23L Iwagumi Journal - Lots of Pics

This is my first attempt and an Iwagumi style rock layout. After browsing through many forums and seeing many scapes done by Takashi Amano with rocks, I just couldnt resist starting a new project!

Tank:
Aqua one Horizon 40cm x 23cm x 25cm

Filter:
Tom Rapid's Nano Canister filter

Lighting:
2x 24w 7800k Power Compact Fluorescent

Co2:
Pressurised via wooden airstone diffuser, 2bps

Substrate:
ADA Africana Aquasoil, powder form

Plants:
HC
Hairgrass

The beginning:

First started with the hardscape. Added 3L of ADA soil first, creating a slope and laying out red rock to form a neat Iwagumi design. I intend to plant just HC and hairgrass, to create a green hilly effect.






Then layout the tools, plants and anything else you might need.


Here is a piece of emerged HC I have been leaving in an established tank to float for a week. During this time, I have noticed good submerse transition and stem growth of 1-1.5cms.





Next step was to break the HC in little portions so you can work on them easier.





Before planting, use a mist spray to wet the soil. This makes planting much much easier.



Using a pair of long tweezers, I pinched 4-5 stems of HC approx 2.5-3cm long.


I planted them approximately 2cm apart in little patches.


2 hours later and almost losing my sanity, finally finished planting HC. If I could rate the difficulty, i'd rate it 8/10! They are really really small!

I then planted the hairgrass.


Planting done.


I added water slowly carefully, trying not to disturb the soft aquasoil.




My back is killing me now, time for rest. More updates to come soon.