  • Parameter Tracking:

Day 1-7: NH3↑ → NO2↑ Day 8-14: NO2↓ → NO3↑ Day 15+: NH3=0, NO2=0, NO3<20ppm → Safe for livestock

Phase 4: Livestock & Maintenance (Day 31+)

4.1 Fauna Introduction

  • Cleanup Crew: 10 Caridina japonica shrimp per 40L
  • Centerpiece Fish: 8 Celestial Pearl Danios (schooling behavior)
  • Algae Control: 3 Otocinclus affinis (add after 2 months)

4.2 Long-term Care

  • CO2 Regulation: 30ppm (drop checker lime green)
  • Lighting Schedule: 7hrs ADA Solar RGB at 70% intensity
  • Water Changes: 30% weekly with GH/KH-adjusted RO water

Troubleshooting Appendix

  • Cloudy Water: Purigen in filter + reduced feeding
  • Hair Algae: Spot-treat with Excel (1mL/10L) + Amano shrimp
  • Melting Plants: Check CO2 diffusion (should see pearl effect)