How to Make a Creek Fish Tank

A creek fish tank simulates a natural habitat. The aquarist must choose fish and aquatic plant species that are specific to that environment and underwater décor that is appropriate. The water chemistry and temperature must also mirror that found in the natural setting of a creek. Fish typically engage in more natural behaviors in a biope aquarium and normally breed more readily. The secret to a successful biotope tank is thorough research.

Things You'll Need

  • 60-gallon aquarium
  • Aquarium stand
  • Thin piece of Styrofoam
  • 5-gallon plastic bucket
  • 50 pounds aquarium gravel
  • Four to five pieces of bog wood
  • 5 fl oz's aquarium chlorine remover
  • Aquarium heater
  • Hang on aquarium filter
  • Ph test kit
  • Aquarium ph buffer agent (optional)
  • Long handled aquarium tong
  • 8 to 10 aquatic plants of the species vallisneria and cryptocoryne
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your aquarium stand on a level section of floor. Position the stand away from drafts and any windows that receive full sun. Sunlight encourages the growth of unwanted algae.

    • 2

      Place a thin sheet of Styrofoam on the stand. Styrofoam positioned between the tank and stand prevents the aquarium base from cracking, should the tank not be sitting exactly level.

    • 3

      Place the aquarium onto the Styrofoam sheet.

    • 4

      Place 5 lbs. of aquarium gravel into a 5-gallon bucket.

    • 5

      Fill the bucket half-way with water from a garden tap. Use a clean plastic rod to stir the gravel and pour off the dirty water. Repeat until the gravel is dust free.

    • 6

      Wash additional amounts of dusty gravel, until you have 50 lbs. of clean gravel.

    • 7

      Place the gravel into the aquarium. Slope it from the rear to the front. This slope allows detritus to accumulate.

    • 8

      Place four or five pieces of bog wood onto the gravel.

    • 9

      Fill the aquarium with tap water. Pour the water gently onto the pieces of bog wood, so as not to disturb the gravel.

    • 10

      Add 5 fl oz. of aquatic chlorine remover to the water.

    • 11

      Set your aquarium heater to between 78 and 84 F and position in the aquarium. Turn the heater on.

    • 12

      Attach a hang-on aquarium filter onto the back rim of the aquarium and turn on.

    • 13

      Use a pH test kit to measure the pH of your water. Add an aquatic buffer agent to bring the pH to 7, or just slightly less.

    • 14

      Use a long handled, plastic aquarium tong to scrape away the gravel in eight to ten places between the pieces of bog wood. Use the tong to position the tiny plastic plant pots of up to ten aquatic plants in the depressions in the gravel. Use the tong to scrape gravel back around the pots. Choose vallisneria and cryptocoryne, as these plants are tolerant of low light conditions.

    • 15

      Place a single fluorescent tube into the aquarium canopy, to create a subdued lighting effect.

    • 16

      Choose an assortment of danios, barbs and loaches for this aquarium.