This is a style now easily achievable by all hobbyists, and few planted tanks can surpass the classic Japanese concept for impact.
An underwater garden, the Iwagumi aquascape is all about rock formation which should be designed and in place before the tank is filled with water.
Invest in proper lighting, fertilisers and CO2 and this 100cm/40” tank could look a part of Japan, but right in your own living room.
What you will need
100 x 45 x 45cm/40 x 18 x 18” open top tank and cabinet £400
100cm/40”, four T5 luminaire £350
Inline heater £40
External filter £90
Pressurised CO2 system £150
Glass diffuser, drop checker, filter inlet and outlet £80
Soil substrate £50
Dragon stone rocks £50
Fertilisers £20
Plants £50
Total: Expect to pay £1,280
This item first appeared in the June 2010 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.