Sawangan Lake, West Java, Indonesia

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This biotope aquarium is inspired by the Ciliwung River ecosystem in Depok, Indonesia, with the goal of raising awareness about native biodiversity and environmental degradation. The setup faithfully recreates the natural habitat using authentic materials sourced from the river—such as stones, sand, driftwood, bamboo, and leaves – to ensure ecological accuracy.

What makes this aquarium especially compelling is its close resemblance to the actual underwater landscape of the Ciliwung River. It features native fish species that are rarely kept in home aquariums. The design blends natural aesthetics with ecological storytelling, emphasizing the urgent need to protect polluted urban rivers and the diverse life they support.

Submitted by: Sri Ayu Lestari
Approved by: Heiko Blessin, Heok Hee Ng & Greg Martin

GPS: -6.3930216, 106.7573166

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Videos above and below water

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: fresh-water
Water color: Mixed water
Water transparency: Medium
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 29.4°C °C
Water flow/curent: Strong

Chemical parameters

pH: 5.91
Conductivity
GH: 35.6 mg/l
dGH
KH: 0
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen: 6.89 %

Comment by the expert

Heok Hee Ng: No BIN, so score is zero here. Not a good idea to include highly predatory species (Channa) in the tank, as these will eventually eat the tankmates when they grow bigger. The same can be said for Hemibagrus (not evident from video). Not sure if the substrate is accurate for habitat, since I would expect more sand and less rocks.

Greg Martin: BIN missing. Looks thrown together in a hurry. Would have been nice to see a more mature display.