Li River tributary, Guilin, Guangxi, China

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

02/04/2024

Aquarium decoration

Stones in natural grey tones, resembling those found in South China’s mountain streams, were arranged to create a realistic substrate. These were combined with natural river sand sourced from an aquarium supplier.

Several branches and roots, personally collected and carefully treated, were positioned to mimic the driftwood and bank debris typically seen in such habitats.

To recreate the natural silty appearance of aged streambeds, a small amount of sieved, pre-washed garden soil was gently layered over the sand and allowed to settle naturally over time.

A matte black background was combined with a blue light-diffusing mat placed 1cm behind the tank glass, with roots and dried grasses placed between to create an optical “deep shadow” effect that mimics streambank vegetation viewed through water.

All hardscape elements were disinfected to ensure fish safety.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration:

• Eheim Classic 600 – reliable canister filter (1000 L/h) for fine biological filtration
• Fluval FX6 – high-capacity external filter (3500 L/h) for rapid mechanical and bio media turnover, suitable for large biotope volumes

Circulation:

• Sobo WP-400M Wave Maker – installed to simulate the directional water flow typical of mountain streams, crucial for Sewellia lineolata and maintaining high dissolved oxygen

Lighting:

• Warm white focus spotlights (non-RGB) mounted externally, used to mimic natural dappled sunlight seen in shallow, forest-shaded streams
• No CO₂ system or artificial plant lighting is used, aligning with the low-light conditions of the native biotope

Aeration:

• Flow and turbulence are fully managed through filter returns and the wave maker; no surface skimmer or additional air pumps are used

Fish care

The setup closely mimics a cool, fast-moving mountain stream where Tanichthys albonubes and Sewellia lineolata naturally occur. Hiding spaces between stones and roots offer shelter and feeding zones.

Water level remains below50 cm to simulate shallow flow zones.

Temperature is kept between 23-24.5 °C.

Fish are fed twice daily with a rotation of high-quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, and live baby brine shrimp.

Water is tested during changes to maintain optimal pH (~6.5), KH (~2), GH (~7), and TDS (~70 ppm).

The flow rate is balanced to prevent exhaustion while simulating natural current.

Fish list:

• Tanichthys albonubes (Cyprinidae)
• Sewellia lineolata (Gastromyzontidae)

Mollusc list:

• Neritina sp. (Neritidae)

Plant care

Hardy aquatic plants like Vallisneria spiralis are rooted sparsely across the tank. These are selected for their tolerance to flow and low lighting. Aquatic mosses occasionally grow on wood and stone. No CO₂ injection or fertilizers are used. Plants are misted with RO-water, and trimmings are performed monthly to manage growth and maintain visibility of the hardscape.

Aquatic plant:

• Vallisneria spiralis (Hydrocharitaceae)

Aquatic moss:

• Taxiphyllum barbieri (Hypnaceae)

Water care

Water is changed every 2 days (~20%). RO water is remineralized to biotope standards before use. After each change, a trusted bacterial culture is dosed. Filter media is rinsed gently in tank water every 5-6 months to maintain beneficial colonies. Water movement from both filters and the wave maker ensures consistent oxygenation, and accumulated debris is removed manually using spot siphoning.

Dimensions

Length

120 cm

Depth

45 cm

High

38 cm

Volume

230 L