Before the advent of solid state heaters and power filtration, American aquariums were fish and live plants. It was deemed essential to have both organisms co-existing for a successful aquarium. In the 1960's, with the words "ecology" and "naturalist" becoming more prominent in American culture, many aquarists of the day espoused the idea that the ideal healthy aquarium should contain fish and plants from the same geographic region. Wilfred Weigel (whose Aquarium Decorating and Planning is still a useful classic) and Rataj and Zukal were some of the more vocal proponents of the biotopic style of aquarium management.But keeping flowering plants were difficult for most hobbyists of the day. None of us fully understood the chemistry involved in biological filtration or the science of lighting and fertilization. Furthermore, the growth of Florida fish farms and South American importers increased the number and affordability of available fish. Coupled with advances in filtration, decor, and plastic plants, biotopic aquariums were set aside by the majority of hobbyists who favored the easier and more "colorful" community tanks. In places like Germany, however, companies like Tetra successfully promoted the idea of the natural aquarium with related accessories.
Enter the 1980's. A renewed interest in the environment and organic methods created a "biotope enlightenment" in the hobby. CO2 diffusion systems and new lighting and fertilizers made exotic planted aquariums more feasible. The steady interest in the African Lake Valley fishes (and the growing interest in South American Dwarf Cichlids) spurred hobbyist curiosity about the natural biotopes of their fish. At the same time, the marine hobby exploded, and a new breed of hobbyists attempted to "replicate the reef." Related articles and books appeared. Naturalistic aquariums had returned.
The Biotope Aquarium Philosophy
A Biotope Aquarium is one that tries to replicate - in every possible way - a particular aquatic biotope somewhere on the planet (e.g. A Lagoon off the Ucayali River in Peru). Think of it as a "slice" of simulated nature in your home. Natural materials and wild-type species are used whenever possible. Biotope aquariums require a different mindset than traditional tanks. Pure biotope aquariums are not fish tanks: water quality, light, temperature, substrate, food, plants, fish, wood, rocks, and current all get equal treatment. Their appearance is often not very aesthetically appealing either: most freshwater biotopes are not the lush, optically arranged underwater gardens we see in Nature Aquarium World (although I find myself using Amano's techniques anyway). These are all the on-going challenges of creating a biotope aquarium. Similar systems include Geographic Aquariums (regional collection), Habitat Tanks (common biotopes), Natural Aquariums (nothing artificial), and Nature Aquariums (nature and Zen-inspired aquatic art).
How to Setup a Biotope Aquarium
Planning and researching such aquariums is the hardest part of the process. I find it the most pleasurable, however, but of course I'm a dork from Bizarro World to begin with
. Like most hobbyists, I do not have the time nor money to go on collection trips around the world to research freshwater habitats first hand (if you've read in TFH about conditions on these expedition trips you wouldn't want to anyway). My sources are secondary research - collection accounts, books, articles, speaking to other hobbyists. Good biotope information is scarce, although several good reference books have come to market in recent years (most other books tell you what to feed your fish, but not how to house them). I have also found that just visiting local marshes, ponds, and streams to be extremely helpful. Aside from floral and fauna, there are little differences in the geography of stream in your hometown and in Borneo. Also, just observing your fish - their breeding behavior, social tendencies, and shape - tells you a lot about their biotope of origin. For example, torpedo-shaped danios evolved in fast streams where scattered eggs can be hidden among the worn pebbles and rocks, while lacy Gouramis and soft-leaved plants are from stiller waters where a bubble-nest can be left undisturbed.
Once you have adequate information about the ecology and species of an area, you can attempt the replication. Using natural materials is preferrable, and its generally a good idea to stick to 1-2 species of plants, and 1-3 species of fish for a more natural look. Of course, your research will guide you here. Filters can be directed to simulate the proper flow or current required. Ambitious hobbyists can even try to createa Palaudarium or Vivarium for terrestrial and aquatic species. Karen Randall wrote a fantastic article for TFH recently diagramming such a setup. Finn-Strong Design makes the patented River Tank vivarium systems that fit inside your tank. The 10-gallon models are the most realistic IMO.
It can help you better understand the evolution and adaptive behavior of fish and plants than can be experienced in other tanks.
The Benefits
Creating a biotope aquarium or habitat tank can really expand your hobby to a new level - even with beginner fish like Convicts or Swordtails. The benefits of such a systems are several: the challenge of replicating nature; the opportunity to witness natural camouflage; enhancing one's understanding of evolution; and appreciating the natural beauty of aquatic geographies.
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