Slough Shark Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Here is a journal for my new biotope project. I will try to replicate the conditions of Livingstone Falls, a 220 mile long series of rapids and cataracts in the lower Congo River. I am going to aim for a shoreline biotope which will still have the fast flow rate, but I can add wood and plants to this area. I couldn't find any information on what plants could/would be found here, it is very hard to find biotope information for Africa (outside the rift lake area). So I will use plants known from the area (Anubias, Eleocharis and Bolbitis). I always put together a list when I am planning a tank, here's the plan for this tank: Livingstone Falls (Congo River) Biotope (30 Gal): Stocking: Steatocranus casuarius (4) 10cm Parailia congica (6) 9cm Atya gabonesis (1) 15cm Plants: Anubias Bolbitis Eleocharis If I can't find the Parailia congica (African Glass Catfish) I certainly won't cry over it, it is unlikely that they exist in this rapid section of the river, so I may do away with them completely. Although, I have seen in the field here that species can unexpectedly show up in areas outside their optimal biotope, and I'm sure Africa is the same. The Atya gabonensis (Vampire Shrimp) definitely occur here as their fan-like appendages are adapted to capturing food in the current. Of course, the Steatocranus casuarius come from this area and they are the centrepiece fish (and very interesting). I get mine on Saturday and can't wait! For filtration I am looking at one Aquaclear 70 and one Fluval 4- more than enough. And two Hydor Koralia Nano Pumps (260 gph each) to replicate the extreme water flow. Does anyone think I should have more gph than that? I think it is sufficient, but the most I have had so far is 160 gph and I think I need to come as close to doubling it as possible. The next step up is the Hydor Koralia 1 which is 400 gph, probably too much. So that's it for now, and here is a pic of the setup now: Taylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeioFormiga Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 What are the 3 cylinders? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted January 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 That's probably the bamboo you're looking at. Theres 4 pieces, 3 are cut in half and one is a cylinder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeioFormiga Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 So bamboo, sand, round river rocks, mopane(?), clams naturilish biotope? Different, interesting though. With the powerhead - run some pvc the length of the tank, with an inlet on the opposite side. Makes for more of a linear flow - like a river. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted January 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Ah yes, the river tank manifold design. I was going to use it, but in a 30 gallon it isn't quite worth it IMO and I have a tile substrate 2/3 of the tank which has styrofoam on the bottom, I'd have to carve out the bottom of the styrofoam to run the PVC to the other side. I had the option when I started up this tank, but decided against it. At least this way I can get more space in the tank and more gph from the powerheads by using Koralias rather than the other standard powerheads. But when I get my 90 Gallon, I will use that river tank manifold design, it's the only way to have a true river tank! Thanks for the comment, Taylor Edited January 29, 2009 by Slough Shark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Just keeping up with the updates. Pics of the fish: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeioFormiga Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Nice pictures. I've yet to take decent pictures of my fish. Keep updating, interesting project! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted February 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Thanks! Probably won't be much to update with in a while, the fish are all in hiding right now while they get used to the surroundings. Actually, I do have some news right now. I'll have to scratch off the Atya gabonensis, I don't know where the heck I got the idea that these exist in the Congo River. Must have been a thought carried on from another African river rapids biotope plan :eh: So I guess the tank be just cichlids unless I can find a source that says anything about barbs or schooling catfish in the lower Congo River. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted February 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 Updated pic of the tank: Obviously the brown algae and tannins have darkened the tank somewhat. Luckily this wont last too long because I'm already seeing some green algae development. Also luckily, the tannins haven't affected my photography in the tank, it's just a bit of an eye sore for me. The fish have been eating high quality flake food for a while now quite happily, and are doing the whole power struggle thing as cichlids will. I may post some new pics here tomorrow if they are all edited by then. That's all for now! Taylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishful Thinking Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 Looks good, Taylor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted February 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 Thanks Greg, soon this tank will be as green and natural looking as the last one I hope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnaw Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Never seen this thread before. Interesting, very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firestorm Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 It looks very good. I love how you put together these biotopes. How many biotopes do you have going right now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted February 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 Thanks you two! I only have this biotope setup right now. I had pans to set up two more (a 90 and a 55), but I have to prioritize where my money is going, so those will have to wait for several years. I have endless biotope plans for every continent (except Antarctica ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 I really enjoy your posts and projects! Very cool. My daughter is starting to show interest in my tanks and i am going to show her your stuff! She loves researching and finding new 'environments' and ways of life and nature. This is going to be fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts