Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
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What is an Amazon aquarium?: Would you have known this?
If you are interested in the fascinating world of aquariums and would like to bring a piece of tropical rainforest into your living room, then an Amazon aquarium is just the thing for you. It’s not just a tank with fish – an Amazon aquarium is a lovingly designed habitat that recreates the natural environment of the South American Amazon basin as accurately as possible. In this blog article, I explain what makes an Amazon aquarium, which animals and plants belong in it, how to set it up and what you should look out for when maintaining it.
What is an Amazon aquarium?: The Amazon habitat
The Amazon is the largest river system in the world and runs through South America for over 6,000 kilometres. Its catchment area is home to a breathtaking variety of animal and plant species – including many that only occur there. The water is usually soft and slightly acidic, and the temperature is constantly tropical. These conditions make the Amazon a popular model for themed aquariums.
A typical Amazon aquarium is therefore orientated towards these natural conditions: warm, soft water, dense plant growth, a slightly darkened play of light through floating leaves or roots – all this not only creates a beautiful look, but also offers the fish and plants a home that is as close to nature as possible.
What is an Amazon tank?: Typical inhabitants of an Amazon aquarium
The variety of species in the Amazon is overwhelming, but of course you can only keep a selection in a home aquarium. Peaceful, colourful and social fish that get along well with each other and require similar water values are particularly popular.
Popular fish species in the Amazon aquarium:
- Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi): Small, swarm-forming fish with bright blue and red colouring. They are a real classic.
- Red of Rio (Hyphessobrycon flammeus): Also a schooling fish with intense red colouring.
- Armoured catfish (Corydoras spp.): Bottom dwellers that live in groups and are very popular due to their peaceful nature.
- Antenna catfish (Ancistrus spp.): Useful algae eaters that usually live on roots or discs.
- Butterfly cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi): Colourful, rather delicate fish that are particularly suitable for more experienced aquarists.
- Discus fish: They are considered the kings of the Amazon aquarium. However, keeping them is demanding and requires experience.
If you decide in favour of an Amazon aquarium, you should make sure that the fish feel comfortable in their group and have enough places to retreat to.
Flora in the Amazon aquarium
An equally important component is the planting. It not only ensures an attractive appearance, but also stability in the biological balance of the aquarium.
Typical plant species for an Amazon biotope are:
- Amazon sword plant (Echinodorus bleheri): One of the best-known aquarium plants that lives up to its name.
- Vallisneria (Vallisneria spp.): Ideal as background plants with long, ribbon-like leaves.
- Waterweed (Egeria densa): Fast-growing plant that absorbs nutrients from the water.
- Java fern (Microsorum pteropus): Not from the Amazon region, but often found in such tanks due to its robustness.
- Floating plants such as frogbit: they provide subdued light and protection for shy fish.
Driftwood, leaves, roots and peat also play an important role. They give the water a slightly brownish colour (comparable to black water), which comes very close to the natural habitat.
The technology and water values
The reproduction of an Amazon habitat is only successful if you set the correct water values and keep them constant. Typical values are:
- Temperature: 25 to 28 °C
- pH value: 5.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic)
- Carbonate hardness: as low as possible
To achieve these values, it is worth using osmosis water, which you can mix with tap water. A heater is a must, as is a powerful but gentle filter. Many aquarists use an internal filter with an additional peat or bog peat filling to lower the pH value and colour the water.
The lighting should also be well thought out. Amazon fish are used to dim light – excessive lighting can stress them. Dimmable LED lights or floating plants help to regulate the light.
Furnishing and design
The design of an Amazon aquarium thrives on naturalness. Make sure the furnishings are harmonious and pleasing to both the fish and the eye. This is how you proceed:
- Substrate: Fine, dark-coloured sand or gravel forms the base. It is not only visually appealing, but also ideal for burrowing fish such as armoured catfish.
- Roots and wood: Mangrove or bogwood are perfect as they slightly acidify the water and provide natural retreats.
- Use stones sparingly: There are few rocks in the Amazon. If at all, then rather smooth-edged stones.
- Leaves and plant debris: Dried almond tree leaves or oak leaves not only look attractive, but also release valuable tannins.
- Planting: Place the plants in such a way that they provide both protection and free swimming areas. The rear areas should be planted more densely than the foreground.
Care and maintenance
Even if an Amazon aquarium looks very natural, it needs regular care to maintain the delicate balance. You should change around 20 to 30 per cent of the water once a week to reduce pollutants and add fresh nutrients. It is important to keep an eye on the water values so that the temperature, pH value and hardness continue to meet the needs of the tropical inhabitants. The plants also need your attention – they must be trimmed regularly so that they do not take up too much light or obstruct the water circulation.
Fish should be fed appropriately and in moderation, as too much food unnecessarily pollutes the water and can disturb the biological balance. The filter also needs to be looked after, although you should never clean it completely and never with hot water, as this will destroy the beneficial bacterial cultures that are essential for breaking down pollutants in the water. A well-established Amazon aquarium will develop a stable microclimate over time, but it will need your regular attention and care in order to function properly in the long term.
What is an Amazon aquarium? – Conclusion
An Amazon aquarium is much more than just a decorative element. It is a living piece of rainforest that can fascinate you anew every day. The natural design, the harmonious interplay of plants, animals and water and the tranquil atmosphere make it a real highlight in any home.
If you are prepared to listen to the needs of the inhabitants and look after the ecosystem with respect and care, you will be rewarded with an impressive underwater paradise – straight from the heart of South America.
