Big thing is to keep on water changes, and make sure your water quality is high. And research temperature ranges for the fish you're looking at, to make sure they're all compatible. Rams, for example, like it pretty warm.
20g South American Blackwater Biotope
- Thread starter CinnamonPearl
- Start date
I think I'll get some rams then. They're really pretty. I'm doing this tank for my mom, so I think she'll love them. Which school should I keep, the tetras or the hatchetfish? I'm leaning towards tetras because I want fish that'll swim all over the tank.
Would this be a good stock then?
8-10 rummynose tetras
6 panda cories
2 bolivian rams
And where's a good place to buy bolivians? Thanks for the advice everyone.
Would this be a good stock then?
8-10 rummynose tetras
6 panda cories
2 bolivian rams
And where's a good place to buy bolivians? Thanks for the advice everyone.
If you want to do a true "blackwater" habitat I would stay with your first thoughts and skip the plants. In blackwater areas there actually are very little plants. This is because the water is very acidic and the tall jungle canopy makes the water very dark. Blackwater streams within the rainforest are typically devoid of plants.
Plants are found on the borders of larger rivers where you can find Cabomba, Echinodorus (swordplants), and Vallisneria. This is because there is more sunlight and the water is not as acidic.
Bolivian rams are colorful and easy to keep. You may want to try some Apistogramma for something that is really a blackwater fish. Or maybe some Driftwood catfish like Centromochlus perugiae.
Andy
Plants are found on the borders of larger rivers where you can find Cabomba, Echinodorus (swordplants), and Vallisneria. This is because there is more sunlight and the water is not as acidic.
Bolivian rams are colorful and easy to keep. You may want to try some Apistogramma for something that is really a blackwater fish. Or maybe some Driftwood catfish like Centromochlus perugiae.
Andy
Personally, I'm not a fan of hatchetfish. That said, I rarely see my rummies at the upper levels of the tank, even during feeding. Then again, a 20 long is much less tall than a 55.
Okay so I'll skip plants. What about floating plants? I read that a lot of blackwater streams have those.
Are bolivian rams not true blackwater fish? If they're not, what about GBRs?
Are bolivian rams not true blackwater fish? If they're not, what about GBRs?
Nope. Blackwater streams under the jungle canopy have no plants. Floating plants are found in open areas. Water hyacinth and Water lettuce are the most common but they don't do very well indoors.
There are a lot of different gradiations in regards to blackwater I guess. There are open areas of the Rio Negro where you will find lots of different plants. The water is still dark but not nearly as acidic as what you find underneath the jungle canopy.
Bolivian rams are more of a clear water species but can be found in blackwater areas too.
Andy
There are a lot of different gradiations in regards to blackwater I guess. There are open areas of the Rio Negro where you will find lots of different plants. The water is still dark but not nearly as acidic as what you find underneath the jungle canopy.
Bolivian rams are more of a clear water species but can be found in blackwater areas too.
Andy
what Andy said.
if you are doing a true blackwater.. skip the plants..driftwood ok as are rocks and sand substrate. structure is great. the water will be tea stained aka blackwater and acidic.
both species of rams will do and can be found in the area.
bolivian rams usually found in a bit cooler water Temp range up to 78-80 while ramirezi (blue/gold) are found in a bit warmer.
they actually work well in a discus tank
if you are doing a true blackwater.. skip the plants..driftwood ok as are rocks and sand substrate. structure is great. the water will be tea stained aka blackwater and acidic.
both species of rams will do and can be found in the area.
bolivian rams usually found in a bit cooler water Temp range up to 78-80 while ramirezi (blue/gold) are found in a bit warmer.
they actually work well in a discus tank
jasonfishaddict
AC Members
Hey, these people really know their . Stocking level is high for a 20g, IMO. Establish one species at a time, for example; 2 Rams first then wait a month, checking water chemistry weekly. Next, 3 Pandas, wait another month. Then 3 Tetras. After the initial stocking is complete, you can add more until you feel the tank is fully stocked. You don't mention algae control. Without plants, this may become a problem. Also what kind of filtration do you plan on running?
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So I'll stick with 2 rams, 6 tetras, and 6 cories then. As long as bolivian rams aren't going against the biotope, I'll stick with them. But shouldn't I add the rams last so the tank can get more stable? They are the most delicate fish in this stock, right?
Jasonfishaddict, I have been considering algae control. I was thinking of getting some black mystery snails. I found out that they're native to South America. They're not the greatest algae eater, but they should help. Besides that, I'll just have very weak lighting and hope for the best.
I have two Aquaclear 20s in the 20 gallon planted I have now, so I intend to use those. I intended to have two sponges and one bag of biomedia in one filter and one sponge, one bag of peat moss, and one bag of biomedia in the second. Or would both filters with one sponge, one peat moss, and one biomedia be better?
And my heaters can heat to any temperature from 68-86, so I can do whatever temperature would be best.
What are your suggestions on leaf litter?
Jasonfishaddict, I have been considering algae control. I was thinking of getting some black mystery snails. I found out that they're native to South America. They're not the greatest algae eater, but they should help. Besides that, I'll just have very weak lighting and hope for the best.
I have two Aquaclear 20s in the 20 gallon planted I have now, so I intend to use those. I intended to have two sponges and one bag of biomedia in one filter and one sponge, one bag of peat moss, and one bag of biomedia in the second. Or would both filters with one sponge, one peat moss, and one biomedia be better?
And my heaters can heat to any temperature from 68-86, so I can do whatever temperature would be best.
What are your suggestions on leaf litter?
if the tank is cycled and established.. how you add fish is up to you.
generally, add one species at a time.. the rams are cichlids and will usually not have any issue adjusting to the tank..which is one reason they are added last.
they tend to stay near the bottom.
they will establish a territory.
however you choose to stock is up to you but..if you choose to add species at different time and wait a month.. you should consider quarantine tanks. as you will prob want to play it safe.
in terms of leaf litter you can add oak if you have any I usually will find catappa.
generally, add one species at a time.. the rams are cichlids and will usually not have any issue adjusting to the tank..which is one reason they are added last.
they tend to stay near the bottom.
they will establish a territory.
however you choose to stock is up to you but..if you choose to add species at different time and wait a month.. you should consider quarantine tanks. as you will prob want to play it safe.
in terms of leaf litter you can add oak if you have any I usually will find catappa.
