Advanced200 L

Amazon biotope (200 L)

Dark water, catappa leaves, soft pH — a real fragment of the Amazon.

This biotope replicates flooded Amazon forests: tannin-stained water, soft substrate, driftwood, leaf litter.

Cardinals and rummynose tetras only show their true colour in blackwater — something a regular tank can't deliver.

Dimensions

100×50×50 cm

Temperature

24–28°C

5.5–7

1–6 °dGH

Setup time

6 wks

Budget

≈ $550

Total fish

Fish (34)

Essential gear and water prep needed before adding fish

0 of 9 ready

External canister filterEssential
≥ 1000 L/h
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≈ $180
HeaterEssential
200 W
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≈ $40
ThermometerCare
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≈ $8
Basic 6500K LED lightBase
Dim, 6–7 hours
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≈ $80
White quartz sandBase
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≈ $60
Dark film backgroundBase
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≈ $18
Water conditioner (dechlorinator)Essential
Seachem Prime or Tetra AquaSafe — instantly detoxifies chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals
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≈ $12
Liquid drop test kit (pH, NH₃/NH₄, NO₂, NO₃)Recommended
API Freshwater Master Test Kit or liquid drop tests to monitor nitrogen cycle
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≈ $25
Fish net & gravel vacuum siphonCare
Soft fish net matched to fish size + gravel vacuum siphon for weekly 20–30% water changes
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≈ $15

Lighting is deliberately dim — this biotope is shaded.
Replace catappa leaves every 6–8 weeks — they release tannins and mildly disinfect the water.
Bring gH down to 4–6 with peat filtration or RO + remineralizer.
25–30 % water changes with remineralized water at the same pH.