The article in brief
Iwagumi aquascape is a Japanese art form that creates zen-like, minimalist waterscapes. Here are the key points:
- Origins Inspired by suiseki and Japanese Zen gardens
- Composition : Precise arrangement of stones (Oyaishi, Fukuishi, Soeishi) and low plants
- Creation Choice of equipment, meticulous installation, "dry start" method possible
- Maintenance Regular pruning, stone cleaning and frequent water changes
- Ecosystem Habitat for small school fish, creating life and movement
Ah, theiwagumi aquascape ! What a fascinating subject! As an aquarium enthusiast, I can't help but marvel at this pure form of aquatic art. Let me immerse you in this minimalist world that captivates so many enthusiasts around the world.
The essence of iwagumi: a Zen waterscape
L'iwagumi aquascape is much more than a simple arrangement of stones and plants in an aquarium. It's a veritable philosophy inspired by Japanese art, aimed at creating a soothing and harmonious underwater landscape. Just imagine a miniature Zen garden, but underwater!
The origins of an age-old art form
This technique has its roots in two ancient Japanese traditions: suiseki, appreciation stones meticulously selected for their natural beauty, and Zen gardens, famous for their elegant simplicity. Inspired by these arts, Takashi Amano, a true pioneer of modern aquascaping, gave birth to iwagumi in the 1990s.
Composition: a subtle balance
The heart of iwagumi is a carefully chosen arrangement of stones. An odd number of rocks is generally used, usually 3 or 5. Each has a clearly defined role:
- The Oyaishi: the master stone, the centrepiece of the composition
- The Fukuishi: the secondary stone that supports the Oyaishi
- Soeishi: the tertiary stone that completes the ensemble
- The Suteishi: the little stones of accompaniment
The layout of these elements follows precise rules. For example, the Oyaishi is placed according to the famous rule of thirds, creating a natural and attractive perspective. It can be a real headache at times, but what a pleasure it is when you finally find the perfect arrangement!
Vegetation: understated and discreet
In an iwagumi, plants play second fiddle. The preference is for low, tapering species that don't steal the limelight from the stones. I'm particularly fond of using grassy plants likeEleocharis parvula or theHemianthus callitrichoides. They create a delicate green carpet that sets off the rocks perfectly.
Creating your own iwagumi: an exciting challenge
Want to get in on the action? Great! Create a iwagumi aquascape requires patience and precision, but it's so rewarding. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Choice of equipment: the basis of a good iwagumi
Start by choosing a suitable aquarium. Size isn't everything - I've seen some magnificent iwagumis in tiny tanks! The most important thing is to have a tank with harmonious proportions. Next, think about the lighting: it needs to be powerful to encourage plant growth. Filtration and CO2 injection are not compulsory, but they can make your aquarium much easier to maintain.
Installation: patience and precision
Once you've chosen your materials, it's time to get creative! Here are the key steps:
- Prepare your substrate by creating a slight forward slope
- Select your stones carefully and arrange them according to the principles of iwagumi
- Plant your plants, starting with the hardest-to-reach areas
- Gently fill your aquarium with water
- Add your fish once the nitrogen cycle is complete
Pro tip: you can use the "dry start" method to start your iwagumi. This is a technique I'm particularly fond of for tapestry plants. It involves planting dry and maintaining high humidity for several weeks before watering. It takes patience, but the results are amazing!
Maintenance: the secret of a long-lasting iwagumi
Make no mistake, an iwagumi requires regular maintenance to maintain its minimalist appearance. Prune your plants regularly, clean your stones and change the water frequently. It's a bit of work, but it's also an opportunity to look after your little corner of nature and watch it evolve.
| Task | Frequency | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Pruning plants | Weekly | High |
| Cleaning stones | Bimonthly | Average |
| Water change | Weekly | High |
Beyond aesthetics: a living ecosystem
An iwagumi is beautiful, but it's also a real ecosystem! Don't forget that you're creating a habitat for living creatures. Choose fish that are suited to this type of aquascape. Small schooling fish such as Rasboras or Neons are perfect. They bring life and movement without disturbing the harmony of the whole.
If you're more of a fan of big fish, you can create a perfect koi carp aquarium. Although this is not an iwagumi in the strict sense of the word, certain aesthetic principles can be applied.
Ultimately, iwagumi is much more than just a style of aquarium. It's an invitation to contemplate, a piece of wild nature captured in a glass case. Every time I create or observe an iwagumi, I am struck by its simple yet powerful beauty. It's an art form that reminds us of the beauty of nature in its purest form. So, are you ready to embark on this adventure?
External sources :
English 
French