How to Set Up a River Aquarium

Loaches, botias and danios are a few fish found naturally in rivers that can also be great aquarium pets. Give these fish and other river-dwelling fish a natural habitat by creating a river aquarium at home. By making a tubular manifold, you can create flowing water in one direction of the tank to recreate river conditions. Adorn the tank with natural decorations, such as river rocks and plants, to make the fish feel completely at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish aquarium
  • 3/4-inch-diameter PVC pipe
  • Two 90-degree PVC elbow bends
  • Filter sponge
  • Drill
  • Clear vinyl tubing
  • Power head
  • River rocks
  • Aquarium plants
  • Driftwood and slate rocks
  • Water
  • Aquarium heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a tank for your river aquarium. To create the natural flow of a river, this tank should have a long length, and doesn't require as much height as other tank habitats. A 48-by-12-by-16-inch tank will be ideal for a river aquarium.

    • 2

      Build a tubular manifold in the tank to create the unidirectional water flow of a river. Begin by cutting a 3/4-inch PVC pipe that is 4 inches shorter than the length of the tank. Install a 90-degree PVC elbow bend at both ends of the pipe, with the openings of each elbow facing upward.

      Measure the mounting depth of the filter sponge you've selected for the tank. Cut a piece of PVC pipe in that mounting depth length. Drill holes in the PVC pipe, which will pull in water throughout the sponge when assembled. Place the PVC pipe in the elbow bend and put the sponge on top of it.

      Slip 2 inches of clear vinyl tubing into the opposite PVC elbow. Slip a power head into the other end of the vinyl tubing. When turned on, water will be drawn through the sponge filter, flow through the PVC pipe and be blown out of the power head to create a steady flow of water in one direction.

    • 3

      Add large, rounded river rocks to the bottom of the aquarium. These decorations should be purchased from a pet store to ensure they're free from chemicals. Place the stones over the tubular manifold to keep it in place. Do not obstruct the sponge filter or power head.

    • 4

      Decorate the aquarium with plants found naturally in rivers. These can be artificial plants or real plants, such as java fern. Also, place slate rocks and drift wood into the aquarium to create more adornments for the tank and hiding spots for the fish.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with dechlorinated water. Use a water heater to ensure it is at an appropriate temperature for the fish you're putting in the tank.