5-Gallon High-Tech Iwagumi Aquascape (Intermediate)
A 5-gallon nano Iwagumi aquascape planned for a high-tech (pressurised CO₂) setup and a intermediate aquarist. It pairs 4 plant species with a 2-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 | 3 pots | Light: medium · CO₂: recommended | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Blyxa japonica Blyxa japonica | Midground | 2 plants | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Needle Ludwigia Ludwigia arcuata | Background | 1 bunch | Light: high · CO₂: required | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Anchor Moss Plagiochilaceae sp. | Epiphyte | 1 portion | Light: low · CO₂: beneficial | Buy at Buce Plant |
Stocking list
| Species | Suggested count | Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili Rasbora Boraras brigittae | 8 | Peaceful | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
| Bladder Snail Physella acuta | 1 | Invertebrate | Buy at Flip Aquatics |
Equipment
| Category | Recommendation | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration | Fluval 107 Canister Filter | ~$88–118 | Buy at Green Leaf Aquariums |
| Co2 | AQUATEK Mini CO2 Regulator + 20oz Paintball | ~$65–88 | Buy at Buce Plant |
| Heating | Fluval E50 Electronic Heater | ~$28–38 | Buy at Chewy |
| 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. |