Journal Nano Iwagumi - "By the Sea"

[Bolbi]

Hi all! Sharing my latest nano aquascape. Main goal with this tank was to create something simple and easy to maintain.
This tank won 2nd place at AGA 2022 in <28L category: #113: 17.7L Aquatic Garden “By the Sea”

Dimensions: 59x20x15cm - 17 liters or 4.5 gallons
Lighting: Chihiros RGB60
Filtration: Eden 501 (sponge, ceramic rings)
CO2: Pressurised 1 bubble every 3 seconds
Substrate: Pool filter sand, gravel 1-3mm, peat
Hardscape: Seiryu stones, Lava rocks
Flora: Riccardia chamedryfolia, Bucephalandra sp. 'Kedagang Mini type 3', Utricularia graminifolia, Eleocharis acicularis, Myriophyllum sp. 'Guyana'
Fauna: Sundadanio axelrodi 'Blue', Neocaridina davidi var. 'Blue Jelly', Clithon corona

 

[BigWave]

Nicely done.

 

[Art]

That is so beautiful and really reminds me of the nature aquariums of Amano. I love how you placed the opposing stones to the right of center with the main stone on the golden ratio. Well done!

I also love a few more things! Pressured CO2 in a 4.5 gallon tank… awesome! And, you have peat in the lower substrate!

I know it’s not common today, but a multi-material substrate is wonderful for long-term stability of the substrate. This is why ADA came out with Power Sand and Power Sand Special. Both of these products build a very good environment for roots, nutrient cycling and storing and for the microorganisms. I rolled my own back in the day!

Congrats on the second place finish, @Bolbi!

 

[Ultum_Hiep]

I remember judging this one, it is definitely pleasant. This one won me over because of the x factor that keeps my eyes drawn in and wandering all over without getting bored. I know for a fact I could sit in front of this enjoying it for a really long time without getting distracted from the outside world. The balance of plants/hardscape and negative space is really well done here.