Aquarium Construction - Part 2

Aquarium Biotopes :

Biotope is an area of uniform environmental conditions providing a living place for a specific assemblage of plants and animals. Biotope is almost synonymous with the term habitat, which is more commonly used in English-speaking countries. However, in some countries these two terms are distinguished: the subject of a habitat is a population, the subject of a biotope is a biocoenosis orbiological community.

The term "biotope" is also used by aquarium hobbyists to describe an aquarium setup that tries to simulate the natural habitat of specific fish. The idea is to replicate conditions such as water parameters, natural plants, water type (fresh, saline or brackish), lighting, and to include other native fish which usually live together in nature and as such, represent a particular real-world biotope. An example of one South Americanbiotope type might be lots of bog-wood, a few native plants, dark substrata and subdued lighting with floating plants, along with marbled hatchets, angels, cardinals, otos, corys and plecostomus.

AFRICA

African River Rapids
Lake Tanganyika Madagascar Biotope
Lake Malawi West or Central African River
Southern African Swamp

ASIA

Southeast Asian River
Thai Creek Southeast Asian Blackwater Pool
Southeast Asian Mangrove Estuary
Indian/Burmese River

AUSTRALIA

New Guinea River
Northern Australia Rainforest Creek

CENTRAL AMERICA

Cenotes freshwater Cave system in Mexico
Central American Fast-Moving Stream
Central American Mangrove Estuary
Central American Livebearer Habitat
Central American Rocky Lake Central American River

SOUTH AMERICA

South American Whitewater River
South American Clearwater Stream
South American Blackwater Creek
South American Blackwater Stream
Amazon stream biotope aquarium, a freshwater habitat in Peru
Amazon oxbow lake biotope aquarium, a freshwater habitat in Peru
Freshwater fish habitats in the rainforest of Peru

AFRICA:

*Lake Tanganyika :

WATER:
pH: 7.8-9.0, 12-20 dH, 75-82 F (24-28 C)

TANK:
A rocky set-up, complete with caves and ledges is recommended.
The substrate should be fine gravel or sand, scattered with snail shells.
Use an efficient filter that creates little water current.
Make frequent water changes since Lake Tanganyika species are especially sensitive to water pollutants.

PLANTS:
Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the biotope rules.

FISH:
Lake Tanganyika cichlids including snail shell-dwellers, Synodontis, Afromastacembelus eels, Tanganyika Rainbowfish.

AFRICA:

* Lake Malawi :

WATER:

pH 7.8-8.6, 6-10 dH, 72-82 F (23-28 C)

TANK:
Please see the description on Lake Malawi cichlids for details.

PLANTS:
Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the biotope rules.

FISH:
Lake Malawi cichlids (Mbuna, Peacock cichlids, Others), Synodontis

AFRICA:

* African River Rapids :

The Zaire (Congo) River is the second largest river system in terms of volume. This mighty river drains much of West and Central Africa. Along its 2800 miles, the Zaire River moves through many environments including over 200 miles of rapids and cataracts. This rapid region is the inspiration for this biotope aquarium, although similar environments exist in other African rivers.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Congo_Zaire, Agnebi, Bandama River, Benue River, Bia River, Buba River, Casamance River, Cross River, Gambia River, Kariba, Little Scarcies, Niger River, Ogun River, Rokel, Saint John, Saint Paul, Saloum, Senegal River, Volta, Weme, Comoé River, Corubal River, Ebrie, Fatala, Geba, Kainji Lake, Kogon, Kolente, Konkoure, Loffa, Mano, Mao, Mono River, Nipoue, Pra, Sassandra, Sewa, Tano

WATER:
pH: 7.0-7.5, 6-10 dH, 77-81 F (25-27 C)

TANK:
The water in this habitat is highly oxygenated due to the turbulence created by the rapids -- therefore the water in the aquarium should be well-aerated. Leave plenty of open swimming area, but use some large rocks. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand. To create water current, place a spray bar from a canister filter, or a strong circulating pump at one end of the aquarium.

PLANTS:
Because of the strong water current, the rapids are not a hospitable place for plants.
In the aquarium, plants can be used if they well anchored or protected from the current.
Plants suitable for such an environment include the African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudeloti) and Anubias species.

FISH:
Eutropiellus, Distichodus, Synodontis, Steatocranus, Teleogramma, Lamprologus

AFRICA:

*Southern African Swamp :

The Okavango Delta is among the largest swamps in Africa. The waters support a variety of species and vigorous plant growth making it an ideal subject for a biotope aquarium.

Reedy plants line the shores of waterways and shallow pools. Floating grasses and lilies are found where there is little current. Banks along moving waterways drop off quickly, creating cliff-like formations with overhanging roots. Many fish seek refuge under these root overhangs and inside caves.

WATER:
pH 7.2-7.8, 2-8 dH, 70-75 F (21-24 C)

TANK:
The tank should have fine gravel, sand, or clay for a substrate.
Plant grassy vegetation along with rear and corners of the tank. Use dense leafy vegetation in the center of the aquarium and scattered floating plants (if desired).
Use submerged wood to provide hiding places akin to those created by overhanging roots and clay caves in the natural setting.
The lighting should be bright and the water should be clear. Current should be still to moderate depending on whether the aquariast is amining to recreate a still pool or flowing channel.

PLANTS:
African Water Fern, Ammannia, Marsilea, Eleocharis,Anubias, Nymphaea, Water Lettuce

FISH:
Mormyrids, African tetras, barbs, spiny eels, Haplochromines, Tilapia, Hemichromis, Synodontis, Clarias catfish.
In the neighboring floodplain, annual Killifish can be found.

AFRICA:

* West or Central African River :

West and Central Africa are full of rivers. Some of the better known are the Zaire (Congo), Ubanghi, Niger, and the Gambia.
Within each of these river systems are numerous biotopes -- this description will focus on species found in slow-moving sections and side streams.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Congo_Zaire, Agnebi, Bandama River, Benue River, Bia River, Buba River, Casamance River, Cross River, Gambia River, Kariba, Little Scarcies, Niger River, Ogun River, Rokel, Saint John, Saint Paul, Saloum, Senegal River, Volta, Weme, Comoé River, Corubal River, Ebrie, Fatala, Geba, Kainji Lake, Kogon, Kolente, Konkoure, Loffa, Mano, Mao, Mono River, Nipoue, Pra, Sassandra, Sewa, Tano

WATER:
pH 6.9-7.2, 3-8 dH, 75-81 F (24-27 C)

TANK:
The tank should be furnished with wood for hiding places, and fine gravel or sand for a substrate.
The lighting should be muted, and the water should have a slight current.

PLANTS:
African Water Fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, Eleocharis.

ASIA:

* Southeast Asian River :

Much of Southeast Asia is rainforest and the location for a number of large rivers.
This biotope aquarium simulates a smaller tributary.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Amudar'ya, Chao Praya River, Irrawaddy, Mekong River, Salween , Borneo Rivers

WATER:
pH 6.0-6.5, 2-8 dH, 79-84 F (26-29 C)

TANK:
The tank should be thickly planted with plenty of hiding places among wood and plants.
Use fine gravel or sand as a substrate.

PLANTS:
Crinum, Ceratopteris, Hygrophila, Cryptocoryne, Nymphaea

FISH:
Loaches, Barbs, Danios, Cyprind sharks (Red-tail, Bala, etc.), Pangasius catfish [suitable only for very large tanks], small Asian catfish, Knifefish

1 - Plant :Ceratopteris thalictroides

2 – Plant :Ammannia segalensis

3 – Plant : Bolbitis heudelotii

4 – All types of plants are simple to care of , water chemistry not too complicated

5 – Plant : Ceratopteris thalictroides

6 – Plant :Nymhaea maculate

7 – Roots and wood are not important and rarly available but we need it to grow plant Bolbitis heudelotii which the roots of this plant catch the wood instead of the soil ..

8 - Plant :Anubias nana

9 – Plant : Nymhaea maculate

10 - The soil consist of tiny pebbles

11 - Plant : Elocharis acicularis

12 - Plant : Anubias lanceolata

ASIA:

* Southeast Asian Blackwater Pool :

Creeks and streams originating from deep in the rainforest are often blackwater.
With decaying plant vegetation and few, if any, mineral sources, the water is acidic and very soft.
This environment provides a home to many species of plants and fish.

WATER:
pH 5.5-6.5, 0-4 dH, 81-84 F (27-29 C)

TANK:
The tank should be densely planted with a fine gravel or clay substrate.
Use wood to create hiding places and use peat filtration.
There should be little surface current.

PLANTS:
Cryptocoryne, Nymphaea, Eleocharis

FISH:
Gouramis, Bettas, Rasboras, Loaches, Glass Catfish, Cyprind sharks, Flying Fox

1- Plant: Ceratopteris thalictoides

2 -Plant: Hygrophila polysperma

3 - Plant: Nuphar japonicum

4 - Plant: Cryptocoryne Balansae

5 - A dark bottom with ud and small rocks

6 - Plant:Cryptocoryne wendtii.

7 - Plant: Cryptocoryne nevillii

8 - Reeds can be collected from nearest river or lake .

9 - Plant: Pistia stratiotes

ASIA:

* Southern Thailand Forest Creek :

These stream habitats including :

(1) sunny pools,
(2) shaded shallows and
(3) rocky rapids.
Before going into specific tank setups I will briefly review the habitat ecology. The primary fauna of the creek consists of tadpoles of various sizes [including immense], numerous cyprinds including barbs and danios, pufferfish, and loach-like suckerfish and bottom feeders. Countless frogs on can be found on river banks. Foods available to fish include fallen fruit, small crustaceans, frogs, and insects [aquatic and flying]. The waters are preyed upon by birds, forest cats, snakes, and civits. In some areas forest trees overhang the river creating shaded areas. There are scattered aquatic plants included Vallisneira-like reeds and Crypts. Floating plants are only found in around the edges of sunny pools. Along the banks of the creek are plants that appear tolerant of growing both emersed and submerged [I visited during the dry season].

This part of my trip was a bit of an adventure. One evening I awoke to find a giant scorpion perched on my bare chest, the same day that I also stepped on a coral snake [Calliophis sp.] while trekking through the forest. The presence of both aquatic and terrestrial leaches made taking these photos all the more interesting.

WATER:
Given limited carrying capacity and having destroyed 3 electronic pH testers on Latin American adventures I did not test pH. A roughly neutral pH would be a good starting point for such a tank. The temperature should be 78-84 F.

TANK:
There are a few tank arrangement options depending on the biotope the aquariast is attempting to recreate. The substrate varies from mud to sand to scattered pebbles and river rocks, so sand to coarse gravel is suitable for use in the aquarium. In all setups, use an effective filter that keeps the water clean and crystal clear.

(1) Sunny pool
Use bright lighting and position filter outflows to keep water current to a minimum. Plant reedy vegetation (Vallisneria) in the corners of the tank and scattered bunches of light-loving Cryptocoryne. A few floating plants can be added if desired. A few river rocks can provide refuge for shy species.

(2) Shaded shallow
Use subdued lighting and plants [Vallisneria and Cryptocoryne] tolerant of low light conditions. Place roots and/or driftwood around the edges of the tank. Low to moderate water current.

(3) Rocky rapids
Use bright lighting and position filter outflows to create moderate to strong water current. Use a sand or fine gravel substrate and place several large river rocks around the tank. If plants are desired, use Vallisneria along edges of tank and bunches of smaller robust crypts in center. It is important that plants are tolerant of strong current or protected from the current by river rocks.

PLANTS:
Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria

FISH:
Loaches, freshwater puffers, barbs, danios, and other cyprinds.

1 - Plant : Aponogeton crispus

2 - Plant : Cryptocoryne affinis

3 - Plant : Vesicularia dubyana

4 - drift wood and roots will be low height

5 - slate rocks

ASIA:

* Indian/Burmese River :

Despite India's tremendous population, there are numerous habitats for tropical fish species from the mangroves of Sunderbans to streams in the Himalayan foothills.
Neighboring Burma (Myanmar) shares many of India's interesting species.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Brahmaputra River, Cavally River, Ganges, Indus, Krishna River, Chilka Lake, Chittar River, Godavari, Irrawaddy

WATER:
pH: 7.0-7.7, 6-12 dH, 70-75 F (21-24 C)

TANK:
The tank should have bright lighting, fine gravel or sand, and heavy planting.
Rocks can be used for shelter and hiding places.

PLANTS:
Rotala, Ceratopteris, Aponogeton, Eleocharis, Blyxa

FISH:
Danios, Rosy Barbs, Colisa, Spiny eels, Climbing perches, Badis, Loaches, Gyrinocheilus, Chaca and Glass catfish.

ASIA:

* Southeast Asian Mangrove Estuary :

Mangrove swamps are found through the world where freshwater rivers come in contact with the ocean.
The result is a tidal region with varying salinity and water conditions.
The tides affect some of the types of fish present in the estuary, although fish termed "brackish water species" remain no matter the condition.

WATER:
pH 7.2-8.0, 10-20 dH, 75-82 F (24-28 C), 1.006-1.015 specific gravity.

TANK:
The tank should have a coral sand substrate.
Use wood and roots to recreate the mangrove roots of the swamp.
Use an efficient filtering system, because brackish water fish are heavy eaters, yet sensitive to water pollutants.
One popular brackish-water set-up is to leave the tank only half full with water. A sandy beach is constructed and potted mangrove seedlings grow above the water surface. Such a set-up allows an aquariast to observe unusual behavior from brackish species such as Mudskippers and Archerfish.

PLANTS:
Few plants can tolerate brackish conditions besides the mangrove.
Java Fern appears to be one of the only aquarium plants suitable for a brackish water tank.
Mangrove seedling can be kept in pots as long as the bulk of the plant is out of the water.
The Mangrove will require frequent pruning to keep it small enough for the aquarium.

FISH:
Mudskippers, Archerfish, Scats, Monos, Tiger fish, Puffers, Gobies, Glassfish, Halfbeaks, Arius catfish, and Celebes Rainbowfish.

AUSTRALIA & NEW GUINEA

* Northern Australia Rainforest Creek :

Rivers in the Daintree are highly seasonable -- smaller creeks may nearly dry up in the dry months, leaving scattered pools until rains return. Typically the creeks are boulder-strewn, with river rocks and sand as the substrate. Water current alternates between fast-flowing rapid sections and quiet pools.

WATER:
pH 7-7.5, 10-12 dH, 75-84 F (24-29 C)

TANK:
Use river rocks and a sand substrate. Provide open swimming areas and use a filter that creates current in at least one part of the tank -- rainbowfish are active fish.
Bright lighting, clear water.

PLANTS:
Vallisneria, Aponogeton, Ceratopteris, Bolbitis

FISH:
Rainbowfish, Gobies, Australian Arowana.

AUSTRALIA & NEW GUINEA:

* New Guinea River :

New Guinea has fish fauna unlike that of Southeast Asia.
New Guinea's fish most resemble those of Australia for good reason, millions of years ago they were part of the same land mass.
The dominant species in the aquarium trade from New Guinea are Rainbowfish.

WATER:
pH 6.5-7.1, 4-8 dH, 75-77 F (23-25 C)

TANK:
A tank with large open swimming areas is suggested for rainbowfish.
The tank should have areas of dense vegetation and bright lighting.
Use a sand substrate.

PLANTS:
Vallisneria, Aponogeton, Ceratopteris, Bolbitis

FISH:
Rainbowfish, Gobies, Australian Arowana, Arius catfish

CENTRAL AMERICA

* Central American Fast-Moving Stream, Atlantic Slope :

The substrate is typically boulders and rocks. In pools there is gravel or sand. Tree roots grow down the bank into the river creating ideal hiding places for fish -- especially in deeper pools. Fallen trees trap debruis and form further shelter for larger fish. Streamside vegetation is often submerged when water levels rise and there are aquatic plants in some of the pools.
Read more at http://fish.mongabay.com/biotope_cen_america_atlantic.htm#YpH4DdqOpPx0fBOJ.99

WATER:
pH: 7.0-8.0, 5-14 dH, 75-86 F (24-30 C)
(Test kit lost before readings could be taken)

TANK:
1) A biotope modeled after the rapid section of the stream may be a little on the boring side as fewer fish and even less vegetation are found in this part of the habitat those described below. For the adventurous, direct filter outflows so as the create a strong current and provide plenty of aeration. Use large rocks and gravel as a substrate. If you want plants you can sneak in a couple of current-tolerant Vallisneria. For fish, stick with ....

2) Use roots and or aquarium-suitable wood in one corner of the tank. Plant densely around the sides of the aquarium and scatter some large rocks. The substrate should be sand or fine gravel. Allow algae to grow on rock surfaces. Water current can be minimal to moderate.

3) Use aquarium-suitable wood to create a "shelf" and other hiding places. Use a sand or fine gravel substrate. Add a few floating plants and scattered Vallisneria. Water current should be minimal.

4) To recreate this biotope you can use a 10-20 gallon aquarium. Ideally the substrate would be sand with pieces of flat rock lused to create "walls" at the rear and on the sides of the tank. Let algae grow on the rocks and place a single plant in the corner of the tank. Keep water current to a minimum.

PLANTS:
Sword plants, Heteranthera, Ceratophyllum, Vallisneria, Cabomba

FISH:

Cichlids:
Long fin Cichlid - Amphilophus longimanus (known locally as Carataca or Machaca). "Abounds more in stagnant waters although also found in strong current. Browse on soft bottoms picking up aquatic insects"
Pastel cichlid - Amphilophus alfari. "Inhabits all sections of the river from the fast flowing upper sections to the slower moving lower reaches. Collected between 2 and 1150 m elevation. Prefers sand or mud substrata where it sifts for aquatic insects
Convict cichlid - Archocentrus nigrofasciatus (known locally as Congo) "Inhabits flowing water from small creeks and streams to the shallows of large and fast flowing rivers. Prefers rocky habitats and finds sanctuary in the various cracks and crevices provided by this type of environment, or among roots and debris. Occurs in warm pools of springs and their effluents. Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects, fish and plant matter.
Catfish:
Ariidae catfish find their way upstream from brackish water estuaries.
Schooling Fish:
Some unidentified minnow-like fish. At least one characin is found in somewhat similar habitats in Honduras:
Hyphessobrycon tortuguerae "Inhabits backwaters and creeks with low or moderate current velocity. Found between elevations of 0 to 50 m, insectivore"

Others:
Here are some other species found in and around this habitat:
Alfaro huberi "Inhabits clear, fast-flowing waters"

River goby - Awaous banana "Inhabits clear streams and rivers over sand and gravel, but also found in turbid waters with muddy bottoms. Prefers clear flowing, well oxygenated streams. Feeds mainly on filamentous algae"

Gobiesox nudus "Inhabits rivers and creeks between 25 and 580 m elevation, in currents of high velocity and feeds on fish, fish scales and aquatic insects (Ref. 36880). Occurs solitarily in streams"

Merry widow livebearer - Phallichthys amates "Occurs mainly in stagnant waters, creeks and river shorelines, over soft bottoms... Feeds on ooze, detritus, diatoms and occasionally on filamentous algae and aquatic insects"
Dogtooth rivulus - Rivulus tenuis

SOUTH AMERICA :

* Central American Rocky Lake :

Central America has several great lakes like Atitlan, Managua, and Nicaragua.
The lakes are rocky with hard, alkaline water.
The cichlids in these lakes are generally very territorial and aggressive and should not be combined in the same with peaceful species such as livebearers.

WATER:
7.5-8.2, 15-25 dH, 75-81 F (24-27 C)

TANK:
The tank should be furnished with large, sturdy rock structures.
The substrate can be fine gravel or sand.
There should be little water current.

PLANTS:
There are few plants in these lakes due to the hard water.
In the aquarium, live plants will be destroyed by the cichlids.

FISH:
Loricarids, Pimelodids, Livebearers, lake Cichlasomines.

Lake Nicaragua Cichlid

SOUTH AMERICA :

* South American Blackwater Creek - near the Rio Sucasari, Peru

In the Sucasari creek there were numerous downed trees. Submerged wood is generally very dark in color. There were few living roots, but fallen tree matter (trees, branches) was much more common in this specific biotope.
I only did a limited amount of collecting in the creek using dip nets, throw nets, and traditional fishing line. I snorkeled around a bit during the day and at night examined the creek using a floodlight. Pimelodids and Loricarids were abundant as were silver hatchetfish, Severum, and assorted small tetras in large schools (Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon, Boehlkea, and Thayeria). There were Apistogramma spp. and Brochis splendens among the leaf litter. I did not encounter any discus in that specific area.
In the forest around the creek there were a large number of frogs, toads, and snakes. I found mata mata turtles in the shallows of the creek under fallen logs. As for aquatic insects, I saw few "swimmers" but many insect larvae living among the wood matter and rotting vegetation. There were land snails, but I failed to notice any aquatic snails. There were lots of flying insects especially flies and gnats but not too many mosquitoes. In the vegetation along the river there were many highly camouflaged katydids, grasshoppers, and other insects.
Few aquatic plants -- mostly roots and submerged wood. At the time of my visit water levels were at their midpoint, so many semi-aquatic plants that grew along the water are probably submerged at some point during the year. In some areas there were reedy plants growing fully submerged. In this particular area there were no floating plants but in adjacent oxbow lakes they were water lilies, water cabbage, and duckweed-like plants. Sword plants were also present in nearby swampy areas -- these grew both emerged and submerged.
No rocks whatsoever!! In this part of the Amazon, rocks are treated as a commodity and are used for trading because of their rarity. The river bed is orange/pinkish colored clay with several inches of rotting leaf litter and debris. The leaves had sharply pointed tips consistent with typical rainforest leaf shape (the so-called "drip-tips" facilitate water flow off the leaf surface).

WATER:
pH 5.5-6.5, 0-4 dH, 79-84 F (26-29 C)

TANK:
Use fine gravel, sand, or clay for a substrate.
Ideally, woody material should be the most prominent decoration in the tank. Use scattered Amazon swords and reedy plants like Vallisneria.
Lighting should be subdued and filter outflows placed to create little current.

PLANTS:
Sword plants, Vallisneria

FISH:
Discus, Angelfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Tetras [Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon, Boehlkea, and Thayeria], Hatchetfish, Corydoras, Pimelodids, Loricarids.
"Pimelodids and Loricarids were abundant as were silver hatchetfish, Severum, and assorted small tetras in large schools (Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon, Boehlkea, and Thayeria). There were Apistogramma spp. and Brochis splendens among the leaf litter. I did not encounter any discus in that specific area."

1 - Plant :Cabomba Piauhyensis

2 – Plant : Cabomba caroliniana

3 – Plant :Sagittaria platyphylla

4 – Plant :Echinodorus tenellus

5 – The Thematic thing in this Biotope is using the big roots and woods

6- Plant :Echinodorus cordifolius

7- Hiding Places between the roots

8- Plant : Echinodorus tenellus

9- Sand with mud bottom

10- Plant :Hydrocotyle vulgaris

11 - Plant : Sagittaria platyphylla

SOUTH AMERICA :

* South American Blackwater Stream :

Blackwater ponds, creeks, and rivers originate in the rain-forest. In the slow-moving waters, acids are leeched from decaying vegetation creating very transparent, tea-colored water. These waters have almost no measurable water hardness and an acidic pH.
The substrate in blackwater habitats is typically leaf litter over a base of fine clay or sand. Decaying wood and plant matter is common especially in flooded igapo forest. There are many submerged terrestrial plants, many of which retain most of their leaves.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Rio Negro

WATER:
pH: 4.5-6.5, 0-4 dH, 81-86 F (27-30 C)

TANK:
Furnish the tank with bog wood and a dark, fine gravel substrate.
There can be subdued lighting and still water.
Peat filtration is recommended.

PLANTS:
Sword plants, Heteranthera, Ceratophyllum, Vallisneria, Cabomba

FISH:
Discus, Angelfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Tetras, Hatchetfish, Corydoras, Farlowella, Loricarids.

SOUTH AMERICA :

* South American Clearwater Stream :

Clear or blue water streams are transparent rivers that drain the Guyana highlands and the Brazil rocky highlands.
These rivers are fast-flowing at times, but slow-moving at others.
The Rio Xingu and Rio Tocantins are typical clear water rivers.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Para-Tocantins

WATER:
pH 6.9-7.3, 5-12 dH, 75-82 F (24-28 C)

TANK:
The tank should have good filtration which keeps the water clear and creates a moderate current.
The lighting should be bright and plant life should be rich.
A substrate of fine gravel is suggested, as are a few pieces of wood.
Aerate the tank well.

PLANTS:
Sword plants, Ceratophyllum, Cabomba, Lemma, Limnobium, Vallisneria

FISH:
Loricarids, Corydoras, Uaru, Mesonauta, Hyphessobrycon.
These waters are preyed by the Peacock Bass.

Planting aquarium Aquascape plans :

A plan used to plant the aquarium properly usually used in large planted tank with different plants.. Need from hobbyist to study carefully the plants which will be used size in full growth and color, leaf shape and also the view of the tank from outside. Using colors will help to distinguish the plant type, this process known Aquascaping.