#2: 38L Biotope/Natural Aquaria

Max Gallade Timonium, United States

Awards and Comments

Second Place
Nice tank and concept presented in decent photos but needs improvement in plant health.
— Jeff Kropp
This is a pretty little tank and obviously serves its purpose well as a happy home for these Apistos. It certainly is reminiscent of some flooded forest biotopes even to the fine sand below the leaves. These particular plants of course are not those that would be found in this biotope which must be reflected in the "selection" score.
— Karen Randall
Plants not all from the same continent.
Good use of oak leaves.
— Pim Wilhelm

Aquascape Details

Dimensions 51 × 28 × 30 cm
Volume 38L
Background Black paint
Lighting 20 Watts Flourescent
Filtration Aquaclear mini,intake modified with a fine mesh net to protect fry.
Plants Anubia Barteri var,"nana,Echinodorus urugayensis(Amazon Sword plant) ,Java Moss.Cryptocoryne wendtii,Micranthemum (Hemianthus) micranthemoides added three month later as background plants.
Animals Apistogramma sp."Rio Marmore"
Nannostumus sp.(Striped Pencilfish)
Materials Oak leaves,driftwood
Additional Information The goal for this aquascape was to create the looks of a little Amazonian Forrest creek ,although not all the plants are of Amazonian origin.The Java fern and the Babytears were chosen for their looks and as hiding plants for potential fry.I also wanted to integrate the aquascape into a well functioning breeding tank for Apistogramma sp."Rio Marmore" .
The white aquarium sand substrate covered with Oak leaves created a natural looking background for my aquarium photography hobby as well.I'm very satisfied with the results of close-up photos of the fish in this tank.The fish seem to like this natural set-up as well.My Apistogramma A.sp."Rio Marmore" surprised me with their first fry in this tank on 08/01/01.

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