Shallow intermediate habitat, Cape Banza, DRC

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

April 2020

Aquarium decoration

A lighted aquarium filled with Hydrilla verticillata in the intermediate regions between the rocks. The rocks are kaolinite-rich sandstones, which occur along the entire coast of the Ubwari peninsula and also in Brazil. The largest rock is approximately 60 kg and takes up two-thirds of the aquarium. The substrate has a large granulometric dispersion and is the result of a mixture of sand from different beaches in Rio de Janeiro.

The shell-dwellers inhabitants, Lamprologus ocellatus and Neolamprologus multifasciatus, are separated by the immense rocks, and with sandy areas unique to each species. Rock dwellers Neolamprologus leleupi occupy the rocky agglomerates that form refuges and caves and are positioned diametrically opposite the Neolamprologus multifasciatus colony. The hardscape layout was designed so that each species would occupy its own region and minimize interaction between them.

Aquarium equipment

The filtration system consists of a sump with a nominal volume of 54 L (60/30/30) divided into four compartments. The sump is fed by a reverse overflow water capture system, capable of collecting water along the entire length of the water column.

The first compartment is for the decanting of suspended solids. The next compartment is filled with a polyester fibers sheet for mechanical filtration. Subsequently, a compartment is filled with sintered ceramic (equivalent to 4 liters) which serves as a surface for the growth of bacterial colonies (nitrobacter, nitrosomes…) to promote biological filtration, oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2) and from nitrite to nitrate (NO3). The last compartment works to return water to the aquarium, with the aid of a 2700 L/h motor pump, model SB2700 SarloBetter.

An aquarium heater, EHEIM Thermocontrol 200, has been positioned in the last compartment of the sump to keep the aquarium temperature at 27 °C. In this same compartment, a small air pump is used to ensure the dissolved oxygen saturation level, approximately 8 ppm (27 °C).

Three LED aquarium light bars and two 10 W spotlights, from China, were used to achieve different lighting conditions. The LED bars (warm white [3000 K], cool white [6000 K] and RGB) are adjustable in intensity and allow to simulate (not automated) different lighting conditions, twilight or full sun.

Fish care

Fishes:

• a pair of Neolamprologus leleupi + fry
• a pair of Lamprologus ocellatus
• a small colony of Neolamprologus multifasciatus, 3 males and 5 females + fry

The fish care starts with choosing the biotope aquarium culture. This BAM intends to go beyond aesthetic issues and is very concerned with the physicochemical conditions of water. In this way, it promotes the health of the fish.

The lighting turns on and off gradually, taking advantage of the intensity adjustment capability of the LED bars. Avoiding abrupt changes in lighting conditions.

Fish are fed once a day and in minimal amounts. NLS foods and Dr. Bassleer’s functional foods with vegetable extracts of garlic, açaí, and lapacho tree are used. Weekly pellets are offered soaked, and subsequently dried, in an alcoholic extract of propolis. Propolis is a natural functional additive which, when used at the appropriate dosage, results in better fish health, acting as an immunostimulant, food additive, antimicrobial and therapeutant (De la Cruz-Cervantes et al.).

Plant care

The plants don’t require much care and I’m only concerned with providing enough light for them.

Water care

Water care is a fundamental requirement of this project. The Degens et al. and Tiercelin et al. works guided the physicochemical conditions in which water must be maintained. The cations Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and the anions Cl- (chloride), SO4– (sulfate) and the carbonates (CO3– and HCO3-) were considered the macroelements, and the main values of the concentrations were reproduced in the aquarium. Appropriate amounts of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate and anhydrous potassium sulfate were measured and solubilized in tap water. Dosing each of the chemical elements was the way to guarantee the concentrations found in nature, as industrialized products are unable to reproduce the elementary ratios, especially if we refer to the Ca and Mg ions, responsible for the hardness of the water. GH values hide the exact concentrations of these elements and may represent different summations of Ca and Mg concentrations. Controlling the Na+/K+ ratio promotes sperm motility, favoring reproduction within the system (Morita et al.).

100 L of water of system (aquarium + sump) is changed every two weeks. The partial water change is made with water previously treated with conditioners, added with salts and in thermal balance with the aquarium, so that there are no considerable oscillations.

Dimensions

Length

120 cm

Depth

50 cm

High

40 cm

Volume

240 L