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This is a quick aquascape journal by James Findley for a Wabi Kusa using a TGM Substrate Ball. There is a full documentary video of this coming soon, but in the mean time have a quick look at this for some inspiration!

1. Preparing your TGM Substrate Ball

The Inspiration...

James wanted to create an original, modern Andy Warhol, pop-art style of Nature Aquarium. To do this, he used the ADA Sado-Akadama Stone  which has a lovely red colour, and the ADA Aqua Screen in Clear Green because red and green are at opposite ends of the colour spectrum and therefore create a very dramatic contrast, like blue and orange or purple and yellow do.

At first, James was not sure about the Aqua Screen but as this aquascape has grown in he has been very pleased with it and is excited about the opportunities it provides for originality.

This aquascape reflects the artistic nature of aquascaping, and the way in which there are an endless range of styles and influences for the aquascaper to draw upon.

The Aquasscape...

The full video will feature detailed explanations of James' inspiration, techniques and planting tips.

Skip to the bottom of this page to see full 'grown in' photo coverage.

On November 14th 2012 James Findley performed an aquascaping demonstration to delegates at the National Aquarium Workshop (NAW) 2012. The even was held at Blue Planet Aquarium near Chester, UK.

Professional aquarists from across the nation traveled to the event. Among the crowd were representatives from many public aquaria who came together for this special event. Having so many professionals under one roof resulted in an excellent atmosphere!

James transported Five Stones Aquascape to the event as an example of a mature, grown-in tank.

Over the course of two sessions, he introduced the aquascaping concept and talked the audience through what he was doing as he set up an Iwagumi style layout.

A question/answer session followed with many enthusiastic budding and experienced aquascapers.

After the event the aquarium was transported back to The Green Machine in Wrexham where it will be maintained as a public display. Come and see how our latest display is growing in!

Here are some pictures from the event-