New Iwagumi Layout for Spec V

[Rexxaroo]

Hi all! New around here but not new to tanks or aquarium life.

I was recently re inspired after being gifted a beautiful betta by my boyfriend for V Day. I decided to break out the Spec V and get it up and running again.

I've seen tons of iwagumi layouts and have always adored them. I've kept planted tanks in the past but nothing nearly so intricate as an iwagumi.

I'm trying to keep this tank pretty low tech, but have settled on a few minor mods and going to be doing DIY CO2 injection as an initial experiment until I decide to bite the bullet and buy a pressurized system, so we will see.

So far I've filled in the bottom slit on the intake wall, added my own variety of filter media, and added some filter floss to the inner outflow tube to buffer flow for my betta. I've also replaced the stock lighting with a finnex fugeray I had for my old saltwater refugium.

I've currently got Fluval Stratum as a sub, and using some lovely stones and bonsai trunks on my layout. I plan to add a pale sand to the center later on but just playing for now.

I'd like some opinions on how I could change the layout, as the left side just seems off to me. I'm going for a cliffside/gorge type feel. I have one extra large stone I could use but haven't made a decision yet. Thoughts so far? And any other mods you think would be good? Pics attached
Cheers,
Rexx

 

[Rexxaroo]

Well I decided to rescape the left side, minimally if any. I am much more at peace with the scape at this point, and feel comfortable enough to add my "river bed" in the center later this week once I've let the tank settle some.

I've decided on my stock for the tank:

-Weeping moss (for the trees)
-Red Ludwigia Repens (middle ground, accent)
-Dwarf Sagittarius (middle ground, accent)
-Staurogyne Repens (foreground, carpet)
-DHG (Background)
-Anubias Nana (middle ground, accent)

I may change this , but I think it's a good line up considering my lighting and layout of the tank. I was going to attempt some HC, but I don't think I'm feeling brave enough yet, perhaps my next tank

Anyway, here's my current scape, thoughts always welcome. (Last photo was the scape before, as a comparison)

Cheers,
Rexx

 

[Bert2oo1]

Looks great! Love the trees! Back right for the red repens? You want the large tree to be you main focal point.

 

[Rexxaroo]

Thank you! I love those little trees too, can't wait to fill them out..

Yes the main cliff and big tree are for sure my focal point. I definitely want to do the Repens in the back right corner, and possibly a couple in the very back wall of the "canyon", peeking from behind the "cliffs".

Cheers,
Rexx

 

[Bert2oo1]

Thank you! I love those little trees too, can't wait to fill them out..

Yes the main cliff and big tree are for sure my focal point. I definitely want to do the Repens in the back right corner, and possibly a couple in the very back wall of the "canyon", peeking from behind the "cliffs".

Cheers,
Rexx

Sounds perfect! Have you done a scape before? It seems like you have a good eye for detail!

 

[Rexxaroo]

Thank you you're too kind

I've not done a scape before, but really love this art form. I'm an artist by profession and do alot of landscape painting, so this is just like bringing a painting to life.

Plants should be here Monday hopefully and I made bad choices and ended up buying a Spec iii because petco has a sale.. looks like the sad betta shelf at the Lfs will be getting a visit from me.

Cheers,
Rexx