Shallow Rocky Habitat of Brahmaputra, Assam, India

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

December, 2022

Aquarium decoration

All the materials that the aquarium presents were collected from the natural environment. The shallow rocky habitat of the Brahmaputra River, which is found in the Indian state of Assam, is replicated in the 96L aquarium.

Like in Nature, the fish can graze on the small, rounded rocks that have green algae growing on them. There I have thin layer of river basin sand. The rocks are collected from the shallow water of Brahmaputra River. For the substrate I have collected pebbles and coarse gritty grains, therefore I recreated it to look like the River Brahmaputra.

I have observed the algae pearling on their own, much like in Nature, even in this 96L aquarium. For the Dario dario, the narrow area between each rock serves as a shelter. I have seen the Dario dario to bred in those shadowy areas. Generally I keep the lights on for 8 hours. Lastly I have pasted Blue Vinyl at the background. In a way, this is their preferred habitat—a place where there is little water flow but nevertheless enough oxygenation to support life.

Aquarium equipment

• Filtration-SOBO Hanging Aquarium Filter Pump 280L/H set to minimum flow.
• Lighting- Spotlight 3 Watt ( White Colour).

Fish care

The aquarium recreates the Shallow Rocky habitat of Dario dario. The species are wild collected from the same biotope. Fish have many enough space for swimming. The habitat consists of coarse granules, pebbles, algae covered rocks and no vegetations. The average water current was adjusted to ensure good oxygenation. I keep my lights on for 8 hours daily.

Fishes are fed once a day and in minimal amounts. Mostly they are fed with freshly hatched live baby brine shrimps and Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold.

Monthly water change 30% done as normal top-ups from surface. I use Tap water and Seachem Safe to remove Chlorine, Chloramine and Ammonia. I maintain the temperature of the new water to that of the tank water very cautiously. Also, I don’t siphon out the debris of my tank.

Fishes:

• Dario dario – 6 speciemens, 4 females, 2 males

Plant care

There are no plants in my biotope. Only green algaes are present.

Water care

In order to maintain the pH, GH, and KH, as I previously stated, generally I change 30% of the water from the surface as regular top-ups once a month. To get rid of ammonia, chloramine, and chlorine, I use tap water and Seachem Safe. I take great care to keep the new water’s temperature close to that of the tank water. Additionally, I don’t siphon my tank’s debris.

I maintain a pH of 7.75, Conductivity 360 µS, GH 142, KH 6.

Dimensions

Length

46 cm

Depth

46 cm

High

46 cm

Volume

96 L