#11189 Třeboradice Stream, Prague, Czechia

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

June, 2026

Aquarium decoration

During the stream survey, most of the materials used to establish this aquarium were collected directly from the habitat, including plants, animals, water, and substrate. Using fine sieves, clay and fine gravel were separated from the stream sediment, which was then rinsed several times before being introduced into the aquarium together with river sand to form the substrate base.

Aquatic and marginal plants were carefully collected and replanted in areas containing clay-rich substrate from the original habitat. After the sediments settled, a hang-on filter and an air pump were installed to provide water circulation and additional oxygenation.

Most of the aquarium water was taken directly from the stream and supplemented with aged tap water. This method was used to reduce sudden changes in water chemistry and minimise stress on the collected organisms.

The grey, clay-rich substrate, combined with scattered remains of dead grass stems, provides shelter and feeding areas for fish and invertebrates. The open-water zones bordered by algal mats and curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) recreate the narrow, meandering channels that develop within the stream during summer. The shallow dimensions of the aquarium also reflect the water depth of the natural habitat where these organisms were observed.

Fish:

• Gasterosteus aculeatus (Gasterosteidae) – 12

Amphibian:

• Rana temporaria (tadpole) (Ranidae)

Crustacean:

• Gammarus pulex (Gammaridae)

Molluscs:

• Lymnaea stagnalis (Lymnaeidae)
• Galba truncatula (Lymnaeidae)

Aquatic plants:

• Potamogeton crispus (Potamogetonaceae)
• Cladophora glomerata (Cladophorophyceae)
• Equisetum palustre (Equisetaceae)
• Ranunculus aquatilis (Ranunculaceae)

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: PULACO Aquarium Hang-on Filter (66 GPH, 3W)
Lighting: Sunsun ADE 600 C Series Top Light
Aeration: Invital piezo air pump with air stone

Fish care

The aquarium closely replicates the natural habitat and ecological requirements of its inhabitants. Three-spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), which are often cautious and wary in the wild, move freely throughout the aquarium without showing signs of stress or excessive hiding. Sheltered areas are primarily used during interactions with larger individuals or territorial disputes.

Accumulations of submerged vegetation provide important foraging areas and suitable nesting material, reflecting the species’ characteristic breeding behaviour. Because the aquarium houses wild-caught fish and invertebrates, live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii and Daphnia are offered regularly. The sticklebacks also readily accept frozen foods, including mosquito larvae, making them easy to maintain while still supporting a natural feeding regime.

Plant care

The plants maintained in the aquarium require relatively little care. Curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), like most aquatic plants, depends on an adequate supply of nutrients and light for healthy growth. These requirements are provided by the nutrient-rich substrate and the relatively strong lighting installed above the aquarium.

To preserve the plant’s characteristic submerged appearance, continuous water movement is essential. Under stagnant conditions, the leaves often begin to grow above the water surface and gradually change shape, a phenomenon commonly observed in many aquatic and wetland plants capable of both submerged and emergent growth.

Water care

Water changes were carried out frequently during the beginning of the summer holidays. This was done both to gradually acclimate the fish to tap water and to counteract the effects of high summer temperatures, which occasionally caused the aquarium water temperature to rise. Regular water changes helped maintain stable conditions and ensured a healthy environment for the fish and other aquatic organisms.

Dimensions

Length

60 cm

Depth

25 cm

High

15 cm

Volume

23 L