Riverbank in the Rio Sucuri near Bonito, Brazil
19th place in Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2018
Poland. Łukasz Barwicki
Volume: 150 L
Dimensions: 80x45x40 cm
List of fishes: Hyphessobrycon eques, Apistogramma borellii, Otocinclus sp.
List of plants: Heteranthera zosterifolia
Description of decorations: Dark driftwood is imitating old fallen threes, a few branches lying on the ground and leaves.
Description of equipment: Aquael minikani 120, Hydor heater, Aquael sunny and plant slim.
Water parameters: Temperature is 24, ph is near 7, gh3 kh10.
INFORMATION ABOUT BIOTOPE
Description of the area surrounding the biotope: The river Rio Succuri flows a few kilometers from Rio de Prata. Sources of this river are located between pastures of rich cattle owners. The riverbank is overgrown with many plants (Hydrocotyle leucocephala, Echinodorus macrophyllus) and many sp. of grass and threes. The area near Succuri is very rare and its under strict protection. Many fallen threes are also a common view.
Description of the underwater landscape of the biotope: In the river are some of fallen threes and leaves, but the water color is clear and it seems to be blue. On the bottom of the river we can found a many water plants where the most of the are very good known in aquaristic. The most popular plants in this river are Echinodorus macrophyllus and Potomogeton illinoensis. They grow almost throughout the entire river.
Description of the parameters of the habitat: The water in Succuri river is very clear and transparent. The ph is between 6,5-7, kh 7, gh 3. Temperature fluctuates near 24stC.
List of fishes and invertebrates occurring in the nature biotope: Apistogramma borelli, Hyphessobrycon eques, Ancistrus sp. Otocinclus sp. Salminus brasiliensis, Crenicichla vittata, Leporinus friderici.
List of plants found in the nature biotope: Echinodorus macrophyllus, Potamogeton illinoensis, Echinodorus bolivianus, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, Hydrocotyle verticilata, Hydrocotyle leucocephala, Myriophyllum aquaticum, Nymphaea gardneriana, Pontederia parviflora, Chara rusbyana, Heteranthera zosterifolia.
Threats to the ecology: In my aquarium i wanted to show that this river is a very beautiful place. I think the bonito area is a very rare habittat of our fishes. The area is in a big danger because of deforestation. The landowners have no interest in this river so they do not care of it. So i would say that we can still fight for this beautiful place to save him for next generations.
Sources of information: Zeszyty akwarystyczne20, Chris Lukhaup – Niezwykłe bogactwo natury, łowcy roślin w Brazylii.
Comments of the members of the jury of Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2018
Although the design seems simple, the growth of vegetation forming these dense areas occurs naturally in many water bodies. With the driftwood covered with algae in the background and a bit of detritus on the sand it gives naturalness to the design. As a recommendation I would add more detritus distributed in the background. Good job!