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Boeseman's rainbow paradise (180 L)

Two-tone adult males: orange tail-half, blue front-half.

Boeseman's rainbow paradise (180 L) — aquarium setup with fish, plants and equipment (180 L)

Melanotaenia boesemani — true Papuan rainbows. Males develop their two-tone colour at 8–12 months.

Schooling, peaceful, like moderate flow. Pair beautifully with rasboras and corydoras.

Dimensions
100×40×45 cm
Temperature
25–30°C
pH
7–8
gH
8–20 °dGH
Setup time
6 wks
Budget
≈ $480
Total fish
22
Test this setup in Simulator →

Fish (22)

Plants (11)

Invertebrates (8)

  • Amano Shrimp× 8

Setup Checklist

Essential gear and water prep needed before adding fish

0 of 9 ready
  • External canister filterEssential

    ≥ 800 L/h

    Check options →
    ≈ $150
  • HeaterEssential

    200 W

    Check options →
    ≈ $38
  • ThermometerCare
    Check options →
    ≈ $6
  • Basic 6500K LED lightBase

    Bright, plant-grade

    Check options →
    ≈ $110
  • Inert substrate (2–5 mm gravel)Base
    Check options →
    ≈ $45
  • Dark film backgroundBase
    Check options →
    ≈ $16
  • Water conditioner (dechlorinator)Essential

    Seachem Prime or Tetra AquaSafe — instantly detoxifies chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals

    Check options →
    ≈ $12
  • Liquid drop test kit (pH, NH₃/NH₄, NO₂, NO₃)Recommended

    API Freshwater Master Test Kit or liquid drop tests to monitor nitrogen cycle

    Check options →
    ≈ $25
  • Fish net & gravel vacuum siphonCare

    Soft fish net matched to fish size + gravel vacuum siphon for weekly 20–30% water changes

    Check options →
    ≈ $15

Decor

  • Natural driftwood (mangrove or mopani)× 2
  • Natural rock (Seiryu / Dragon Stone)× 4

Tips & gotchas

  • Males only colour up around females — buy 3 males + 3 females.
  • Need bright light — without it, colours stay dull.
  • Warm 26–28 °C water — triggers peak colour.
  • 30 % water changes weekly, remineralized.