CalmSeasQuest's 12G Long Iwagumi

[ThatGuyWithTheFish]

Remember the golden rule of iwagumi though, the oyaishi, largest, stone is placed at 2/3 the length and 2/3 the height of the tank. That is, of course, if you want to be strict about iwagumi.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by theblondskeleton

That's much better! Wow, way to take in critique and apply it in your own way - the best artists are able to do that with ease Everything looks very balanced and natural, with the exception of the tallest stone. It's just a little too vertical. Maybe play with it a touch? As long as it doesn't cost you any height, it should smooth out the lines of the composition. You are very close to a winner, here!

Thanks very much I did further "tighten" the 2 groupings slightly and tilt/lower the tallest stone - I'll post pics tomorrow.

Originally Posted by talontsiawd

I really like the last one. Their is room for some tweaking (I would consider moving the 3 left stones over just a tad and maybe turn the left stone in the right group a bit) but I think you could easily start the tank as is and just move things as you see fit, especially if you are still considering a dry start.

Did it - Pics on the morrow

Originally Posted by sayurasem

nice nice, when its going to be planted?

Planted??? Are you nuts? You think, that after all this work getting these stones juuuuust right, I would consider messing up the whole thing by adding water and plants?!!??

Truthfully, I've barely even starting thinking about plants other than limiting selection to just few varieties - all forground.

Originally Posted by ThatGuyWithTheFish

Remember the golden rule of iwagumi though, the oyaishi, largest, stone is placed at 2/3 the length and 2/3 the height of the tank. That is, of course, if you want to be strict about iwagumi.

After the last tweaks, I might be close on the 2/3 length - but with a tank that is only 9 inches deep (before adding substrate) the 2/3 height isn't likely to happen. IIRC, roughly translated Iwagumi means "rock formation" Well.. I got rocks and they are, by some sense of the word in a formation - ergo Iwagumi

[CalmSeasQuest]

For the record - I really like what this has evolved into - although I can't take much credit for it. It's more a product of the many suggestion and comments that everyone has taken the time to provide - Thank You!

• I shifted the left grouping to the right so the oyaishi sits precisely 12" from the left wall of the tank (1/3 of the tank length.)
  
• I tightened the intra-stone spacing in the the groups
  
• Although it shows poorly in the photographs, I created a ridge that runs the length of the tank, and gently arcs from the front-left corner to the right rear corner. I think this provides a "connection" between the groupings despite their distance.
  
• Strangely enough, the most challenging stone to place was the small "bump" stone that sits by itself. I must have moved, rotated and tried removing that stone a thousand time. Without it - the separation of the groups seemed to "contrived". I'm curious to see everyone's opinion.

Sorry for all the reflections - I was short on time this morning...

[mattycakesclark]

I like the tank stain, similar to my aimless stand. Looks great, I like the color of the substrate against the rocks.

[theblondskeleton]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

For the record - I really like what this has evolved into - although I can't take much credit for it. It's more a product of the many suggestion and comments that everyone has taken the time to provide - Thank You!

Of course you can - the critique we have given are just techniques. Even the 1/3 "rule" is just a guideline. Technique is about more clearly executing your intent. The intent is always yours. Ultimately, you are responsible for the decisions that create your scape. Take some credit for the quality of your work! Though, you're welcome for the critique Looks great!

[sayurasem]

update please!

[bigstick120]

Any updates on the tank?

Thanks for posting the PAR data, any new with it filled? Im looking to get this fixture for my 12G long.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by sayurasem

update please!

Originally Posted by bigstick120

Any updates on the tank?

Thanks for posting the PAR data, any new with it filled? Im looking to get this fixture for my 12G long.

Sorry all, business demands have severely limited my "tank time" over the past 6 months.

My storage cabinet is now full of the needed freshwater and ADA "parts and pieces" I just haven't had time to complete this build.

I have the tank lighted and on it's stand behind a sofa in my living room...





This is still the mock-up tank. The actual build will use multiple substrates and substrate-additives. I also frosted the back of the tank that will eventually be used - I just haven't had time to do the transfer

Even without water or any life whatsoever....I find it beautiful. It's one of my favorite things in the room.

[Gotcha38]

What happened to the frosted backing on this tank?

[dudebro]

This looks great so far. Really looking forward to more.

My next tank will probably be a 12 gallon long. Subscribed.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by Gotcha38

What happened to the frosted backing on this tank?

This is still the mock-up tank. The actual build will use multiple substrates and substrate-additives. I also frosted the back of the tank that will eventually be used - I just haven't had time to do the transfer

Even though it's still dry without anything growing in it - I really love this tank.

[bluestems]

The evolution to this tank has been inspiring... really nice! The final layout looks great

What plantings are you considering, and I might have missed it, but what are you planning for filtration?

Looking forward to seeing it filled.

ps- on the etching, would you say it would be difficult to install on an existing tank that's filled?

[walluby]

I think the rock that is pointing straight up to the
sky needs to be angled. I think left would look
better than right.

Jeff

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by bluestems

The evolution to this tank has been inspiring... really nice! The final layout looks great

What plantings are you considering, and I might have missed it, but what are you planning for filtration?

Looking forward to seeing it filled.

ps- on the etching, would you say it would be difficult to install on an existing tank that's filled?

Thanks - The etching is very easy to install, it's just a vinyl cling film and it looks great.

While I haven't made any progress on this tank, I am rebuiliding the 12 long reef that sits on my desk. I placed a few more corals in the tank today - most haven't opened yet and few are in their final locations - but here are a couple of quick cell-cam photos...





The photos are poor and don't show the wide variety of colors of the various Gorgs which includes pinks, purples and golds.