Pewter Bound

Brazilian Style Iwagumi planted aquarium with live aquatic plants in UNS 60U by Glass Aqua

Ultum Nature Systems 60U Brazilian Style Iwagumi Aquascape Planted Aquarium Tank

We’ll always have a soft spot for traditional aquascaping. Classic Iwagumi layouts, nature aquarium style, and planting choices that feel safe and familiar. It’s what we naturally gravitate toward.But every now and then, we like to push ourselves.

This next build is a rougher Iwagumi inspired by Brazilian-style aquascaping, featuring bold Manten Stone for a more dramatic look. It’s not the easiest stone to work with. The sharp angles and strong contrast make it tricky to balance. You often end up choosing between highlighting the geometry or the texture, and showing both well is the real challenge.

For this one, we’re letting the plant choices do the rest. Over time, they’ll soften the hardscape, tie everything together, and ultimately complete the scape.

TANK MODEL	Ultum Nature Systems 60U
Tank Volume	20.5 Gallons
Tank Dimensions	23.62x14.17x14.17 in
Filtration	Ultum Nature Systems Delta 90 Aquario Neo Media Pure Ultum Nature Systems Pro Filter Tubing 1/2" Ultum Nature Systems Delta Mini
Lighting	ONF Flat One+
CO2	Ultum Nature Systems Pro CO2 Regulator Ultum Nature Systems Pro Cylinder 5 Ultum Nature Systems Pro Inline CO2 Diffuser
Substrate	Aquario Neo Soil Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Mojave Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe
Hardscape	Ancient Stone
Accessories	Ultum Nature Systems Atmos LED Background Light
Plant List	Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ Rotala sp. ‘Goiás’ Mayaca Fluviatilis Myriophyllum sp. ‘Guyana Mini’ Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ Rotala sp. ‘Bangladesh’ Limnophila sp. ‘Vietnam Mini’ Rotala rotundifolia ‘Colorata’ Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’