Humber river, Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

September, 2023

Aquarium decoration

In my biotope aquarium, the design replicates a specific section of the Humber River, particularly within Binderwine Park. This area is characterized by a transition zone from a shallow riparian environment into a slow to medium-flowing run. The composition of my aquarium is inspired by the unique ecological interactions and diverse habitats found in such transition zones.

To replicate the fine, silty substrate in the riparian zone, I used play sand that contains high level of silt purchased from a home improvement store. I added hardwood and some maple leaves to mimic the driftwood and leaves found near the bank and shallow water area, where the water movement is slow due to the blockage by objects and trunks. I deepened the water and created the slow to medium-flowing run area using various igneous and carbonate rocks purchased from garden centers, replicating the different rock and gravel sizes of eroded moraine and glacial sediments in the ruffle to run area of river.

Fish species include Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare), Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum), Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides), and Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentelium nigricans), which I could catch and were legal to bring back home. he fish in my aquarium truly utilize both the slow-moving and fast-moving areas.

I observe darters hiding in the slow-flowing zones among the driftwood and branches during low light times, while they move to the fast-flowing run areas above the gravel and rocks during the daylight times. The shiners form schools in the medium to fast-moving areas, constantly on the move.

Aquarium equipment

Filter: FLUVAL 207
Lighting: Chihios WRGB 2 slim

Fish care

The temperature in my aquarium is maintained at around 22°C, with a pH of approximately 7.8-7.9. The carbonate rocks and substrate help keep the KH levels sufficient and close to natural conditions. The Fluval 207 filter provides adequate water flow, ensuring the water is well-oxygenated. Everyday I feed flakes to all the fish, and supplement the darters’ diet with bloodworms, as they do not accept flakes.

Fishlist:

• Etheostoma flabellare (Percidae)
• Etheostoma caeruleum (Percidae)
• Notropis atherinoides (Cyprinidae)
• Hypentelium nigricans (Catostomidae)

Plant care

No underwater plants. I only have reparin zone plants. I do nothing but to trim the raparin grass when they cover too much of the surface.

Water care

Initially, some algae growth occurred during the first few months, so I performed weekly water changes of 40-70%, depending on the algae growth. As the grass I added began to overgrow, it helped absorb excess macronutrients from the water column. Now, I perform bi-weekly water changes of about 50% to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Dimensions

Length

90 cm

Depth

40 cm

High

25 cm

Volume

88 L