Shallow tributary of Kelani River, Sri Lanka

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

October, 2023

Aquarium decoration

With this aquarium, I aimed to model the habitat of Pethia nigrofasciata, focusing on a shallow river section from the Kelani River tributary area. These fish prefer slow-flowing, hideout-rich environments, so I endeavored to use appropriate decorations.

I used beige sand as the substrate, which is typical for the area, and I tried to model the water’s work with the topography as well. The main decorative elements are the various sizes and shapes of blackish stones and pebbles, which are also found in the original habitat.

The entire Kelani River area is covered by dense rainforests, so I placed branches, roots, and fallen leaves in the aquarium, thus increasing the number of hiding places for these fast-moving, shy fish. The overall look was completed by the native Cryptocoryne beckettii, which mainly grows close to the water’s edge, where the fish can hide if they sense danger.

I colored the water with dye extracted from leaves, just like in nature. By extending the light period and increasing liquid nutrients, I grew algae on the rocks, which the fish eagerly consume as a dietary supplement.

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: Sicce Whale 500, 18 Watt, 1300 l/h

Black ruby barbs like long swimming areas but need suitable hiding places where they can retreat. In this aquarium, the fish are calm, swimming in a loose school, sometimes digging in the substrate to search for food. I had to experiment a bit with the current before finding the right flow level for them. To keep them healthy and energetic I feed them live food like bloodworms, tubifex and Enchytraeus buchholzi. Since they need plant-based food, I grew algae in the aquarium for them, but they also receive algae-based granules and boiled spinach.

Fish care

Black ruby barbs like long swimming areas but need suitable hiding places where they can retreat. In this aquarium, the fish are calm, swimming in a loose school, sometimes digging in the substrate to search for food. I had to experiment a bit with the current before finding the right flow level for them.

To keep them healthy and energetic I feed them live food like bloodworms, tubifex and Enchytraeus buchholzi. Since they need plant-based food, I grew algae in the aquarium for them, but they also receive algae-based granules and boiled spinach.

Fishlist:

• Pethia nigrofasciata (Cyprinidae)

Plant care

Cryptocoryne beckettii is a very hardy but relatively slow-growing plant. It prefers to absorb nutrients through its roots, so I added root tabs to the substrate. Additionally, I light the aquarium for 8-10 hours daily, which is suitable for both the Cryptocoryne and the algae.

Aquatic plants:

• Cryptocoryne beckettii (Araceae)

Water care

I usually change 20-30% of the water every two or three weeks. Apart from this, I only replace the evaporated water and feed the fish daily.

Dimensions

Length

90 cm

Depth

40 cm

High

36 cm

Volume

130 L