If we think of a biotope aquarium distant lands such as the rainforest or jungles in Asia come to mind. Sometimes though, to make a simple one natural aquarium you don't have to go this far! We are in Italy, in Val di Mello and our aquarium wants to represent this enchanting place where nature reigns supreme, where the queen is the mountain and where water and life are the river.
Un biotope aquarium is the passion of many aquarists and trying to recreate an indigenous environment, seen from life or in some photographs can give great satisfaction, transforming a simple tank with plants and fish into something very natural. From this concept comes the definition of “natural aquarium”, sometimes a simple cliché, other times a real one aquatic ecosystem where plants, invertebrates and fish live in harmony with each other. You can imagine that in this case the ornaments are not sunken battleships, but stones or woods as natural elements.
The small tub of 20 liters (a nano aquascape) who wants to look like the river.
Biotope aquarium: the river
The river flows in Val di Mello, flagship of the Val Masino and from 2009 nature reserve. This valley is a place known throughout Europe and the world for its beauty and for the particularity of its cliffs that bring many climbers into the valley. The river winds at times tortuous, others calmer, through ideal paths for the trekking, and is surrounded by forests in front of the immense rock walls.
A mountain environment characterized by wild valleys, by bodies of water, streams and small waterfalls, where you can recover your well-being and energy.
A beautiful image of the river flowing along the Val di Mello.
A starting point to make ours biotope aquarium. A representation of what can be the bottom of a stream, very similar to the one illustrated above. Naturally with a little imagination, aquarium permitting, but with an aesthetic result very, very similar to the real thing. We will document ours in other articles work-in-progess, also and above all when we will insert fish and invertebrates, but in the meantime some technical info.
Respect nature with a pinch of imagination
This type of aquarium tank setup has a layout very simple (apart from some plants Tropica classified as "Advanced"), and is divided into two parts. The front one made from real hardscape (gravel, pebbles and river stones) and the rear one where the plants were placed on a fertile bottom of the Seachem (useful to create a lasting relief over time). The tub, on the other hand, was kindly supplied (and produced) by Green Water and has the classic measures of a “mini” Cube Garden. What do you think? Experiment e natural aquarium succeeded?
An image of ours river biotope aquarium after 4 months from its preparation.
With this ours small contribution (and its international visibility in 2 languages) we want to thank all the companies that have helped us, providing us with part of the products e accessories needed to accomplish this aquarium biotope. The opportunity to demonstrate from life to enthusiasts that, with an adequate but not excessive investment, it is possible to get great satisfaction by setting up a real home natural aquarium!
What is needed for the river aquarium biotope:
- Tank: Cube Garden "mini" in extra clear glass
- Bath sizes: 36x26x22 centimeters corresponding to 20 liters
- Filter: external backpack on the back (with filter media)
- Lighting: WRGB LED ceiling light Twinstar 300CC
- Heater: electronic Aquael Ultra Heater
- CO2 system: 500 gr. cylinder with diffuser
- sling: fertile Seachem Fluotite Black + river stones + gravel
- Plants: the best selection of Tropica
Some of the Tropica plants used for the river aquarium:
The population of the biotope aquarium
Our biotope aquarium is populated by 3 specimens di Caridina Amano (Caridina japonica) is 9 specimens di Rasbora kubotai, an Asian minnow that lives in flowing waters and is very popular with more experienced aquarists. Also referred to as "Green Neon", this species of micro rasbora is a schooling fish where each individual in nature does not exceed the length of 1,5 cm. thank Fishinnet.net, online store leader European for quantity of choice, decades of experience and maximum availability.
Some specimens of Rasbora kubotai. Next inhabitant of ours natural aquarium.
Conclusions
Creating aquariums we are passionate about and reporting our experiences on the site is also a way to attract the interest of new users, not only aquarists, but also people who do not yet know the extraordinary beauty of a natural aquarium. A living object in some cases very similar to a work of art, while in any case a splendid object where nature and design at the bottom together they give an exclusive touch to a corner of the house.
Our simple biotope aquarium river after 7 months from its realization.
This aquarium is alone 20 liters, but very soon we will also document the realization of a biotope aquarium bigger than 60 liters. If a small aquarium is a little more complex management and is more dedicated to already experienced enthusiasts, 60 liters are the ideal size and easy to access for all aquarists, including newbies. For any information on its realization contact us: info@acquarioincasa.it.
Cover: the stream in Val di Mello (Italy)
