Thinking of setting up a river biotope

[Rafini]

Hey guys I have a 120g aquarium (4x2x2) that I currently have some central american cichlids, a few rainbows and a group of 7 filament barbs. I am looking to change things up and I did originally intend to swap them out and have an african Mbuna aquarium as I have kept them before and I found that I generally enjoy them more than the aggressive central Americans (and I prefer tanks with more than a couple of fish in)

I have wanted to set up a river biotope for a few years now, I got given an old air pump from a friend who converted to marine and I hooked it into a 950gph powerhead and had this strong oxygenated current flowing around the tank and all my fish loved it, my barbs had amazing colors that day and I noticed some nice natural behavior from them.

So I'm thinking of setting up a tank that makes the most of a well flowing oxygenated river set up. I did originally think of doing a congo biotope with a small group of elephant nose as the focal point. I was thinking of maybe congo tetras, normans lampeye, various synodontid species, Kribensis or other west african cichlids like block heads. Unfortunately I am disliking the idea of getting rid of my school of filament barbs. I have 4 males and 3 females and they look beautiful all the time. could I add some congos and just accept a non strict biotope?

I do however really like the indian glassfish and I am thinking that an Indian biotope might be cool. but there aren't really many options for small peaceful cichlids. I have never seen a chromide offered for sale in Europe or Canada (maybe I am just unlucky with where I live lol)

Either way I am looking for some cool options!, I already have a 75g planted aquarium with a nice mix and match of fish, I was looking for something a little more structured.

Thanks!

 

[pbeemer]

the concept of a "strict biotype" is entirely personal. some folks take it to extreme levels, but it's hard to import "authentic" plants for most biotypes, and i doubt that anyone imports the sand/gravel substrate from the same waters that the fish come from unless you are doing your own local native fish. If you like it, then it's perfect.

re: the chromides, i would like to have them also, but i thought that those guys wanted brackish water, at least when they are full adults; that will be a real challenge both for the other fish and for the plants. (although i guess the chromides themselves would be a challenge for any plants you put in )

i hope that my next tank will be a stream biotype, with US natives (sunfish and darters). i have visions of how the back and side walls will hide the plumbing so there is a steady fast flow from end to end. . .

(recovers with a start) sorry, kinda drifted off there. if only my finances matched my plans .

good luck.

 

[Belltrain]

if only my finances matched my plans.

Oh the dreams I have...but then I kinda wakeup and go wow I don't have nearly enough money for that haha. Too funny.