I Built an Iwagumi Aquascape From Scratch

Building my first Iwagumi aquascape from scratch. Over a year ago, I created my very first planted aquarium ecosystem on my desk. After spending months learning about aquascaping, watching countless YouTube videos and studying the work of Takashi Amano, I finally decided it was time to upgrade and build something completely different. For this project, I wanted to create a natural Iwagumi-style aquascape inspired by a valley, using rocks I personally collected from a nearby beach. What started as an empty 60cm ultra-clear aquarium eventually turned into a planted ecosystem with a carefully constructed stone layout, lush carpeting plants, CO2 injection and a school of Rummy Nose Tetras. In this video, I take you through the entire process, from choosing the hardscape and building the valley layout to planting, filtration, CO2 setup, filling the aquarium and finally introducing its first inhabitants. AQUARIUM SETUP & EQUIPMENT Aquarium: 60 x 35 x 40 cm Ultra Clear Glass Aquarium Substrate: ADA Amazonia Aqua Soil Hardscape: Beach-collected natural rocks and WIO detail stones Filter: Fluval Canister Filter Lily Pipes & Accessories: Aqua Club Online Lighting: Chihiros WRGB Universal 700 CO2: 2kg CO2 Cylinder with Diffuser and Solenoid Valve LIVESTOCK 12 Cherry Red Shrimp 3 Otocinclus Catfish 20 Rummy Nose Tetras THE INSPIRATION The Iwagumi style of aquascaping, popularised by Takashi Amano, focuses on simplicity, balance and the natural arrangement of stones. I wanted to create my own interpretation of this style, with a valley running through the centre of the aquarium and elevated slopes on either side to create depth and perspective. This was my first attempt at building an Iwagumi aquascape, and definitely one of my most rewarding aquarium projects so far. If you're interested in aquascaping, planted aquariums, nature-inspired aquarium layouts or building your own aquatic ecosystem, I hope this video inspires you to get started. Subscribe for more aquascaping projects, planted aquarium builds and aquarium ecosystems. TIMESTAMPS Time stamp - 0-0:51 - Tank introduction (ultra clear zero silicone) 0:52- 1:28 - substrate setup 1:29 - 2:15- finding rocks on the beach 2:16- 4:39- hardscape 4:40- 6:08- Planting Hairgrass ‘Mini’ 6:09- 6:45 - Filter & Co2 system 6:46- 7:40 - Water filling 7:41- 9:07- LIVESTOCK 9:10- 10:44- Outro 10:45- Meghalaya Teaser #Iwagumi #Aquascaping #RummyNoseTetra