bam Beginner-friendly level

#11048 Mobile River basin, Alabama, USA

Sponsored by

United States, Alabama

This 96-litre biotope aquarium was created as an educational project with fourth-year secondary school students, with the aim of understanding aquatic ecosystems, water systems, and fish behaviour. The project recreates the habitat of Notropis chrosomus, a species known for its exceptional coloration during the breeding season.

The aquarium is composed of a river sand substrate, pebbles of different sizes, driftwood, and a small amount of oak leaf litter. The plant selection includes Vallisneria americana and Ceratophyllum demersum, species characteristic of this type of freshwater environment.

Water temperature is maintained between 16-24°C, with a pH range of 6.7-7.2 and moderate hardness. Filtration ensures good oxygenation, while an additional circulation pump creates the fast-flow conditions typical of the natural habitat.

A school of 12 rainbow shiners (Notropis chrosomus) displays peaceful social behaviour within the aquarium. Weekly maintenance is performed, and the fish receive a varied diet to support their health and natural behaviour.

Submitted by
Sebastián López
Geographical region
Northern America
Drainage Basin
Gulf of Mexico
River catchment
Rio Mobile
Water body type
River
Water body name
Mobile
Water body part
Outflow
Water body course
Lower course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Warning: Undefined variable $fish_parent in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/content-bam.php on line 85

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Freshwater
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
No
Water temperature
16-24 °C
Water flow/curent
Strong

Chemical parameters

pH
7
Conductivity
GH
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
Diciembre, 2025
Aquarium decoration

The hardscape uses pebbles of different sizes, some collected from nearby rivers and others purchased from aquarium stores. The substrate consists of fine-to-medium river sand. Driftwood was also collected, together with a small amount of oak leaf litter.

The plants used are Vallisneria americana and Ceratophyllum demersum. Both are fast-growing species and require regular pruning to maintain the desired structure and prevent excessive growth.

Fish:

  • Notropis chrosomus (Leuciscidae) – 12

Aquatic plants:

  • Vallisneria americana (Hydrocharitaceae)
  • Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae)
Aquarium equipment

Filtration: Aquael FZN 1000 hang-on filter with high flow rate.
Water circulation: Additional circulation pump to increase water movement.
Lighting: Introled planted aquarium light, 60 cm length.
Heating: Thermostat maintaining the water temperature at 22°C.

Fish care

The fish are fed twice a day with a varied diet consisting of spirulina, tubifex, dried brine shrimp, and traditional flakes.

The lighting system allows sunrise and sunset simulations, reducing stress and preventing the fish from being startled when the lights are switched off. The fish are highly active swimmers, so the aquarium is covered to prevent them from jumping out.

Plant care

The plants grow well under an 8-hour daily lighting period. NPK fertiliser is added every 15 days to support healthy growth.

Nutrient-rich substrate is placed in the rear sections of the aquarium; however, Vallisneria americana has spread and established itself throughout different areas of the tank.

Water care

A 30% water change is performed every 7-10 days using reverse osmosis water. Routine maintenance includes glass cleaning and plant pruning when necessary.

Dimensions

Length
60 cm
Depth
40 cm
High
40 cm
Volume
96 L

Substrate in aquarium

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

Bibliography

  • EL MINNOW CROMADO DE AMERICA DEL NORTE: CRIAR Y REPRODUCIR EL PEZ ARCOIRIS (NOTROPIS CHROSOMUS) by Ray Katula