- Set-up date
- May, 2023
- Aquarium decoration
The substrate in the aquarium is white sand, 0-2mm, to be as similar as possible to that in the natural habitat.
The hardscape of the aquarium has branches and roots of red-moor, branches of twisted willow, many dry beech leaves, some leaves of Cyperus giganteus and a few leaves of the lady’s palm. It does not have stones in the original biotope, they do not exist.
To create as much depth as possible, the aquarium also has a diorama on the outside, in the back, which is 120cm long, 10cm deep and 50cm high. The background of the diorama is made of ocher colored textile material. Inside are Cyperus leaves, leaves and twigs with fruits of the lady’s palm and beech leaves. The diorama is lit by 6 LEDs of 1w each and is very well insulated against moisture.
I also want to thank my friend and collaborator George Dan, who helped me make this diorama and the aquarium’s filtration system.
- Aquarium equipment
Filtration is done by 2x JBL 1502. Theaut a first filter creates a directed and slow flow in the aquarium. The aut of the second filter ensures the necessary humidity for the emergent and riparian plants existing above the aquarium. Their roots enter the aquarium, creating a very natural effect.
The aquarium is lit by a 100w SunSun led lamp. The lighting of the emerged plants is made by 2 handmade LED lamps of 50w each.
- Fish care
The aquarium benefits from weekly maintenance. The deposits from its bottom are siphoned and about 30% of the water is replaced. The windows are cleaned outside and inside. In order for the water to be of the highest quality, the aquarium has biological and mechanical filtration. For a quality and fast cycle, a sponge was squeezed from an “old” filter in one of the filters, and Start Up ampoules from Prodibio were administered in the other filter.
The fish are fed with quality food: frozen artemia from Ocean Nutrition, America Tropical, Insect Menu from Tropical and Algae Waffers from Hikari Tropical.
In the aquarium there are 6 Pterophyllum scalare Rio Nanay, 15 Corydoras sychri and 12 Nannostomus mortenthaleri.
- Plant care
In the aquarium, as submerged plants, there are some Echinodorus parviflorus. Climbing and semi-climbing Philodendron, bromeliads and species of Tillandsia are attached above the aquarium attached to the insulated and padded cork background wall. Their roots form real hiding places for fish in the aquarium, probably similar to those in nature.
The submerged plants received starter ampoules from Prodibio for faster and stronger rooting.
The emerged plants receive periodic fertilization with Biovert Plus aquarium fertilizers from Prodibio.
- Water care
The aquarium benefits from weekly maintenance. The deposits from its bottom are siphoned and about 30% of the water is replaced. The windows are cleaned outside and inside.
In order for the water to be of the highest quality, the aquarium has biological and mechanical filtration. For a quality and fast cycle, a sponge was squeezed from an “old” filter in one of the filters, and Start Up ampoules from Prodibio were administered in the other filter.
