bam Demanding level

Stream in the Orinoco River Basin, Venezuela

Sponsored by
Educated by Nature

Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of, Amazonas, Atures

This 250L biotope aquarium replicates the Orinoco River basin’s ecosystem. It features fine Golden River Sand and lush aquatic plants like Eleocharis vivipara and Echinodorus sp.

The diverse fish community includes Apistogramma pandurini, Cardinal Tetra, Rummy Nose, and various Corydoradinae species, showcasing the river’s biodiversity. The water, with a pH of 4.5 and a TDS of 190, mirrors the natural conditions of the basin. An Azur Beam 3 light enhances the colors and promotes plant growth, while the Sunsun 304B filter and aeration system ensure clear water and simulate river currents. This setup offers a vibrant and authentic representation of the Orinoco River basin’s aquatic life.

Submitted by
Shivansh Rajpoot
Approved by
Roberto E. Reis & Pablo C. Lehmann
GPS
3.4225750, -65.7232285
Geographical region
South America
Drainage Basin
Orinoco
River catchment
Upper Orinoco
Water body type
Stream
Water body name
Nameless
Water body part
Channel
Water body course
Headwaters
Water body: tributary of
Channel
Tributary name
Rio Atabapo

Videos above and below water

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Black water
Water transparency
Medium
Concentration of sediments
Medium
Water temperature
26 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
5.5
Conductivity
140
GH
64.34 mg/l
dGH
KH
47.40 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen
90 %

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
April, 2024
Aquarium decoration

Biotope is created using Dragon skin wood, natural white sand, and leaf litter collected from the garden like palm leaves and almond leaves, with coconut shells to provide extra shelter, I have used driftwood branches to ensure the natural look of finer branches coming out of the bigger ones and because of a depth effect due to light fishes naturally swim in front of the tank.

Fishlist:

  • Apistogramma pandurini (Cichlidae)
  • Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characidae)
  • Hemigrammus rhodostomus (Characidae)
  • Paracheirodon innesi (Characidae)
  • Osteogaster schultzei (Callichthyidae)
  • Corydoras sterbai (Callichthyidae)
  • Hoplisoma albolineatum (Callichthyidae)
  • Sturisoma panamense (Callichthyidae)

Aquatic plant:

  • Eleocharis vivipara (Cyperaceae)
  • Echinodorus grisebachii ‘Amazonicus’ (Alismataceae)
Aquarium equipment

I have used Sunsun 304 with air pump for aeriation and light is from Azur model Beam 3.

Fish care

I regularly feed fishes with bloodworms and dry food once or twice a day with weekly fast. Separate food for bottom dwellers. Water changes are 80% from RO or direct rain water.

Plant care

Plants are low demanding and need no care at all.

Water care

I changes water 80% weekly and clean up the glass when required, filtration needs to cleaned every 2-3 months.

Dimensions

Length
90 cm
Depth
45 cm
High
60 cm
Volume
250 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
None
Stone
None
Stone form
Flat
Silt/Mud
None
Leaves
Adundant
Driftwood
Many
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Bibliography

  • Springer - The Orinoco River Basin: An Ecological and Environmental Overview by Various
    ISBN 978-3030371635

Sitography

→ Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)

Comment by the expert

Roberto E. Reis: Fish and plants are set to coexist well for a long time and the aquarium has a good size – there are more fish species in the aquarium than those listed. Aquarium is well decorated with plants, dead leaves and driftwood, which makes the aquarium beutifully composed. The details, equipments and chemicals used, and care taken are properly described. Good visual support, with one video and three photos.

Pablo C. Lehmann: Although the aquarium is small, it is very well balanced and reflects the natural biotope including its ichthyofauna. BAN features and information are very complete.