When it comes to aquascaping, few materials are as striking and versatile as Dragon Stone. Known for its rugged texture, earthy tones, and natural crevices, Dragon Stone (scientifically referred to as Ohko Stone) has become a staple in planted aquariums worldwide. It is especially popular in Iwagumi-style aquascapes, where stones form the central focus of the layout.

This long-form guide will cover everything you need to know about using Dragon Stone in your aquarium—from its origin and appearance to setup, aquascaping techniques, and maintenance tips. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquascaper, this article will help you design a beautiful and thriving Dragon Stone aquarium.

What is Dragon Stone?

Dragon Stone, also known as Ohko Stone, is a type of clay-based rock that is widely used in aquascaping. It originates primarily from Japan and Southeast Asia and is prized for its dragon-scale-like texture that gives it its name.

Key Features of Dragon Stone:

• Appearance: Brownish-green with layered, cracked surfaces resembling dragon scales.
• Weight: Lightweight compared to other aquascaping rocks.
• Composition: Clay-based, making it softer and easier to shape.
• Aquarium Safe: Does not alter water chemistry significantly.
• Texture: Crevices and holes that mimic natural landscapes and provide shelter for fish and shrimp.

Why Choose Dragon Stone for Your Aquarium?

Dragon Stone is one of the most sought-after aquascaping materials for several reasons:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Its rugged texture creates a dramatic, natural look.
2. Safe for Aquariums: Unlike limestone, it does not drastically alter pH or hardness.
3. Versatility: Works well in both minimalist and heavily planted aquascapes.
4. Shrimp-Friendly: Its porous surface provides grazing areas for shrimp.
5. Customizable: Easy to break into smaller pieces to fit your aquascape.
6. Popular in Iwagumi Layouts: The perfect stone for Japanese-inspired aquascaping styles.

Preparing Dragon Stone for Aquariums

Before adding Dragon Stone to your tank, proper preparation is essential:

Step 1: Rinse Thoroughly

Dragon Stone often comes with clay dust and debris. Rinse under running water until it runs clear.

Step 2: Scrub Surfaces

Use a brush to remove excess dirt and loose particles from crevices.

Step 3: Soak Before Use

• Soak in a bucket of water for 24–48 hours.
• This helps release remaining clay dust and prevents clouding your aquarium water.

Step 4: Test Placement

Arrange stones outside the tank first to experiment with layouts before finalizing.

Ideal Tank Setup for Dragon Stone Aquarium

Tank Size

• Works in tanks of all sizes, from nano aquariums (10 gallons) to large 100+ gallon displays.
• Iwagumi layouts often look best in medium to large aquariums.

Substrate

• Fine-grain aquasoil or sand complements Dragon Stone well.
• Dark substrates enhance the contrast of the stone’s earthy colors.

Lighting

• Depends on whether you are keeping live plants.
• For aquascaping with plants: medium to high lighting (8–10 hours/day) is ideal.

Filtration & Flow

• Good filtration is recommended to maintain water clarity, especially in heavily planted setups.
• Gentle to moderate flow prevents detritus buildup in stone crevices.

Water Parameters

Dragon Stone is inert and does not significantly affect water chemistry.

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Aquascaping with Dragon Stone

Dragon Stone is especially popular in Iwagumi aquascaping, a minimalist Japanese style that focuses on stone arrangements.

Principles of Iwagumi Layout:

1. Main Stone (Oyaishi): The largest stone, placed slightly off-center.
2. Supporting Stones (Fukuishi): Smaller stones placed around the main stone.
3. Secondary Stones (Soeishi & Suteishi): Additional stones for balance and depth.

Tips for Aquascaping with Dragon Stone:

• Use odd numbers of stones (3, 5, 7) for a natural look.
• Place stones at angles rather than upright for realism.
• Create depth by arranging larger stones at the front and smaller ones toward the back.
• Combine with carpeting plants like Dwarf Hairgrass, Monte Carlo, or Glossostigma to simulate grassy landscapes.

Plants That Pair Well with Dragon Stone

Dragon Stone’s earthy tones make it versatile for a variety of aquatic plants:

Carpeting Plants

• Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis sp.)
• Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei)
• Glossostigma elatinoides

Midground Plants

• Cryptocoryne species
• Staurogyne repens
• Anubias nana petite (attached to stone crevices)

Background Plants

• Rotala rotundifolia
• Ludwigia repens
• Vallisneria

Fish & Shrimp for Dragon Stone Aquariums

The crevices and rugged surfaces of Dragon Stone provide excellent hiding and grazing areas for fish and invertebrates.

Best Fish Choices

• Tetras (Neon, Ember, Cardinal)
• Rasboras
• Guppies
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Otocinclus Catfish

Shrimp & Snails

• Cherry Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp
• Nerite Snails

Avoid large or aggressive fish like Cichlids and Goldfish, which may dislodge stones or uproot plants.

Benefits of Using Dragon Stone in Aquariums

1. Natural Aquascape Look: Creates a realistic, earthy environment.
2. Safe for Fish & Plants: Does not significantly alter water chemistry.
3. Customizable: Lightweight and easy to shape.
4. Hiding Places: Crevices provide shelter for fry, shrimp, and shy fish.
5. Algae Grazing Surface: Ideal for shrimp and snails to feed on biofilm.

Common Problems with Dragon Stone

1. Clay Residue in Water
   • Initial cloudiness if not rinsed properly.
   • Solution: Thoroughly rinse and soak before use.
2. Algae Growth
   • Rough texture can accumulate algae.
   • Solution: Introduce algae-eating species and control lighting.
3. Placement Stability
   • Lightweight stones may shift if not secured.
   • Solution: Bury base in substrate or use aquarium-safe glue.

Maintenance Tips for Dragon Stone Aquarium

• Perform weekly water changes (20–30%) to prevent algae buildup.
• Use a siphon to clean debris from stone crevices.
• Trim plants regularly to prevent overgrowth and maintain visibility of stones.
• Scrub algae from stones gently with a brush if necessary.

Dragon Stone vs Other Aquarium Stones

Is Dragon Stone Suitable for Beginners?

Yes! Dragon Stone is beginner-friendly because it is safe for fish, easy to arrange, and requires minimal maintenance. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to handle, and its aesthetic appeal enhances any aquarium.

Conclusion

A Dragon Stone aquarium combines natural beauty, versatility, and functionality. With its unique dragon-scale texture, earthy tones, and adaptability, Dragon Stone is one of the best aquascaping materials available. Whether you’re building an Iwagumi-style aquascape or simply want to add texture and depth to your planted tank, Dragon Stone provides endless creative possibilities.

With proper preparation, thoughtful arrangement, and regular maintenance, Dragon Stone can transform your aquarium into a breathtaking underwater landscape.

FAQs About Dragon Stone Aquarium

Q1. Is Dragon Stone safe for aquariums?
Yes, Dragon Stone is aquarium-safe and does not significantly alter water chemistry.

Q2. Does Dragon Stone raise pH?
No, unlike Seiryu stone, Dragon Stone does not raise pH or hardness.

Q3. How do I prepare Dragon Stone for my tank?
Rinse, scrub, and soak for 24–48 hours before placing it in the aquarium.

Q4. Can Dragon Stone be used in shrimp tanks?
Yes, it is shrimp-friendly and provides grazing surfaces for biofilm.

Q5. What plants grow best with Dragon Stone?
Carpeting plants like Monte Carlo, dwarf hairgrass, and midground plants like Cryptocoryne pair beautifully.

Q6. Is Dragon Stone heavy?
No, it is relatively lightweight compared to other aquarium stones.

Q7. Does Dragon Stone need special lighting?
No, lighting depends on the plants you choose, not the stone itself.

Q8. How do I prevent algae on Dragon Stone?
Maintain water quality, limit lighting to 8–10 hours, and add algae eaters.

Q9. Can I break Dragon Stone into smaller pieces?
Yes, being clay-based, it can be broken to suit your aquascape design.

Q10. Is Dragon Stone good for Iwagumi aquascapes?
Absolutely! It is one of the most popular choices for Iwagumi layouts.