bam Beginner-friendly level

Forest Pool, Upper Guinea Rainforest, Sierra Leone

Sponsored by

Sierra Leone

This aquarium recreates a shallow forest pool habitat in the Upper Guinea rainforest of Sierra Leone, based on documented environments inhabited by the Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus).

The layout emphasizes dense leaf litter, minimal aquatic vegetation, and subdued lighting to replicate the shaded conditions created by the forest canopy. Driftwood branches, fallen leaves, and other organic materials were arranged to mimic the natural accumulation of woody debris and leaf litter found in these temporary forest pools.

Botanical materials release tannins into the water, producing a natural amber coloration and enhancing the appearance of a shaded rainforest pool.

Submitted by
DionTre Speller
Approved by
Ad Konings & Anton Lamboj
Geographical region
Western Africa
Drainage Basin
Coastal rainforest drainage systems
River catchment
Water body type
Pool
Water body name
Unnamed forest pool
Water body part
Water body course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Videos above and below water

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Freshwater
Water color
Black water
Water transparency
Medium
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
22 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
6.0
Conductivity
GH
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
May, 2026
Aquarium decoration

The aquarium was designed to replicate a shallow forest pool environment using natural materials such as oak leaves and driftwood branches. A dense layer of leaf litter forms the main bottom covering, reflecting the organic accumulation characteristic of these forest pools.

Manzanita branches were arranged to simulate submerged roots, fallen branches, and woody debris. The layout avoids symmetry and emphasizes a natural, undisturbed appearance. No aquatic plants were included to reflect the limited aquatic vegetation expected in this type of shaded forest habitat.

Lighting was kept subdued to simulate forest canopy cover, while tannins released from the botanical materials create a natural amber water coloration.

Fish:

  • Epiplatys annulatus
Aquarium equipment

Filtration: Top Fin Hang-On-Back Filter
Lighting: Asta 20
Heating: None

Fish care

The fish are fed six days a week, with one fasting day each week. Frozen brine shrimp are offered as a food source because their small size makes them suitable for these tiny fish and provides good nutritional value.

A weekly water change of approximately 20-30% is performed. Maintenance is limited to cleaning the aquarium glass and carrying out regular water changes. Overall, this aquarium is relatively easy to maintain.

Plant care

None

Water care

Weekly water changes of approximately 20-30% are performed. Maintenance is limited to cleaning the aquarium glass. Overall, this aquarium is easy to maintain.

Dimensions

Length
51.4 cm
Depth
26.7 cm
High
32.1 cm
Volume
37.85 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
None
Stone
None
Stone form
Silt/Mud
Beige
Leaves
Adundant
Driftwood
Many
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
None