How to Make an Aquarium River Environment

In a river aquarium, the aquarist attempts to recreate a habitat that matches a river in nature. For this type of aquarium, you should choose fish and aquatic vegetation that are specific to the original environment. The aquarium water temperature and chemistry should also be similar to a river environment. One river biotope you can create is the South American clear water river habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Level
  • Aquarium stand
  • Styrofoam sheet
  • 90-gallon aquarium
  • 10-gallon plastic bucket
  • 75 lbs. fine aquarium gravel
  • Plastic rod
  • Six pieces of bog wood
  • 7.5 oz. aquarium chlorine neutralizer
  • Heater
  • Canister filter
  • PH test kit
  • PH buffer agent (optional)
  • Long handled aquarium tong
  • 10 sword plants
  • 10 vallisneria plants
  • Four corydoras catfish, one sucker mouth catfish, one pair of flag cichlids
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a draft free location in the room and use a level to ensure that the floor is level. Position the stand away from any windows that receive full sun to prevent the growth of unwanted algae.

    • 2

      Place a sheet of Styrofoam on the stand to prevent the aquarium's base from cracking if the tank isn't sitting exactly level on the stand.

    • 3

      Place the aquarium onto the stand.

    • 4

      Place 10 lbs. of fine aquarium gravel into a 10-gallon bucket.

    • 5

      Pour water from a garden tap into the bucket and stir the gravel with a plastic rod. Pour off the dirty water.

    • 6

      Wash the entire 75 lbs. of gravel, rinsing small amounts at a time.

    • 7

      Place the gravel in the aquarium. Create a gentle slope from the rear to the front of the aquarium to allow uneaten food and other dirt to work its way toward the front where it can be easily removed.

    • 8

      Place six pieces of bog wood toward the back and sides of the aquarium. Leave the front and middle free for swimming.

    • 9

      Fill the aquarium with tap water and add 7.5 oz. of chlorine neutralizer to the water.

    • 10

      Set the thermostat on the heater to between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the heater into a holder and press the holder's adhesive suction cups onto the aquarium glass. Turn on the heater.

    • 11

      Connect a powerful canister filter to the aquarium. Position the intake stem on the opposite side to the outlet pipe to create a strong current across the length of the aquarium.

    • 12

      Test the pH of your water, using a pH test kit. Add a buffer agent to bring the pH to between 6.9 and 7.2.

    • 13

      Use a long handled, plastic aquarium tong to plant 10 sword plants and 10 vallisneria along the back and sides of the aquarium.

    • 14

      Add four corydoras catfish, one sucker mouth catfish and one pair of flag cichlids to the water.

    • 15

      Place two strong fluorescent tubes into the canopy and place it on the aquarium.