#10826 Clearwater stream, Brahmaputra tributary, Assam, India

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

5 January, 2026

Aquarium decoration

The aquarium layout strictly mimics a shallow stream-margin backwater habitat. The substrate consists of a natural clay base covered with a scattered layer of smooth grey and brown gravel pebbles of different sizes, recreating the texture of an undisturbed shallow channel in Assam.

The layout is intentionally minimalist, without large pieces of wood or rocks, focusing entirely on the natural substrate structure where the fish forage. This simple composition reflects the open, clay-bottomed microhabitats inhabited by Dario dario in the wild.

Fish:

Dario dario (Badidae)

Aquarium equipment

The system operates on a custom-built sump filtration system, specifically designed to provide exceptional biological filtration capacity while reducing water movement through a baffled output system to maintain a very low, gentle current. Lighting is provided by custom-designed LEDs calibrated to simulate bright, direct sunlight penetrating a shallow water column, promoting the natural growth of biofilm.

Fish care

To keep the Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) healthy and active, the aquarium replicates their calm natural habitat with minimal water movement. They are fed a specialised diet consisting of live and high-quality frozen foods such as microworms, Daphnia, and baby brine shrimp to encourage their natural hunting behaviour. The open clay and gravel substrate provides ample space for natural territorial interactions.

Plant care

This setup is designed as a minimalist, non-planted biotope model that replicates the natural substrate channel of the wild habitat. No rooted aquatic plants are maintained. Plant care is not required; instead, maintenance focuses on managing the custom lighting schedule to encourage the development of a healthy layer of natural biofilm and microalgae on the gravel surface, supporting the microfauna population.

Water care

Maintenance consists of a regular 20% water change every 10 days using aged, soft water adjusted to a target pH of 6.8. The custom sump’s mechanical filtration media is rinsed regularly to ensure excellent water clarity and a low concentration of suspended sediments, while the large biological capacity of the sump provides long-term parameter stability.

Dimensions

Length

34 cm

Depth

16 cm

High

16 cm

Volume

8.7 L