Creek, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

January, 2024

Aquarium decoration

Stones with colors similar to those found in the natural biotope, along with sand and river gravel purchased from an aquarium shop, were used to build the layout in the aquarium. The effect of a naturally silted bottom was achieved over time through the accumulation of decomposing leaves. A small amount of garden soil was also sprinkled and, after rinsing, gently poured onto the surface – eventually settling at the bottom to enhance the natural look. Additionally, a mixture of peat and dried leaves was incorporated to enrich the substrate.

The setup is inspired by the shallow creeks of Vietnam, which are home to the beautiful fish species Macropodus opercularis. This aquarium houses one male and three females, which recently bred. I chose to document the stage when the fry became free-swimming and were being cared for by the father. In the video provided, the male’s protective and nurturing behavior is evident as he guards the fry from other inhabitants, such as snails. I aimed to capture this specific behavioral stage, which is why the biotope was designed to recreate and support it as closely as possible.

Aquarium equipment

Before the breeding stage, I used a hang-on-back canister filter with minimal flow.
After breeding, I removed the canister filter and added a sponge filter with an air stone.
Lighting: DIY setup.

Fish care

The setup recreates the ideal habitat for Macropodus opercularis. I use filtered RO water, re-mineralized with a GH booster to achieve water parameters suitable for both plants and fish. Since this setup houses one male and its fry, I have to be very careful with water changes – twice a week, 20% each time.

I used water lilies and frogbit as floating plants, allowing the fry to hide among their long roots and feed on microorganisms during their early growth stage.

Plant care

The aquatic plants used include water lilies, frogbit, and various types of moss naturally found in the water bodies of Vietnam. For snails, I used small ramshorn varieties that resemble those found in natural habitats. The roots of terrestrial plants were used to mimic the above-water plant roots typically seen in nature. Water changes are performed twice a week, and micro-dosing is done once a week, which suits the requirements of this setup.

Water care

I change 20% of the water twice a week using RO water, which I re-mineralize with a GH booster to maintain parameters suitable for both the flora and fauna in my biotope. An air conditioner is used to keep the temperature between 25–27°C.

Dimensions

Length

60 cm

Depth

30 cm

High

30 cm

Volume

54 L