Laguna Larga, Los Lagos rivers complex, Bolivia

[kgazos]

My main source of information and inspiration was the expedition and the publications of Dr. Stefan Karl Hetz. I am grateful for the content he shared on his site: https://native-fish.org/de/allpages/bolivialoslagos .
Substrate: Sand 0,4-1,2mm mixed with clay and peat. Partially river sand 0,8-1,2mm.
Water parameters in aquarium: pH 6.6
Temperature varies from 26.5°C in the day to 24°C in the night.
Water hardness: dkH: 2, gH:5
Water clarity: Clear with little particles from the fallen branch
Live fish:
42 x Aphyocharax Rathbuni
10 x Nannostomus Trifasciatus
18 x Carnegiella Marthae
5 x Apistogramma Trifasciata
Vegetation:
Philodendron, fern (overhanging vegetation)
Helanthium Bolivianum
Bacopa monnieri
Ceratophyllum Demersum
Sagittaria Subulata
Limnobium Laevigatum
Salvinia natans
Driftwood and roots in shape and color similar to those found in the natural biotope. It was collected from the forest. Botanicals: A whole branch of Magnolia with leaves. Also 3 x Magnolia pods and 3 other different types of pods. All those trees grow in the area and it’s a common occurrence that the pods and seeds end up in the lakes/ streams.
Any tips, corrections or other knowledge is greatly appreciated!

 

[MacZ]

Nicely done. An overview of the whole tank would be great.

 

[kgazos]

Nicely done. An overview of the whole tank would be great.

Thank you!
Overview, if you mean as a text explaining thorougly my setup it's not yet finished but I will write more information about the biotope I am exactly replicating soon.
Overview as a picture of the whole tank I havent taken the perfect 10 out of 10 yet. I will try again tomorrow, still experimenting with the best, most natural looking, lighting.

 

[MacZ]

I meant a picture. I would consider your text an overview already. Any additional text would be in depth already, I think.

 

[ButtNekkid]

That thank is absolutely insane! I also vote for a bigger picture.

 

[kgazos]

That thank is absolutely insane! I also vote for a bigger picture.

Thank you very much!

I will try my best and upload one today. I have a great video showcasing all of the tank but unfortunately it's too many MBs to post here.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Tank looks great.

Live fish:
42 x Aphyocharax Rathbuni
10 x Nannostomus Trifasciatus
18 x Carnegiella Marthae
5 x Apistogramma Trifasciata

How large a tank is it? As you've probably found out by now, male A. trifasciata don't like one another.

cheers Darrel

 

[kgazos]

Hi all,
Tank looks great.

How large a tank is it? As you've probably found out by now, male A. trifasciata don't like one another.

cheers Darrel

Thank you! It measures (in cm) 130l x 55w x 70h which is approximately 500 litres. Yes I found out that pretty quickly. When they are displaying to the females and at the same time to each other it’s a sight to see! There are plenty of hiding spaces, everybody is eating well and there are no nipped fins so I am lucky that it worked out for me so well.
Also here are the front and side views of the tank. I am working on the transition from the leaf litter to the bunch of Bacopa monnieri and Helianthum bolivianum carpet, I think it can get better, more natural looking.

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi,

I would keep the leaf litter bed. To me, that´s the more natural look.
But either way, you have a beautiful tank.

 

[MacZ]

Really a beautiful tank!

I would also leave the leaves. BUT: The thickness of the sand substrate on that side is... that may bite you in the behind. I'd probably reduce the layer to prevent foulness under the leave litter.

 

[kgazos]

Thank you for your kind words! I never intended on removing the leaf bed, just maybe some tweaks on the plants. I try to ruffle the sand on the hill side of the tank. Maybe I will change it.