#11566 Bensbach Creek, Western Province, Papua New Guinea

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

August, 2025

Aquarium decoration

The aquarium recreates a shallow blackwater rainforest creek from the Bensbach River Basin of Papua New Guinea. Fine river sand forms the substrate and is lightly covered with leaf litter to reproduce the naturally accumulated organic material found in forest streams.

Carefully selected driftwood and intertwined roots create submerged shelters and potential spawning sites typical of the natural habitat. Smooth branches extend across the aquarium to imitate fallen riparian vegetation, while a limited number of native-style aquatic plants are arranged along the margins to preserve open swimming areas.

A dark background and subdued lighting reproduce the shaded conditions beneath the rainforest canopy, highlighting the natural colours and behaviour of Pseudomugil paskai. Every decorative element was thoroughly cleaned and prepared before use to ensure a safe and stable environment.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: SunSun HW-604 external canister filter providing efficient mechanical and biological filtration through ceramic biomedia and fine filter sponges.

Heating: Temperature is maintained at 26 °C through a thermostatically controlled environment.

Lighting: White LED lighting is operated at reduced intensity to simulate filtered sunlight beneath a dense rainforest canopy.

Water movement is kept gentle to replicate the slow-flowing conditions of natural blackwater creeks while maintaining stable water quality.

Fish care

The aquarium houses a group of Pseudomugil paskai, allowing the fish to display natural shoaling, courtship, and territorial behaviour. Numerous submerged roots and driftwood structures provide shelter and reduce stress.

The fish receive a varied diet consisting of premium micro-pellets, frozen Artemia, Daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other high-quality live or frozen foods. Water parameters, temperature, and fish behaviour are monitored regularly to ensure long-term health and support stable breeding conditions.

Fish:

• Melanotaenia paskai (Melanotaeniidae) – Paskai Rainbowfish – 4

Plant care

Aquatic plants are maintained under moderate lighting with stable nutrient availability and minimal pruning to preserve a natural appearance. Healthy plant growth contributes to biological stability while maintaining the open structure characteristic of rainforest blackwater streams.

Dead leaves are removed during routine maintenance to prevent excessive organic accumulation.

Aquatic vegetation

• Vallisneria nana (Hydrocharitaceae) – Dwarf Vallisneria – 2
• Ceratopteris thalictroides (Salviniaceae) – Water Sprite – 10
• Nymphaea violacea (Nymphaeaceae) – Blue Water Lily – 1

Water care

Approximately 20% of the aquarium water is replaced every 10–14 days using conditioned soft water matched to the aquarium’s temperature and chemistry. The external filter is cleaned only when water flow is reduced, preserving beneficial bacterial colonies.

Water chemistry, temperature, and conductivity are monitored regularly, while gentle circulation and surface movement maintain adequate oxygenation without disturbing the calm conditions typical of the natural habitat.

Dimensions

Length

60 cm

Depth

45 cm

High

25 cm

Volume

70 L