How to Build a River Aquarium

A river aquarium simulates the natural environment of some aquatic fish, turtles and frogs. River aquariums are freshwater, with ample oxygenation and moving water. It's no more difficult to build a river aquarium than it is to set up any other aquarium, and you can create an ideal habitat for your aquatic pets in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

  • Air stone
  • Floating island
  • 2-3 Filters
  • River rocks
  • Dechlorinator
  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium hood
  • Under gravel filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy an appropriately-sized aquarium. The size of the aquarium you want will depend on the species that will live in it.. As a general rule, turtles need ten gallons of water for every inch of length, so a 10-inch turtle needs 100 gallons. Small fish like guppies and minnows need smaller spaces and generally thrive in a 20-gallon aquarium. You will need more space if you intend to populate your aquarium with many fish. Consult a care guide for your specific river species for more information.

    • 2

      Install a hood on the top of your aquarium. Aquarium hoods contain fluorescent light that emits the UV rays many aquatic species need to metabolize calcium. The light system in hoods can also stimulate natural feeding behaviors and makes it easier to see your fish or turtles.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of your aquarium with river rocks. These are large stones that have been polished over time by river currents. They are an attractive aquarium substrate and can help to filter dirt and bacteria. River rocks are also much safer to use than aquarium gravel because some aquatic animals, especially turtles, may eat small substrates and choke. Though it's not necessary, installing an under gravel filter underneath the river rocks can increase filtration and help to keep the aquarium clear.

    • 4

      Place an air stone in your aquarium. Air stones aerate river aquariums, increasing the inhabitants' access to oxygen. They also help to prevent the growth of algae. Some air stones are designed to create currents in the water, which can help to simulate the natural motion of a river.

    • 5

      Add water to your tank. Tap water is perfectly acceptable, though many hobbyists believe that distilled and deionized water are safer. After you have added the water, add the dechlorinator. In some cases, you may have to wait 12-24 hours before it is safe to add your fish. Consult the directions on the label to determine how long to wait.

    • 6

      Add a land area if you are building an aquarium for aquatic turtles. Turtles need to be able to completely dry off and bask under the aquarium light. Most pet stores sell floating islands that work well for this purpose. You can also stack river rocks up to the top of the water to create a land area. Make sure that there is sufficient room for your turtle to move around on the land area. Your turtle should also be able to easily get onto the area, so it needs to be stable and not too far above the top of the water.