#11013 Seetha River, Udupi, Karnataka, India

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

15 May, 2026

Aquarium decoration

The aquarium layout was created by forming a curved rocky riverbed using coarse sand mixed with soil, replicating the substrate conditions observed in the BIN habitat. River rocks were arranged randomly to achieve a more natural appearance, avoiding artificial symmetry and reflecting the irregular structure of a flowing stream environment.

Specific areas were left open for planting Lagenandra and Blyxa aubertii after the aquarium completed its cycling process. A large piece of driftwood was added to represent a fallen tree trunk gradually colonised by aquatic life, while coconut peduncles and other botanical materials recreate the organic debris commonly found in the river habitat.

The combination of rocks, wood, and natural botanicals provides shelter, grazing surfaces, and microhabitats for fish, juveniles, and invertebrates, reproducing the complexity of a tropical hill stream ecosystem.

Fish:

• Dawkinsia apsara (Cyprinidae) – 6
• Dawkinsia filamentosa (Cyprinidae) – 6
• Barilius ardens (Danionidae) – 12
• Devario malabaricus (Danionidae) – 12
• Pristolepis marginata (Pristolepididae) – 6
• Pethia setnai (Cyprinidae) – 6
• Garra mullya (Cyprinidae) – 7
• Haludaria fasciata (Cyprinidae) – 8

Crustacean:

• Macrobrachium lamarrei (Palaemonidae) – 12

Aquatic plants:

• Vallisneria sp. (Hydrocharitaceae) – 7/8
• Blyxa aubertii (Hydrocharitaceae) – 5
• Lagenandra toxicaria (Araceae) – 8

Aquarium equipment

The filtration system consists of two SunSun HW-304A canister filters, each providing a flow rate of 2000 L/h, ensuring efficient mechanical and biological filtration while maintaining excellent water quality.

Lighting is provided by a custom-built 230 W WRGB system designed to replicate natural sunlight conditions and enhance the appearance of the biotope.

A SunSun JB-25F powerhead is added to increase water movement and reproduce the stronger flow conditions characteristic of tropical hill streams.

Fish care

Live foods are prioritised to replicate the natural feeding behaviour of the fish and provide a varied diet. A strict water change schedule is maintained, and wild-caught fish were quarantined before being introduced into the aquarium.

As part of the maintenance routine, fish food is occasionally soaked with crushed garlic (once every two weeks) as a traditional preventive measure to support fish health and reduce the risk of parasite-related issues.

Plant care

Fertilizer: Utkarsh micro and macro nutrients, 20 ml each, added 1 hour before the lights turn on.
Photoperiod: 8 hours daily.

Water care

Water changes are performed every 15 days. Canister filters are cleaned once a month, while glass cleaning is carried out weekly and gravel cleaning once a month. Water parameters are monitored regularly, and top-ups are usually performed to minimise changes in water chemistry.

Dimensions

Length

165 cm

Depth

50 cm

High

60 cm

Volume

495 L