Biotope aquariums

In her free time, Anja pondered about the type of aquarium she would prepare, where to place it, and how large it should be. Her partner advocated for it to take up as little space as possible, make as little noise as possible, and ideally be hidden away to avoid being obtrusive. So, Anja will have to argue differently at home. She will need to convince them that it's a beautiful and unique endeavor and that owning something so magnificent is actually an honor.

Anja immersed herself in researching the conditions in the Amazon. It's probably not surprising that everything there is influenced by rain. After all, water is the foundation of all life. But how exactly do the water conditions change during the rainy and dry seasons, and what precisely does that tell us about how to provide our aquarium inhabitants with an environment that suits them and ideally resembles their home? Understanding this will be the cornerstone for creating an Amazon biotope aquarium.

"Igapó" is a term used in Brazil to describe flooded Amazon rainforests, literally with blackwater. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to June, it rains almost every day. Strong downpours wash away organic waste and flood the entire ecosystem with nutrients and other materials. What can be observed is that the Amazon region is year after year processed by water floods. Water levels and the so-called black rivers and currents significantly increase and grow, often by several meters.

Places that were once dry Amazon rainforests are now suddenly full of flowing and flooding streams. This process, Igapó, repeats itself every year for thousands of years. An incredibly rich biotope is created. It is an ideal area rich in shelter and nutrients, providing fish with protection and an ideal spawning ground.

Underwater currents play with bushes, grass, fallen leaves, and branches, often placing them in places that spontaneously form with the current. These places are sometimes lined with roots. It's a whole new landscape that appears underwater. Water mixes with soil components, enriching tannins and humic acids. As a result, various microorganisms and fungi begin to appear. Biofilm is formed. There is rapid proliferation of crustaceans and insects, and along with food, the occurrence of fish from nearby areas also increases.

Anja recently recalled reading about how humic acids as a dietary supplement are beneficial for humans. The article mentioned their immune-boosting, antiviral effects, and overall detoxifying effects. "So these little fish have super water," she thought. For a moment, she dreamed, and although you can find videos of the described places on the internet, it was just a vision that captivated her for a moment.