Madagascar Display

[Andrew]

Here's the first pics of the 150-gallon Madagascar Display tank which I aquascaped for a local school yesterday. We are representing a pool in a slow-moving river in Northwestern Madagascar. Paul Loiselle was kind enough to assist us with specific ideas to make it as realistic as possible. Most of the rocks in Madgascar are worn and rounded. Gnarls of tropical driftwood are found in the banks.

For plants, we're using three native species, Aponogeton boivinianus and A. madagascariensis in the substrate with Ceratopterus cornuta (broad leaf water sprite) forming floating mats. Two fish species will be housed, Ptychochromis oligacanthus and Pachypanchax sakaramyi. Our only diversion from native livestock will be two non-native snail species to assist with cleanup duties.

Materials: Rio Grande substrate by CaribSea. This is my favorite substrate available on the market for natural display aquaria. The particles are varied in color and are the perfect size for keep clean while still growing plants. The large rocks are Delaware River rocks and there are a variety of rounded pebbles for the smaller sizes. Driftwood is Malaysian driftwood including one very large piece (36" x 30" at its widest) and a smaller feature made to look like a root.

So without futher ado, here's the tank:

Here's a closeup of the right side, which I'm particularly proud of:

We're still looking for the broad leaf water sprite to complete the aquascape...

 

[F8LBITE]

that looks awesome dude!! Great job.

 

[marge618]

Remarkable. What posessed them to want a Madagascar display?

Later,
Marge

PS I want one too.

 

[Andrew]

As part of a larger aquatic and environmental education program, the school is working with the ACA C.A.R.E.S program doing species maintenance on several Victoria basin and Madagascar cichlids. Since Madagascar is one of the most unfamiliar places in the world, they wanted to showcase this aspect of their activities in the main foyer of the school. To people who aren't familiar with the fish, it's a cool fish tank. To people who know a bit more, it will be recognizable as a challenging and rare biotope to display.

The other issue, it's actually easier to design a display if you are limited in its scope. So for a Lake Victoria biotope, there are a ridiculous number of features to choose from, even more so from a Lake Tanganyika or Amazon display. There simply aren't very many Madagascarien species available to display and once you get past compatibility, local geography, etc. the choices become quite simple. The more narrow you get, the more the specifics are decided for you, rather than the other way around.

Plus, it's more fun to say "Madagascar" than "Victoria".

 

[Paul S]

The tank looks fantastic Andrew. I'm sure a lot of time and effort went into it and you should be commended for helping out the school. Super job!
Paul

 

[maddog10]

Looks great!

You do have that right side secured pretty well, right.
I just see some kid doing a water change and sending everything crashing down (I am a pessimist)

 

[kaj41354]

Andrew,

Are these High School Students or younger?

 

[Andrew]

The right side is well secured... The driftwood creates a broad and stable platform. The pics are a little deceptive; it's hard to see that the tank is 18" front-to-back. I wasn't able to move the rock on the right side without pulling it straight up.

It's a middle school, 6-8 grades.

 

[animicrazy]

You are to be commended on a fine job. I keep several Madagascar species and besides food killing seems to be their favorite pastime. best of luck - keep up the good work!!!

TMS

 

[marge618]

Is the school (and ACA Cares) using this as an exhibit to inform the public? If and when there is an open house please let us know. I would like to see the tank...and the school that is getting so involved in the environment.

Thanks
Marge