Eubenangee Swamp National Park North Qld Australia

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

April, 2020

Aquarium decoration

Stones of a color similar to those found in the biotope and river sand purchased in an aquarium shop were used to build the arrangement in the aquarium. Larger and smaller (personally found) roots served as an additional decoration. The effect of a naturally silted bottom was created by sprinkling a small amount of garden soil, which was sifted through the finest sieve, and after it was rinsed, it was gently poured onto the surface, and then everything settled to the bottom, and this effect was created over time. All elements of the aquarium decor have been properly cleaned and heat treated to keep the fish safe. The whole thing is to imitate a flooded swamp shore with tree roots, reeds and grasses. First, a matte self-adhesive foil was used to make the background, and then a blue mat about 1 cm away, which was additionally illuminated with RGB tape. Place the roots and dry grass in the space between the rear glass and the blue mat attached to the wall. This is to mimic the depth of the aquatic landscape. This technique has been called “Deep shadow”.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: JBL CristalProfi e1901 greenline – 1900l/h.
15l bucket divided into 5 baskets with media, one is a protective sponge, the other four are ceramics, which creates a complete biological division in the filter.

The primary lighting is Aquatlantis Easy LED Freshwater, 1047mm, 6800 ° K-52w Eady Led Control, which simulates the natural and gradual effects of sunrise and sunset. I also use an additional 4000K-10W LED lamp with warm light that mimics the sun’s rays. The blue background behind the aquarium is lit by a strip of white RGB LEDs.

Fish care

The aquarium recreates the ideal marsh environment for Melanotaenia maccullochi and Pseudomugil gertrudae. The species were selected from the same biotope. Fish have many hiding places and feeding places.

Their habitats consist of roots immersed in water, lush aquatic vegetation and, additionally, aquatic vegetation. The water level is also extremely shallow like in nature and is always below 50 cm. The average water current was adjusted to ensure good oxygenation. The temperature is kept at 24-26°C. At each water change, its parameters are tested.

Fish get wholesome, varied food. These are various types of frozen shellfish and larvae, dry foods adapted to the size of fish pellets. This provides them with a proper diet. The served dry food contains probiotics for the proper functioning of the immune system.

Plant care

The aquatic plants found in the aquarium are Vallisneria nana, Nymphaea sp., Ceratophyllum demersum. They do not require special care.

The lighting imitating sunlight used in the aquarium promotes photosynthesis and proper plant growth. Aquatic plants are watered with aquarium water and additionally sprinkled with filtered water using a reverse osmosis filter.

Water care

The water in the aquarium is changed every 10 days in the amount of 20%. Bacteria are added after changing the water. The filter’s dirt condition is checked and cleaned of excess dirt every 5 months. The biology in the filter remains intact. The water is properly oxygenated, imitating its average current from the water outlet of the filter.

Dimensions

Length

140 cm

Depth

60 cm

High

60 cm

Volume

500 L