#11570 Duck Creek Quarry, Howard, Wisconsin

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

September, 2025

Aquarium decoration

For this aquarium, I wanted to incorporate features from the various shorelines surrounding the quarry. The collected substrate consists of mud, waterlogged sticks and leaves, limestone gravel, and medium-sized rocks. The large, flat limestone slabs used as the central structure were collected from piles of limestone near the shore. To create the main cliff face, I joined the slabs using non-toxic pond spray foam. The remaining gaps were filled with grout and sealed, resulting in a single solid structure that follows the contours of the upper rock formation. Additional medium-sized rocks create small shelters for the fish. At the base of one limestone wall, a cave was carved to provide both shelter and a shaded refuge.

To recreate the quarry’s distinctive underwater “reef” appearance, I selected a large piece of dead wood and positioned it upright to resemble a submerged tree. The wood was boiled to ensure it would sink before being buried securely in the substrate.

The cliff overlooks a broad bed of substrate and mud, providing an ideal area for aquatic vegetation. The plants were collected by carefully wading through the water and removing individual stems with minimal disturbance. Given the extensive size of the habitat, this collection had no measurable impact on the ecosystem. The upper portion of the aquarium is intentionally left open to allow schooling behaviour, while the lower section is densely planted to recreate the lush underwater vegetation. Intertwining stems form dense underwater thickets, complemented by larger submerged branches.

Although water movement in the quarry is minimal, the filter is adjusted to create gentle surface agitation. This helps maintain adequate oxygen levels for both the fish and the plants. My favourite aspect of the aquarium is watching the fish school around the submerged tree and its branches, particularly during feeding.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration:

• Fluval 207 Canister Filter

Lighting:

• Fluval Aquasky 3.0 LED, 24 in, 18 W
• Viparspectra LED, 165 W (operated at a low setting to support plant growth)

Fish care

The aquarium houses a total of 13 fish. They are fed daily with freshwater flake and pellet foods. Although I was initially sceptical that they would accept prepared foods, all of the fish adapted readily.

Approximately three times per week, they receive frozen foods, including bloodworms, mysis shrimp, small redworms, and waxworms. These provide valuable sources of protein and healthy fats. The different food types are rotated to ensure a varied diet.

Once the fish outgrow the aquarium, they will be relocated to a suitable private pond.

Fish:

• Ambloplites rupestris (Centrarchidae) – Rock Bass (2)
• Lepomis macrochirus (Centrarchidae) – Bluegill (10)
• Etheostoma nigrum (Percidae) – Johnny Darter (1)

Mollusc:

• Aplexa elongata (Physidae) – Bladder Snail

Plant care

In the beginning, the water was treated with phosphate and a nutrient solution formulated for aquatic plants. The aquarium follows a 12:12-hour light cycle. During the first and last two hours of the day, the light intensity gradually increases and decreases. The plants receive full-spectrum lighting for 8 hours each day and also benefit from nutrients produced by fish waste.

Aquatic vegetation:

• Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae) – Hornwort
• Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae) – Water Milfoil
• Vallisneria americana (Hydrocharitaceae) – Freshwater Eelgrass
• Lemna minor (Lemnoideae) – Duckweed

Water care

Initially, I performed weekly 20% water changes while the mud and suspended sediment settled. As the aquarium matured and the plants became established, they helped maintain water quality. I now perform a 20% water change approximately once a month. Water quality is monitored regularly, and additional water changes are carried out if the water becomes cloudy or uneaten food accumulates.

All replacement water is RO/DI water. Its high purity helps maintain water quality and reduces the introduction of excess nutrients that could promote unwanted filamentous algae growth. The aquarium is maintained at room temperature, averaging approximately 20°C (68°F).

Water parameters are tested regularly.

Dimensions

Length

92 cm

Depth

46 cm

High

61 cm

Volume

254 L