Platanorema creek, Koroneia-Volvi National Park

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

August, 2022

Aquarium decoration

The branches/driftwood as well as smaller pebbles and mud were collected on site. The gravel used is commercially found and resembles closely to what was found on the Platanorema creek.

A slope towards the back right side of the aquarium was created that works both as a small island for the crabs to go on terrestrial land and helps to naturally implent the branches and roots that are close to the shore.

The aquatic moss was wrapped around the branches on site so the imitation in the aquarium was straightforward. Leaves were collected there, both submerged and floating.

Aquarium equipment

• Aquael ASAP filter 700. It helps creating great flow for the moss, while with some modifications done to the filter intake, crabs love to gather around it to scavenge for food.
• A simple LED light fixture.

Fish care

Since Barbus cyclolepis have barbels they require soft/muddy substrate and round pebbles/ rocks in order to not injure them. They are always searching for food on the substrate while crabs prefer to filter feed.

The feedings include sinking and dissolving algae/shrimp tablets, 3 kinds of frozen foods, Artemia, cyclops and bloodworms and biofish pellets that contain all the necessary amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids (eg omega -3), minerals, trace elements and vitamins.

Crabs occasionally grab algae tabs.

Fishes:

• Barbus cyclolepis (Cyprinidae)

Crustaceans:

• Potamon potamios (Potamidae)

Plant care

Aquatic mosses:

• Fontinalis antipyretica (Fontinalaceae)

Water care

The water in the aquarium is changed every 10 days, about 30% of it. It is a mix between treated tap water and reverse osmosis in order to achieve the desired water parameters. Filter is cleaned every month with aquarium water.

Dimensions

Length

60 cm

Depth

50 cm

High

35 cm

Volume

105 L