How to Build a River Tank

A river tank is an aquarium that is only partially filled with water and has a good amount of simulated land area, mimicking a cross section of a river. They are a type of paludarium, a tank with part land and part water. River tanks can hold a variety of life, including aquatic turtles, fish and frogs. Constructing a simple river tank involves basic materials that you can find in any pet shop and takes only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon aquarium
  • Foam background
  • River rock gravel
  • Aquarium heater
  • 2 in-tank filters
  • Aquarium hood with lights
  • Dechlorinator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the aquarium in an area where it will not be exposed to too much direct sunlight. An overabundance of direct sunlight could cause unwanted algae buildup.

    • 2

      Place the foam background firmly against the back wall of the aquarium. These backgrounds can be purchased at pet shops and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some go straight up like walls, while others slope upward, simulating a river bank.

    • 3

      Layer the bottom of the tank with about 2 inches of clean river rock gravel. Rinse the gravel in a spaghetti strainer with hot water to clean it of dust or grime. The gravel should go around the base of the foam, securing it in place.

    • 4

      Fill the tank a 1/3 to 1/2 of the way with water, depending on personal preference. Deeper water will hold more fish. Dechlorinate the water with liquid dechlorinator additive, which will remove chemicals like chlorine. The proper dosage is specific to the manufacturer and will be on the package.

    • 5

      Install the aquarium heater on one side of the aquarium. Aquarium heaters typically attach to the glass wall with suction cups. The heater must be underwater whenever it is powered on or else it will break.

    • 6

      Install both in-tank filters side-by-side on the other end of the aquarium. The in-tank filters suck water up from the bottom, filter it, then spit it out via the top. Having both filters next to each other on one side will create a riverlike current.

    • 7

      Place any decor or plants around the tank, then fit the hood/lid securely to the top. Wait at least two days before adding any fish so the water can properly cycle.