The Community Aquarium Biotope

The Community Aquarium Biotope

Choose your aquarium population carefully, to anticipate and avoid future problems.

Definition of a biotope: This is a habitat which constitutes a biological unit, characterised by its fauna and flora.

General points:

Freshwater fish are native to countries close to the equator. This is why the water in your aquarium needs to be heated. However, temperature is not the only criterion to be followed. In theory, you should try to recreate a water environment equivalent to the natural biotope.

This aquarium is recommended for novices as it brings together numerous species from all over the world.

1- Climate

The water should be relatively soft (pH 7-7.5) – (Hardness = 5-9). The water should be kept at a temperature of 24-30°C, and should be translucent.

2- Plants

  • Vallisneria asiatica
  • Java fern
  • Microsorum pteropus
  • Echinodorus tenellus
  • Anubia nana
  • Anubias barteri nana
  • Hygrophila diformis
  • Anubia congensis

3- Base substance and decoration

  • Hardy plants and moss
  • Roots
  • Cracked pots and stones which provide plenty of hiding places for your fish

4- Cohabitant fish species

  • Guppies
  • Poecilia reticulata
  • Platyfish
  • Xiphophorus maculatus
  • Xiphos
  • Xiphophorus helleri
  • Corydo
  • Corydoras aeneus
  • Black mollies
  • Poecilia sphenops
  • Pelmat
  • Pelvicachromis pulcher
  • Corydoras
  • Barbs
  • Angelfish
  • Neon tetras