Сoastal part of the forest river
The 50th place in the qualifying stage of the Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2013
Russia. Albert Vendel
Volume: 20 L
List of fishes: Рагаcheirodon axelrodi
List of plants: Hydrocotyle leucocephala, Eleocharis acicularis
Biotope description: Legend of the aquarium: the coastal zone of the forest stream with black water. Only in the shallow water there is enough light for plants growing. Among the driftwood and fallen leaves cardinal tetras swim.
Very nice biotope decoration also very authentic, except for no precise location, that is a pity, as the biotope concept is about a near to nature copy of a real biotope.
This small aquarium made a strong impression on me. Everything in it looks very harmonious and natural. A massive driftwood covered with sand and a few of thin ones create a natural obstruction, but do not overload the aquarium, the driftwood dropped from above, gives a sense of near shore. Dry branches behind the back aquarium glass are very original solution, they give extra depth to visually expand the space, but do not introduce additional organic in the aquarium. But there are objections: sand would be better as a substrate, there could be gravel on it. Again, there are too many leaves on the bottom, they are not necessary for cardinal tetras comfortable life, but extra organics in the aquarium is also not necessary. Instead of oak leaves it is better to use dry almond leaves, in the aquarium they look just like fallen leaves, the species of which are difficult to determine. But there are no oaks in Brazil. The aquarium is too small for cardinal tetras, neon tetras would be better for a given volume. But while cardinal tetras have not grown, they look very well. It would be nice to add a couple of Hydrocotyles just floating on the water surface.