The Zen Stone Meadow
IwagumiIntermediate
The Zen Stone Meadow
"Achieve a high-end designer look on a budget. By using striking gray stones and a simple green 'meadow' of pearl weed, you can create a peaceful, zen-like retreat that fits perfectly on a desk or side table. It is the most sophisticated way to showcase your guppies' bright colors."
Minimum Tank Size
5g Nano Cube (10x10x10)
Volume
5 gal
Water Parameters
72°F-80°F
7-7.5 pH
Substrate
Active Aqua Soil (e.g., Fluval Stratum)
Hardscape Components
Seiryu StoneOne large 'Father' stone off-center, two smaller support stones
Fauna Inventory
Fancy Guppy
Livebearer
3x
Entire water column
Nerite Snail
Invertebrate
1x
Glass and stones
Flora Inventory
Pearl Weed
Stem/Carpeting
4 pots
Foreground and midground
Cryptocoryne Parva
Rosette
2 pots
Base of stones
The Zen Stone Meadow
Iwagumi Aquascape Plan
aquascaping.ai
March 2, 2026
"Achieve a high-end designer look on a budget. By using striking gray stones and a simple green 'meadow' of pearl weed, you can create a peaceful, zen-like retreat that fits perfectly on a desk or side table. It is the most sophisticated way to showcase your guppies' bright colors."
Tank5g Nano Cube (10x10x10) (5 gal)
Parameters72-80°F • pH 7-7.5
DifficultyIntermediate
Fauna
- 3x Fancy Guppy
- 1x Nerite Snail
Flora
- 4 pots Pearl Weed
- 2 pots Cryptocoryne Parva
Shopping List
Tank & Supplies
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Gallon Nano Cube Glass Tank- Standard 10x10x10 inch dimensions provide a clean, modern look. | 1 unit | $30.00 | |
| Small Hang-on-back (HOB) Filter- Choose one with adjustable flow to prevent tossing small guppies around. | 1 unit | $15.00 | |
| Nano LED Clip Light- Look for 6500K daylight spectrum to ensure the pearl weed grows thick. | 1 unit | $18.00 | |
| 25W Adjustable Heater- Keep the water stable between 72°F and 82°F for the guppies. | 1 unit | $12.00 | |
| Active Aqua Soil (e.g., Fluval Stratum)- Provides nutrients for the plants and maintains a slightly acidic pH. | 4lb bag | $16.00 | |
| Water Conditioner / Dechlorinator- Essential for making tap water safe before adding fish. | 1 small bottle | $6.00 |
Hardscape
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seiryu Stone Set- Include one large 'Father' stone and two smaller supporting stones. | 3 pieces | $20.00 |
Flora
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Weed- Plant in small clumps across the foreground to create the meadow. | 4 pots | $24.00 | |
| Cryptocoryne Parva- Place at the base of the stones for a natural transition. | 2 pots | $14.00 |
Fauna
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fancy Guppy- Being provided by user from their current pregnant guppy's brood. | 3 count | $0.00 | |
| Nerite Snail- Excellent for keeping the Seiryu stones clean of algae. | 1 count | $3.50 |
Setup Guide
Setting the Zen Base
Day 1- Position the empty 5-gallon cube on a level surface away from direct sunlight.
- Add the Active Aqua Soil, creating a slope from 1 inch in the front to 3 inches at the back to create depth.
- Place the largest 'Father' Seiryu stone slightly off-center using the rule of thirds.
- Nestle the two smaller support stones around the base of the main stone to create a natural rock formation.
- Install the 25W heater and HOB filter, but do not plug them in yet.
Tip: Use a soft brush to smooth the soil and ensure the stones are buried slightly so they look like they are 'growing' out of the ground.
Planting the Meadow
Day 1- Lightly mist the soil and stones with dechlorinated water to keep everything damp.
- Separate the Pearl Weed into small 1-inch clumps and plant them across the foreground using tweezers.
- Tuck the Cryptocoryne Parva into the crevices where the stones meet the soil.
- Place a paper towel over the hardscape and slowly pour water over it to avoid disturbing the soil.
- Treat the water with a dechlorinator and start the filter and heater (set to 78°F).
Tip: Planting densely from the start helps prevent algae. Don't be afraid to cut the Pearl Weed stems short to encourage horizontal growth.
Establishing Biology
Weeks 1-3- Run the Nano LED Clip Light for 6 hours daily to start plant growth.
- Perform 50% water changes twice a week to remove excess nutrients leached by the new soil.
- Add a tiny pinch of fish food every other day to provide an ammonia source for beneficial bacteria.
- Test water weekly for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels.
Tip: If the water looks cloudy, don't panic; this is a normal bacterial bloom and will clear up as the tank balances.
Introducing Inhabitants
Week 4- Verify water parameters: Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrates under 20ppm.
- Drip acclimate the Nerite Snail for 30 minutes before adding it to the tank.
- Acclimate the 3 Fancy Guppies by floating their bag for 15 minutes, then slowly adding tank water to the bag before releasing them.
- Give the Pearl Weed its first 'haircut' by trimming the tops to encourage the carpet to fill in gaps.
Tip: Since this is a small 5-gallon volume, avoid overfeeding to keep the water quality stable for your new guppies.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily
Feeding and Observation
Feed the guppies small amounts of high-quality flakes or pellets. Observe the tank for 5 minutes to ensure the guppies are active and the Nerite snail is mobile. Check that the heater is maintaining the water between 72°F and 82°F.
Weekly
Water Change and Siphoning
Replace 20-30% of the water with conditioned, temperature-matched water. Use a small siphon to gently remove debris from the top of the Pearl Weed carpet without uprooting the delicate stems.
Pearl Weed Scaping
Trim the Pearl Weed aggressively with sharp scissors to keep it at a height of 1-2 inches. This encourages lateral growth and maintains the 'meadow' aesthetic. Remove all floating clippings immediately.
Water Parameter Testing
Test pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels. Ensure the Seiryu stones aren't pushing the pH above 8.0, and keep Nitrates below 20ppm to prevent algae outbreaks on the stones.
Monthly
HOB Filter Maintenance
Rinse the filter sponge in a container of tank water to remove sludge while preserving beneficial bacteria. Check the impeller for any debris or plant matter that might reduce flow.
Hardscape and Glass Detail
Wipe the interior glass with a sponge. Use a clean, soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surfaces of the Seiryu stones if any green spot algae or diatoms have begun to form.
Cryptocoryne Maintenance
Inspect the Cryptocoryne Parva at the base of the stones. Remove any yellowing or melting leaves to prevent decay and encourage the slow-growing plant to establish its root system.
Generated by Fish Advisor AI