Puddles of Milini River
Puddles of Milini River, Kanvashram, Kotdwar, Uttrakhand, India
About This Aquascape
The aquarium recreates the natural habitat of the respective fish species. Placement of rocks and stuck driftwoods and fallen leaves is done in a way similar to that of in nature to make fish feel at home. The aquarium is maintained in a way to keep the water parameters almost equivalent to the original. And lights are made and automated in such a way to grow algae on rocks similar to that of in nature. The species I keep feeds on algae and aquatic worms and larvae. Therefore, I feed them with algae wafers, blood worms and daphnia besides naturally grown algae. Water changes are made slowly with frequency twice a week.
- Filter
- Canister filter
- CO2 System
- na
- Lighting
- DIY
- Substrate
- Base layer of lava chips Top layer of Gangatic sand with pebbles
- Hardscape Materials
- Himalayan rocks
- Background
- Frosted Vinyl
Species
Schistura sp.7 Garra sp.3
Plant species
Fertilization
na
Biotope Information
This 54L Biotope Aquascape is a representation of small and shallow puddles formed during dry season with dissected streams of Malini River after monsoon floods and landslides. The Shape and size of river keeps changing throughout the year due to variation in water levels and landslides prone area of Uttarakhand. Being a nature enthusiast I love to travel to Uttarakhand often because it is full of wildlife and forest. My trek into the deep forest near Kanvashram, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand inspired me to recreate these small puddles into a biotope at my place so I can enjoy that beautiful part of nature everyday. I personally filmed and collected all crucial data required for this biotope. I used the same looking hardscape material including broken woods, leaves, pebbles, sand and rocks in my model to try to mimic the natural habitat of the fishes. And I scaped it with all my skills and efforts keeping in mind the natural essence of the real Biotope. Temp: 24-30 degree Celsius in summers Ph- 7 TDS: 345 (puddles)
Abhineet Prakash Anand
Delhi, Delhi, India
Quick Stats
- Style
- Biotope
- Size
- 60x30x30 cm
- Volume
- 54 L (14.3 gal.)
- Fish Species
- 2
Judges' Comments
The author has clearly gone to considerable effort in creating this display and ensuring that it looks authentic as well as provides the correct conditions for the inhabitants. The enthusiasm and passion for the habitat from the author comes through well in their words. Several points I would pick up on are that the background does feel a little flat, meaning it is clear the display is contained with an aquarium, which can impact our ability to imagine the biotope. More importantly however is my worry that the fishes used really require a larger tank, especially in the long term. Both species are active and territorial and would compete for similar resources in the wild. I would argue that a shallow tank of 120x50x30cm or a deeper display of 90x45x45cm would be much better for a group containing these two species. Otherwise I do find the display to be rich and engaging.
— Tai Strietman
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