Inspirational biotopes and natural looking aquariums

[Lilyann]

Wow! such beautiful tanks and fish!!

 

[Gourami Swami]

Did you do anything to introduce tannins before the driftwood was added or did the tannins strictly come from your addition of the driftwood?

I had a large amount of driftwood in my previous tank and it turned it straight up lake brown. The wood has since dried back out due to us moving and breaking down that specific tank, but I am getting ready to begin using it again, wondering if it will re-release tannins in the water after it is added back?

I think it depends on how much tannins the wood has and whether they were fully released when it was in the tank previously. I have some large pieces that were in my tanks for years , and when I put them into a new tank they don't darken the water much. I put brand new pieces in about a month ago and they turned the tank to blackwater, but as the weeks pass and I change more water it is getting less noticeable- I think it will be fully clear in a few months.

 

[cockroach]

Stanzzzz7 Those tanks are awesome. Could you post some more please. Especially pics of the GT tank and the tank with swords. Also can you give more details on setup if you don't mind.

 

[convict360]

Great thread idea, looking forward to updates; really appreciate Biotopes as I get further into the hobby

 

[convict360]

I would love to visit fish in their natural habitat then replicate it at home, I fear until I've actually witnessed this or have access to indepth information, any effort I do go to will still lack authenticity; but one can dream!

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Stanzzzz7 Those tanks are awesome. Could you post some more please. Especially pics of the GT tank and the tank with swords. Also can you give more details on setup if you don't mind.

Thanks, I will post some more later when I get home from work.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Sorry to those that may have already seen this but as requested here is another look at the green terror tank.
It's not a true biotope as tank mates from Western Ecuador are hard to come by or not compatible.
The tank has a footprint of 7x2 and contained 1 male and 5 female gt's.
All branches were collected locally and are mostly oak.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Here is a video of my Mexican tank containing juvenile thorichthys helleri and xiphophorus helleri swordtails.

 

[freak78]

Here is my wild Altum setup.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Here is my wild Altum setup.
View attachment 1281203

Very nice set up,love Altums and the tank looks great.