bam Beginner-friendly level

Mobile River basin, Alabama, USA

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United States, Alabama, Alabama

An 80L (approximately 20-gallon) aquarium biotope for rainbow shiners aims to replicate the natural habitat of these vibrant fish found in the Mobile River basin, Alabama. The setup includes a sandy or fine gravel substrate, with rocks and driftwood to simulate the riverbed and provide hiding spots. Native aquatic plants such as Vallisneria sp. and Ludwigia sp. are added to create a lush environment and offer natural filtration.

The tank water is kept cool, between 15-24°C (60-75°F ), with a pH of 6.5-7.5, and moderately hard. A strong filter ensures well-oxygenated water, mimicking their natural fast-flowing streams.

A school of at least six rainbow shiners, along with peaceful tank mates like small darters or barbs, thrives in this biotope, showcasing their striking colors and active behavior in a naturalistic and balanced ecosystem. Regular maintenance, including weekly water changes and a varied diet of high-quality flakes and live or frozen foods, keeps the biotope healthy.

Submitted by
DionTre Speller
Approved by
Fritz Rohde & Lawrence Kent
GPS
30.6561108, -88.0311127
Geographical region
Northern America
Drainage Basin
Gulf of Mexico
River catchment
Mobile River
Water body type
River
Water body name
Mobile
Water body part
Outflow
Water body course
Lower course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Videos above and below water


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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
No
Water temperature
20-23 °C
Water flow/curent
Strong

Chemical parameters

pH
6.5
Conductivity
GH
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
December, 2022
Aquarium decoration

I used stones for a landscape shop to simulate the rocks and pebbles that could be found in the Mobile River basin. I used the bigger stones to support one another and used smaller pebbles to accent the stones. I also used driftwood to simulated branches falling into the water as well. I also used Vallisneria sp. as a aquatic plant in this aquarium.

Aquarium equipment
  • Aquaclear 30 Filter: on Fast flow
  • Aqueon Planted Aquarium Light: To light aquarium and grow plants
  • Sicce Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump: To give more flow to aquarium. Fish love to swim in the flow.

Fish:

  • Hydrophlox chrosomus (Leuciscidae)

Aquatic plant:

  • Valisneria sp. (Hydrocharitaceae)
Fish care

Feed these fish twice a day. Usually high quality fish flakes, frozen blood worms, or frozen baby brine shrimp.

Plant care

For plants the Vallisneria sp. has grown in gaps of rocks. I used a substrate medium called Samurai Soil with API Root tabs.

Water care

For water care I usually change aquarium every 7-10 days. I sally only change around 25-35% of water. I clean the glass as well. It is a easy aquarium to care for. Also, you have to keep a lid. This fish can jump. So I make sure the aquarium is completed covered with a aquarium hood.

Dimensions

Length
76.2 cm
Depth
30.5 cm
High
30.5 cm
Volume
78 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
Mixed
Stone
Mixed
Stone form
Roundish
Silt/Mud
None
Leaves
None
Driftwood
Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
None