The Iwagumi Zen Sanctuary
IwagumiIntermediate
The Iwagumi Zen Sanctuary
"Experience pure serenity with this Iwagumi-inspired masterpiece. This design transforms a 5-gallon tank into a miniature mountain range, where your Betta acts as the majestic guardian of the peaks. The vibrant Red Root Floaters provide a stunning crimson contrast to the emerald Monte Carlo carpet, while the Seiryu stones offer natural ridges for your Betta to claim as its own tranquil territory."
Minimum Tank Size
Standard 5g (16x8x10 inches)
Volume
5 gal
Water Parameters
75°F-77°F
6.5-7.5 pH
Substrate
ADA Amazonia Ver.2 Active Soil
Hardscape Components
Seiryu StoneMain focal stone slightly left of center with two smaller support stones
Fauna Inventory
Crowntail Betta
Fish
1x
Middle to Upper water column
Amano Shrimp
Invertebrate
2x
Substrate and Hardscape
Flora Inventory
Monte Carlo
Carpeting plant
3 pots
Foreground and Midground
Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)
Floating plant
1 handful portion
Water surface
The Iwagumi Zen Sanctuary
Iwagumi Aquascape Plan
aquascaping.ai
January 15, 2026
"Experience pure serenity with this Iwagumi-inspired masterpiece. This design transforms a 5-gallon tank into a miniature mountain range, where your Betta acts as the majestic guardian of the peaks. The vibrant Red Root Floaters provide a stunning crimson contrast to the emerald Monte Carlo carpet, while the Seiryu stones offer natural ridges for your Betta to claim as its own tranquil territory."
TankStandard 5g (16x8x10 inches) (5 gal)
Parameters75-77°F • pH 6.5-7.5
DifficultyIntermediate
Fauna
- 1x Crowntail Betta
- 2x Amano Shrimp
Flora
- 3 pots Monte Carlo
- 1 handful portion Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)
Shopping List
Tank & Supplies
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Gallon Rimless Glass Aquarium- Standard 16x8x10 inch dimensions are ideal for this Iwagumi layout. | 1 | $40.00 - $65.00 | |
| Low-flow Nano Sponge Filter- Gentle filtration is necessary to prevent fin damage for the Crowntail Betta. | 1 | $8.00 - $12.00 | |
| 50W Adjustable Submersible Heater- Crucial for maintaining a stable temperature between 75-80°F. | 1 | $15.00 - $25.00 | |
| CO2 Injection System (Pressurized or Bio)- Required for Monte Carlo to form a dense, healthy carpet in this setup. | 1 kit | $50.00 - $150.00 | |
| Full-spectrum LED Aquarium Light- High light intensity is needed for the Red Root Floaters and Monte Carlo. | 1 | $35.00 - $75.00 | |
| ADA Amazonia Ver.2 Active Soil- Provides the essential nutrients and pH buffering for the carpet plants. | 3L Bag | $25.00 | |
| Water Conditioner (e.g., Seachem Prime)- Essential for neutralizing chlorine during water changes. | 1 bottle | $10.00 | |
| Aquascaping Tool Set (Tweezers/Scissors)- Highly recommended for precise planting of carpeting species. | 1 set | $15.00 - $30.00 |
Hardscape
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seiryu Stone- Select one large focal stone and 2-3 smaller support stones. Ensure edges are not too sharp. | 5-7 lbs | $25.00 - $40.00 |
Flora
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Carlo (Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo')- Split into small plugs and plant 1 inch apart to facilitate carpeting. | 3 pots | $24.00 | |
| Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)- Redness increases with high light and low nitrates. | 1 handful portion | $12.00 |
Fauna
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowntail Betta- The centerpiece fish. Add only after the tank is fully cycled. | 1 | $15.00 - $30.00 | |
| Amano Shrimp- Excellent for keeping the Monte Carlo carpet free of hair algae. | 2 | $10.00 |
Setup Guide
Substrate and Stone Placement
Day 1- Thoroughly rinse the 5-gallon tank with water only; place on a level, supportive surface.
- Add ADA Amazonia Ver.2 substrate, sloping it from 1 inch in the front to 3 inches in the back to create depth.
- Position the main Seiryu Stone slightly left of center, ensuring it is securely buried in the soil so it won't shift.
- Place the two smaller support stones around the base of the main stone to create a natural, mountain-like cluster.
- Use a small brush to level the soil around the stones and ensure the 'path' in the foreground is clear.
Tip: Place the stones with their 'grain' or textures pointing in the same direction for a more cohesive, natural look.
Establishing the Carpet
Day 1- Mist the substrate with a spray bottle to make planting easier and prevent the soil from floating.
- Divide the 3 pots of Monte Carlo into small 0.5-inch plugs using aquascaping tweezers.
- Plant the plugs 1 inch apart across the foreground and midground, pushing them deep into the soil.
- Place a plastic bag or plate over the substrate and slowly fill the tank with dechlorinated water to avoid disturbing the plants.
- Install the sponge filter, 50W heater (set to 78°F), and the CO2 system; set the CO2 to 1-2 bubbles per second.
Tip: Monte Carlo needs high CO2 and light immediately to prevent melting and encourage horizontal runners.
Water Stability & Red Root Floaters
Weeks 1-4- Perform 50% water changes every 2 days for the first week to manage the ammonia leeching from the ADA soil.
- Introduce the Red Root Floaters to the surface; ensure the sponge filter's bubbles aren't splashing them excessively.
- Set the LED light on a timer for 6-8 hours a day; run CO2 only when lights are on.
- Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels using a liquid test kit every 3 days.
- Trim any browning Monte Carlo leaves to encourage new, submerged-grown leaves to emerge.
Tip: ADA Amazonia is nutrient-rich; if you see green hair algae, reduce lighting duration by 1 hour.
Introducing the Inhabitants
Month 1+- Verify that ammonia and nitrite are consistently at 0ppm and nitrates are below 20ppm.
- Drip acclimate the 2 Amano Shrimp over 60 minutes to ensure they adjust to the water chemistry.
- Release the Crowntail Betta into the tank after floating his bag for 20 minutes to equalize the temperature.
- Check that the heater is maintaining a steady temperature between 75°F and 80°F.
- Observe the Betta to ensure his fins aren't catching on any sharp edges of the Seiryu stone.
Tip: If the Betta's fins seem sensitive to the stone, you can lightly sand down any particularly sharp points on the Seiryu before adding him.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily
Daily Feeding and Environment Audit
Feed the Crowntail Betta 2-3 high-quality pellets. Verify the heater is maintaining a temperature between 75°F and 80°F and ensure the CO2 drop checker is lime green for the Monte Carlo.
Weekly
Water Change and Surface Maintenance
Perform a 25% water change using a dechlorinator. Thin out the Red Root Floaters to ensure light can penetrate to the Monte Carlo carpet and remove any floating debris.
Algae and Stone Maintenance
Wipe the interior glass and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the Seiryu stones. This prevents algae buildup and keeps the gray textures of the hardscape sharp and clean.
Monthly
Monte Carlo Sculpting
Trim the Monte Carlo carpet with curved aquascaping shears. Pruning regularly prevents the bottom layers from losing light and detaching from the ADA Amazonia soil.
Sponge Filter Service
Rinse the sponge filter in a bucket of siphoned tank water. This preserves the beneficial bacteria colonies while removing organic waste to keep the water crystal clear.
Equipment and CO2 Inspection
Check the CO2 tank pressure and refill if necessary. Inspect the 50W heater for any signs of calcification or wear, and ensure the sponge filter's air pump is running quietly.
Generated by Fish Advisor AI