Caño El Pozo, Orinoco basin, Venezuela

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

November, 2024

Aquarium decoration

To create and plan this aquarium, I based it on underwater photos and videos of the system in nature. I used white silica sand similar to that of the biotope in nature, allowing detritus to accumulate on the bottom over time and give it a natural look.

There are remains of the Mauritia flexuosa fruit shell and its seeds, which were included whole and degraded as the aquarium matured, serving as food for the fish. I based my design on the banks of Caño El Pozo, so on the right side, I simulated a trunk buried in the substrate, with the roots and branches of the bank covering it and providing a refuge and breeding area for the fish. In that area, I added Naja guadalupensis, which, thanks to its growth pattern among the branches, creates a very natural environment. Paracheirodon axelrodi feels very comfortable in that area of ​​the aquarium.

I created a slight slope characteristic of the shore, occupied by trunks and branches that emerge from the surface, simulating fallen tree branches. I also used semi-dried palm leaves similar to those in the surrounding area, which add to the typical morichal atmosphere and help provide shelter and shade.

In the rear of the aquarium, I used Cabomba caroliniana instead of Cabomba furcata, since it’s not available in my country. This created a dense zone of plants, among which I also planted Bacopa sp. instead of Bacopa callitrichoides, since it’s also unavailable in my country but has a similar appearance. Eleocharis minima was also used in some areas of the aquarium.

The natural growth of the plants is appreciated by the shoals of Nannostomus eques and Pristella maxillaris. I tried to take the design to the extreme to make it look natural. This, combined with the maturation time the aquarium has had up to the time the photo was taken, makes it look very natural.

Aquarium equipment

• Filtration: Aquaclear 70 Cascade filter modified to accommodate a large amount of biological filtration material.
• Heating: Eheim Thermocontrol 200W
• Lighting: DIY light.

Fish care

Maintaining a suitable habitat that resembles the natural biotope and with several functional areas for shelter, feeding, and reproduction, as well as appropriate water parameters, is the foundation of all good maintenance for the fish species that inhabit the aquarium.

A varied diet, including live and commercial foods, is also important. I maintain a species mix that ensures adequate viability.

Regular water changes and parameter checks are also performed.

Fish list:

• Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characidae)
• Pristella maxillaris (Characidae)
• Nannostomus eques (Lebiasinidae)

Plant care

Maintaining the plant species that inhabit the aquarium is relatively simple in terms of difficulty. The aquarium lighting meets their requirements, and they thrive in a healthy and very natural manner.

Bacopa sp. grows green and vigorous, Cabomba caroliniana forms a dense clump of stems and begins to flower upon emergence. Naja guadalupensis grows as naturally as it would chaotically in nature.

Plant list:

• Cabomba sp. (Cabombaceae)
• Bacopa sp. (Plantaginaceae)
• Eleocharis minima (Cyperaceae)
• Naja guadalupensis (Hydrocharitaceae)

Water care

I perform weekly 30% water changes, siphoning the bottom to remove debris while taking care not to significantly alter the appearance of the soil. I also clean the windows and clean the filtration system when necessary. All water replacement is done with treated water, maintaining constant pH and temperature levels.

Dimensions

Length

100 cm

Depth

40 cm

High

50 cm

Volume

200 L