20-Gallon High-Tech Iwagumi Aquascape (Intermediate)
A 20-gallon Iwagumi aquascape planned for a high-tech (pressurised CO₂) setup and a intermediate aquarist. It pairs 7 plant species with a 4-group stocking list, built around Seiryu Stone. Everything below is sized to the tank and matched to the intermediate skill level.
Generate this exact design in the studio →Hardscape & layout
Built around Seiryu Stone. Place the largest piece off-centre on the golden ratio, angled slightly back, with smaller supporting pieces stepping away from it.
Substrate
Aqua soil (e.g. ADA Amazonia / UNS Controsoil), built to about 2–3" deep. Active soil buffers soft, slightly acidic water and feeds roots. Slope higher at the back for depth.
Plant list & placement
| Plant | Placement | Quantity | Needs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Hairgrass Mini Eleocharis sp. 'Mini' | Carpet | 6 pots | Light: medium · CO₂: recommended | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Glossostigma elatinoides Glossostigma elatinoides | Carpet | 6 pots | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Blyxa japonica Blyxa japonica | Midground | 3 plants | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Downoi Pogostemon helferi | Midground | 3 plants | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Needle Ludwigia Ludwigia arcuata | Background | 2 bunches | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Rotala rotundifolia (green) Rotala rotundifolia | Background | 2 bunches | Light: medium · CO₂: recommended | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Anchor Moss Plagiochilaceae sp. | Epiphyte | 2 portions | Light: low · CO₂: beneficial | Buy at Buce Plant |
Stocking list
| Species | Suggested count | Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkered Barb Oliotius oligolepis | 8 | Semi-aggressive | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Striped Betta Betta bellica | 4 | Semi_aggressive | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Corumba Apisto Apistogramma commbrae | 4 | Semi-aggressive | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Amano Shrimp Caridina multidentata | 5 | Invertebrate | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
Equipment
| Category | Recommendation | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration | Fluval 207 Canister Filter | ~$105–140 | Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums |
| Lighting | Chihiros WRGB II 30 | ~$105–140 | Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums |
| Co2 | CO2Art Pro SE Series Regulator + 5lb Cylinder | ~$145–185 | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Heating | Hygger 200W Titanium Heater with Controller | ~$32–48 | Buy at Chewy |
| Substrate | Mr. Aqua Aquarium Soil 9L | ~$32–46 | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Fertilizer | Estimative Index DIY NPK Dry Ferts Kit | ~$28–45 | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Testkit | API Freshwater Master Test Kit | ~$28–42 | Buy at Aquarium Co-Op |
| Water treatment | Seachem Prime 500ml | ~$12–20 | Buy at Aquarium Co-Op |
| Bacteria | Seachem Stability 250ml | ~$8–14 | Buy at Aquarium Co-Op |
Care schedule
| Daily | Feed lightly; a quick glance for anything unusual. Confirm CO₂ is on its timer. |
| Weekly | 25–50% water change, dose fertilizers, check the CO₂ drop checker, trim fast growers. |
| Monthly | Rinse filter media in old tank water; test KH, GH, and pH; deep-trim and replant tops. |
| As needed | Top off evaporation with dechlorinated water; spot-clean algae. |