Rio Atabapo

"I cannot help appreciating the important role of each biotope as a home to specific species, which know their roles in that niche and know each other; without doubt, a biotope aquarium is the best thing you can do for any fish."

-Chris Englezou

The Atabapo River is one of the major tributaries of the Orinoco River Basin, forming the border between Colombia and Venezuela. It flows from the Guiana Highlands of Venezuela west into the Orinoco. It has an abundance of unique fish species, including the beloved  Pterophyllum altum. It's a blackwater river, with abundant leaves, wood, and botanical materials accumulating throughout. It's a mysterious world of sunken logs, submerged forest and varying visibility. The water parameters are typical of an extreme black water river- a very acidic pH of 3.7, low conductivity of only 13μS and temperature of 28.6°C.

This unique selection was carefully curated for Tannin Aquatics, using only biotope-correct botanicals, by noted author, explorer, and biotope enthusiast Chris Englezou, owner of C.E. Fish Essentials, and founder of the Freshwater Life Project, an international freshwater fish conservation charity based in the UK. His passion for keeping and breeding ornamental fish has spanned over 25 years and has taken him deep into the jungles of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and India. Chris is a biotope aquarium devotee of the most serious kind, and we're thrilled to work with him on this collaboration!

His recommendations for this biotope includes:

"Ceu Fruta" (Swietenia sp.)

"Savu Pods" (Cariniana sp.)

 "Manta Pods" (Aspidosperma sp.)

 "Teardrop Pods" (Aspidosperma sp.)

"Terra Sorrindo Pods" (Jacaranda sp.)

"Monkey Pots" (Lecythis sp.)

 "Sino Xicara" (Acrocomia sp.)

 Guava Leaves (Psidium sp.)

Each botanical was specifically selected for this pack because each is found in the areas through which the river runs, and therefore is biotopically correct for this region.

If you wish, you could supplement the pack with some of our other leaves, which would be more-or-less representative of the leaves found in this region. 

We think this is a cool mix of "aquatic botanicals" that will enliven any tank with aesthetics, utility...and the "Tint" we love so much! And of course, it comes with one of our uber-cool reusable Tannin jute drawstring bags! Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this pack will be donated directly to the Freshwater Life Project!

The Freshwater Life Project (Registered UK Charity No. 1172393) was created by a small team of independent researchers in the hope of making real changes to support, protect and preserve aquatic habitats all around the world. The concept aims to implement tangible measures to conserve wetlands, lakes, rivers and other aquatic habitats so that we may protect the future of all types of biodiversity which rely on them and ensure freshwater ecosystems thrive well into the future; our vision is one where human and environmental development occurs sustainably and simultaneously.

#memoriesoftheatabapo

All of our aquatic botanicals are intended for ornamental aquarium or terrarium use only. Please use common sense and take the time to boil or soak all botanicals prior to using them, to reduce the possibility of problems. Always go slow when introducing any botanicals into your systems, so you can judge the effect they have on your fishes and plants. They are not intended for human consumption. DO NOT INGEST!

 

NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

NOTE: The photo is for illustrative purposes. As these are natural products, expect variation in the appearance of the botanicals that you will receive.

*Flat rate shipping $9.00 for all orders under $75.00 in the U.S.A. Orders $75.00 and over ship FREE in the U.S.A! WE SHIP INTERNATIONALLY! Please review our "Shipping" section for the latest information! 

 

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