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Thread: Biotype Help/Advice

  1. #1
    Registered Member
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    Logan

    Question Biotope Help/Advice

    Hello,

    I have finally decided to commit to converting my tank into a biotope tank. I've been keeping them in sand and such already, but I'm struggling with ideas on how to mimic the tree roots. Many roots are softwood which leads them to rot if submerged for an extended time.

    I guess I'm here for recommendations on how to move from a normal sand bottom tank into a biotype tank. How would you mimic the roots? What are some other touches besides just sand and roots would you recommend?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by LimaMagic; 05-06-2021 at 12:34 AM.

  2. #2
    Registered Member smsimcik's Avatar
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    Steve

    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    Are you talking about a South American biotype tank for discus? If so, sand, stones and leaf litter are part of a South American biotype tank. You don't need to remove the sand.
    As far as mimicking tree roots, I have used manzanita branches turned upside down which mimic tree roots pretty well. They are not soft and last for years.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    I am referring to South American. And thank you! I will use those!

  4. #4
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    I never knew that stones were a part of it. I thought that it was just sand, leaf litter, roots and branches. I've always kept and bred domestics but my taste in Discus had evolved. Nothing has more subtle beauty than a big Biotope tank with a bunch of good quality wilds.
    Mama Bear

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    I’m slowly starting building the same... maybe not a wild discus but at least colors more turn into natural

  6. #6
    Silver Member Willie's Avatar
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    Willie

    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    Quote Originally Posted by LizStreithorst View Post
    I never knew that stones were a part of it. I thought that it was just sand, leaf litter, roots and branches. I've always kept and bred domestics but my taste in Discus had evolved. Nothing has more subtle beauty than a big Biotope tank with a bunch of good quality wilds.
    Big difference between planted and biotope tanks. Discus biotopes are just roots and sand, no plants, no stones, no other fish. My altum angelfish biotope has plants, rocks, sand, some driftwood, cories and tetras.
    At my age, everything is irritating.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    What an amazing looking fish. Congratulations on having one!

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Biotype Help/Advice

    This is interesting information, thank you for sharing this here.

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