#11104 Igarape tributary of the Rio Siapa, Venezuela

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

May, 2026

Aquarium decoration

The aquarium bank structure was created using pond planter pots and fish-safe expanding foam, providing a foundation for a tree trunk that forms the core of the root mass. Additional branches and roots were added to expand the structure and replicate an undercut riverbank with exposed riparian root systems. The bank itself is hollow, and the planter pot mesh allows continuous water exchange while preventing aquarium inhabitants from entering the structure.

A variety of terrestrial plants were planted within the bank. White pool filter sand was used as the substrate and gently sloped toward the rear of the aquarium to increase the perception of depth. Additional driftwood branches were positioned to increase habitat complexity. A large quantity of botanicals and leaf litter was added gradually in manageable batches to create a deep, layered organic substrate similar to the accumulation found in natural forest streams.

The completed layout creates a highly complex environment with numerous areas for fish to explore, forage, and seek shelter.

Fish:

• Nannostomus eques (Lebiasinidae) – 10
• Nannostomus marginatus (Lebiasinidae) – 10
• Carnegiella strigata (Gasteropelecidae) – 7
• Apistogramma uaupesi (Cichlidae) – 3
• Poecilocharax weitzmani (Crenuchidae) – 12
• Paracheirodon axelrodi (Acestrorhamphidae) – 7
• Copella nattereri (Lebiasinidae) – 3

Aquatic plants:

• Mayaca fluviatilis (Mayacaceae)
• Echinodorus horizontalis (Alismataceae)
• Salvinia minima (Salviniaceae)
• Hydrocharis laevigata (Hydrocharitaceae)

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: Fluval FX2 canister filter equipped with alternating layers of coarse filter sponge and biological filter media. A small sponge filter is also used to provide additional aeration and maintain oxygen levels. The heater is controlled through an INKBIRD temperature controller to maintain a stable temperature range and provide alerts in case of heater failure.

Fish care

The fish are fed a varied diet of high-quality prepared and frozen foods, as well as a wide range of live foods including daphnia, grindal worms, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, amphipods, fruit flies, and fruit fly larvae. This diversity ensures proper nutrition while allowing the fish to display a variety of natural foraging behaviours.

The abundant habitat structure provides numerous areas for shelter and exploration. A lid is kept on the aquarium to protect more active and jump-prone species. Water temperature is maintained at an average of 26°C. The filter outflow is directed in two separate directions to maximize overall water circulation while minimizing excessive current strength.

Plant care

Both submerged and floating plants require minimal maintenance aside from adequate lighting and a bi-weekly dose of fertilizer. Occasional removal of excess floating plants helps maintain balance within the system.

Water care

A 20% water change is performed weekly using RO water remineralized with Brightwell Aquatics Remineraliz-P to achieve the desired water parameters. Monthly, the filter media are removed and rinsed in the removed aquarium water to clear accumulated debris while preserving beneficial microbial populations.

Dimensions

Length

122 cm

Depth

45 cm

High

53 cm

Volume

280 L