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#10991 Flooded fields, Thailand

Thailand

This biotope recreates the dynamic, shallow aquatic ecosystems found throughout Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on the seasonal floodplains, rice paddies, and temporary wetlands of Central and Northeast Thailand.

During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall causes rivers and streams to overflow into surrounding agricultural fields and grassy plains, creating nutrient-rich shallow habitats that support a diverse community of aquatic life.

Submitted by: Mainak Sen Gupta

Geographical region: Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin
River catchment
Water body type: Wetland
Water body name: Flooded fields
Water body part: Flood plain
Water body course: Headwaters
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Videos above and below water

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Freshwater
Water color: Black water
Water transparency: Medium
Concentration of sediments: Medium
Water temperature: 29 °C
Water flow/curent: None

Chemical parameters

pH: 7.0
Conductivity
GH
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

January 2026

Aquarium decoration

The aquarium recreates a shallow blackwater wetland habitat using exclusively natural materials and avoiding artificial decorations. The main structure is formed by a large piece of aged driftwood positioned in the background, complemented by a complex network of thin branches and twigs arranged throughout the lower and middle areas to imitate fallen shoreline vegetation.

The substrate is covered with a thick layer of botanical leaf litter composed of elongated dried leaves, reproducing the accumulation of organic material typical of flooded field margins. The surface area is shaded by the long, submerged root systems of floating Pistia stratiotes, while groups of fine-leaved aquatic plants add additional structure and reflect the irregular vegetation patterns found in seasonal wetlands.

The water develops a natural amber coloration caused by tannins released from wood and decomposing leaves, creating conditions similar to the shallow, organic-rich waters of Thailand’s flooded fields.

Fish:

Betta imbellis (Osphronemidae)
Boraras maculatus (Danionidae)
Boraras urophthalmoides (Danionidae)

Aquatic plants:

Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae)
Pistia stratiotes (Araceae)
Lemna minor (Araceae)
Hydrocotyle verticillata (Araliaceae)

Wetland plants:

Gleichenia microphylla (Gleicheniaceae)
Nephrolepis cordifolia (Nephrolepidaceae)

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: SUNSUN HBL-802 hang-on-back filter equipped with Seachem Matrix biological filter media.

Lighting: Fireglow 50 W WRGB clip-on LED light.

Fish care

Regular monitoring of pH and TDS levels to ensure stable water conditions.
Regular water changes to maintain water quality.
Live feeding with foods such as bloodworms and baby brine shrimp.
A variety of high-quality micro dry foods, including Hikari, WA, and Intan.

Plant care

Water care

A 30% water change is performed twice per month. After each water change, AZOO Triple Blackwater Conditioner and Seachem Stability are added to support stable water conditions and maintain biological balance.