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Jelai-Bila River basin, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

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Indonesia, Central Kalimantan

The Jelai-Bila River, coursing through the wild heart of Borneo, is a remarkable natural wonder that plays a crucial role in the region’s ecology and culture. This river, less known to the world outside of Southeast Asia, is a vital artery of life, sustaining a diverse range of flora and fauna while also providing for the communities that live along its banks. Its waters are characteristic of blackwater rivers, known for their dark, tannin-rich color, which results from the decomposition of organic matter in the surrounding peat swamps and forests.

Submitted by
DionTre Speller
Approved by
Heiko Blessin, Heok Hee Ng & Greg Martin
GPS
-2.9876001, 110.7317810
Geographical region
Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin
Java Sea
River catchment
Water body type
River
Water body name
Jelai Bila
Water body part
River mouth
Water body course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Videos above and below water


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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
brackish-water
Water color
Black water
Water transparency
Medium
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
23 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
6.0
Conductivity
GH
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
December, 2021
Aquarium decoration

I used some drift wood to help give some structure for some plants to grow their roots on. I used leaf litter to help replicate leaves falling into the river. I also boiled the leaves and used the tannins in this aquarium.

Also, there are very few stones in this aquarium that prop up some of the driftwood. I used rotala in this aquarium since it is found in this river. I used the Rotala as a floating plant so the aerial roots of the plant would give a more natural feel. Also, there are ferns that are growing at the top of the aquairum.

The roots rest on and in between the driftwood for a more natural feel. The fish love using the roots of the ferns as breeding grounds. Most of these fish in this aquarium were breed in this aquarium.

Aquarium equipment
  • 2x Hiro Aquatic COB LED Light
  • AquaClear Power HOB Filter with slow flow
  • AquaTop 25W Heater
Fish care

This aquarium is a great and easy aquarium. I only change 20% of water bi-weekly. The ferns in this aquarium help maintain a healthy environment for my fish. I do top off water every week. I also feed my fish high quality flakes and frozen brine shrimp.

Fishlist:

  • Boraras merah (Cyprinidae) – 10
  • Boraras brigittae (Cyprinidae) – 5

Aquatic plants:

  • Rotala rotundifolia (Lythraceae)

Wetland plants:

  • Nephrolepis exaltata (Polypodiaceae) – 3
Plant care

The plants get fertilization bi-weekly of API Leaf Zone. I do have to trim some of the roots of the Rotala and the Ferns in this aquarium. I also top the water off every week.

Water care

To keep this aquarium clean I clean the glass with a sponge, or magnetic algae scraper. I change 20% of the water bi-weekly. I add API Leaf Zone to help fertilize the plants and roots. Also, when needed I trim some of the plants roots.

Dimensions

Length
90 cm
Depth
20 cm
High
25.5 cm
Volume
45.4 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
Mixed
Stone
Mixed
Stone form
Roundish
Silt/Mud
Beige
Leaves
Many
Driftwood
Many
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Sitography

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