Which fertilizer is best for an Iwagumi Style aquarium?Updated a month ago

In an Iwagumi, the top priority is keeping the hardscape and delicate carpet algae free. Compared to aquascapes that make use of larger, more robust plants, Iwagumi layouts are lightly planted by comparison.

We recommend APT 1 in combination with a rich substrate, such as APT Feast. Root feeding the carpet through a rich substrate and keeping the water column low in Nitrogen/Phosphorus minimizes triggering algae.

Iwagumi setups should also use lower light levels to avoid triggering algae. All carpeting plants used in planted aquariums such as Dwarf hairgrass and Monte carlo can spread with just 40-50umols of PAR at the substrate level as long as CO2 levels are adequate.

Check out our comprehensive Iwagumi guide here:

https://www.2hraquarist.com/blogs/hot-topics/2hr-guide-to-iwagumi

In this tank APT1 is used in combination with aquasoil in the planted areas of the tank.

Read our guide to Easy Iwagumi the 2Hr Way.