- Set-up date
- November, 2025
- Aquarium decoration
The aquarium was designed to recreate the appearance and atmosphere of a quiet forest creek in Sierra Leone’s Southern Province. A base layer of garden soil was placed beneath Nymphaea lotus to provide long-term nutrients and covered with fine white sand to replicate the pale sandy substrate typical of these shallow waters.
Carefully selected driftwood was arranged to represent submerged branches and tree roots commonly found along forest creek margins, providing natural structure and shelter for the fish. Cocopeat, decomposed leaf litter, and fallen palm leaves were added to reproduce the organic debris that accumulates on the creek floor, enhancing the natural appearance of the aquarium while contributing to the slightly acidic conditions characteristic of this habitat.
The layout was intentionally kept open and uncluttered, allowing the fish to display natural behaviours while highlighting the tranquillity, simplicity, and ecological character of a West African rainforest creek.
- Aquarium equipment
As the aquarium has a relatively low bioload and the fish species naturally inhabit calm, slow-flowing waters, a simple filtration system was selected, consisting of a sponge filter combined with a SunSun HJ-311B internal power filter. This setup provides effective mechanical and biological filtration while maintaining gentle water movement, allowing the fish to display their natural behaviour without excessive current.
Lighting is provided by two Fireglow 21 W LED units, offering sufficient illumination to support the growth of Nymphaea lotus while enhancing the natural colours of the fish and the overall appearance of the aquarium. The combination of gentle filtration and moderate lighting helps maintain stable conditions while preserving the tranquil character of a West African forest creek habitat.
- Fish care
To maintain the health and vitality of the fish, a varied diet is provided to replicate the range of small food items available in their natural habitat. Live grindal worms and microworms are offered regularly, encouraging natural feeding behaviour while providing a highly nutritious food source. Crushed flake food is also provided several times per week to ensure a balanced and complete diet.
The aquarium is maintained with stable water parameters, gentle water movement, and regular maintenance routines, creating a stress-free environment where the fish can display natural behaviours and remain healthy over time.
Fish:
- Epiplatys annulatus (Nothobranchiidae)
- Poropanchax normani (Procatopodidae)
- Plant care
Nymphaea lotus is maintained through regular care to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Root tabs are added to the substrate every two weeks to provide a consistent supply of nutrients to the root system. Older or damaged leaves are occasionally removed to promote new growth and maintain the plant’s overall health and appearance.
The combination of a nutrient-rich substrate, regular fertilisation, and adequate lighting has allowed the plant to thrive, producing healthy foliage and providing the rewarding experience of observing its flowers develop within the aquarium.
Aquatic plant:
- Nymphaea lotus (Nymphaeaceae)
- Water care
Due to the aquarium’s low bioload, it requires relatively little maintenance to remain stable. Water parameters are monitored regularly, and a 40–50% water change is performed approximately once a month, or earlier if needed, to maintain good water quality and stable conditions.
Leaf litter and the natural substrate are left largely undisturbed to preserve biological balance and maintain the appearance of the natural habitat. Algae is removed from the aquarium glass and from Nymphaea lotus leaves when excessive growth occurs, ensuring that the plant continues to receive sufficient light while keeping the display visually balanced.
This simple maintenance approach has helped create a stable, healthy environment in which both the fish and aquatic vegetation can thrive.
