Iwagumi Aquascaping Guide

Master the minimalist, rock-focused Iwagumi style and its strict compositional rules.

What is Iwagumi?

Iwagumi is a minimalist Japanese style built around an odd number of carefully placed stones, with a simple carpet of one or two plant species.

The stones

A traditional Iwagumi uses a main stone (Oyaishi) and supporting stones following the golden ratio. Carpeting plants like Monte Carlo or dwarf hairgrass complete the serene look, demanding high light and CO2.