40-Gallon High-Tech Iwagumi Aquascape (Intermediate)
A 40-gallon breeder Iwagumi aquascape planned for a high-tech (pressurised CO₂) setup and a intermediate aquarist. It pairs 9 plant species with a 3-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 3–4" 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 | 9 pots | Light: medium · CO₂: recommended | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Glossostigma elatinoides Glossostigma elatinoides | Carpet | 9 pots | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Downoi (Carpet form) Pogostemon helferi | Carpet | 9 pots | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Blyxa japonica Blyxa japonica | Midground | 4 plants | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Downoi Pogostemon helferi | Midground | 4 plants | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Needle Ludwigia Ludwigia arcuata | Background | 3 bunches | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Rotala rotundifolia (green) Rotala rotundifolia | Background | 3 bunches | Light: medium · CO₂: recommended | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Anchor Moss Plagiochilaceae sp. | Epiphyte | 3 portions | Light: low · CO₂: beneficial | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Anubias nana 'Petite' Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' | Epiphyte | 3 portions | Light: low · CO₂: not required | Buy at Buce Plant |
Stocking list
| Species | Suggested count | Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare | 1 | Semi_aggressive | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Angelicus / Burmese Loach Botia kubotai | 11 | Peaceful | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Amano Shrimp Caridina multidentata | 9 | 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 60 | ~$165–215 | Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums |
| Co2 | CO2Art Pro SE Series Regulator + 5lb Cylinder | ~$145–185 | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Heating | Inkbird IBS-M1 Smart Heater | ~$48–65 | Buy at Chewy |
| Substrate | Tropica Aquarium Soil 9L | ~$42–58 | 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. |