Creating a thriving environment for boraras merah in a 60cm paludarium

[eleNt]

I'm setting up a 60 x 35cm paludarium for Boraras merah and I'm worried about them jumping out - the water's only 14cm deep with 22cm for plants. I chose them over betta due to their tiny size, and I need a school of 9-11, so I'm trying not to overcrowd. But AqAdvisor says they're too big, despite them being only 2cm.

Are there any tips for keeping them in this setup, or should I look at a larger paludarium? If so, what size would be more suitable for these little fish?

[graye]

When it comes to setting up a paludarium, there's a key principle to keep in mind: design the space around the needs of the fish, rather than trying to squeeze the fish into a preconceived space.

From what I recall, this is still a hypothetical setup for you, correct? If you're serious about keeping Boraras merah, I'd recommend diving deeper into the specific requirements for their care. Paludariums can be more complex to manage, given the combination of aquatic and terrestrial elements. This added complexity demands careful planning, especially considering the limited water volume available.

[eleNt]

When it comes to setting up a paludarium, there's a key principle to keep in mind: design the space around the needs of the fish, rather than trying to squeeze the fish into a preconceived space.

From what I recall, this is still a hypothetical setup for you, correct? If you're serious about keeping Boraras merah, I'd recommend diving deeper into the specific requirements for their care. Paludariums can be more complex to manage, given the combination of aquatic and terrestrial elements. This added complexity demands careful planning, especially considering the limited water volume available.

I appreciate the input, but I'm still unsure about the ideal paludarium size for Boraras merah. I was leaning towards a 60cm setup, mainly because that's the largest size my local fish store carries. As I'm in the planning stages, I'm researching fish that would thrive in a 60cm paludarium. I don't have a paludarium yet, but I'm considering attending a workshop in April, although the dates haven't been confirmed. Once I start the project, I'll definitely keep a journal to track my progress. Boraras brigittae isn't an option for me due to import restrictions, so Boraras merah seems like one of the few viable choices from the genus.

[graye]

The Boraras group shares many similarities. However, if your research indicates that they wouldn't thrive in a paludarium of that size, it's crucial to take those findings seriously. You can't simply disregard the data or hope for the best - instead, consider exploring alternative options or even building your own custom paludarium to meet their needs.

[eleNt]

When it comes to setting up a paludarium, there's a key principle to keep in mind: design the space around the needs of the fish, rather than trying to squeeze the fish into a preconceived space.

From what I recall, this is still a hypothetical setup for you, correct? If you're serious about keeping Boraras merah, I'd recommend diving deeper into the specific requirements for their care. Paludariums can be more complex to manage, given the combination of aquatic and terrestrial elements. This added complexity demands careful planning, especially considering the limited water volume available.

I'm a bit concerned about the water height in the paludarium I'm planning, 14cm might not be enough for some fish, and since it doesn't have a lid, I'm worried they could jump out. Boraras merah are tiny, and I've never kept them before, so I'm not sure if they're jumpers or not. I'm thinking of keeping 9 of them in a group, so I want to make sure I can provide a safe environment for them.

On a separate note, my current tetras are getting on in years, and I'm dreading the day they'll be gone. My 41L tall tank is looking a bit worse for wear, the fake plants are covered in brown stuff, and it's not exactly the most pleasant sight. I've been thinking of redoing the tank, replacing the fake plants with real ones, and maybe even adding some nano-fish.

I've been looking at the UP AQUA TK Semi Aquascape Tank (Paludarium Aquarium w/ Foam Background) SA-60G, it's 60 x 35 x 36cm, and it seems like it could be a good option for a paludarium. Paludariums are all about creating a natural-looking display of aquatic and terrestrial life, and I think this tank could work well for that.

[graye]

Those paludarium tanks strike me as overpriced novelties, not serious options for creating a thriving environment. If I were in your shoes, I'd take a more hands-on approach. Learn the basics of crafting a paludarium from scratch using a regular aquarium. You're an artist, after all - you have an eye for color and composition. I'm a writer, not a visual artist, but I think you could really make something special if you put your mind to it. People do it all the time - they shape their own decor and create unique spaces. I'd explore that route rather than shelling out a lot of money for something that might not be worth it in the end.

[eleNt]

When it comes to setting up a paludarium, there's a key principle to keep in mind: design the space around the needs of the fish, rather than trying to squeeze the fish into a preconceived space.

From what I recall, this is still a hypothetical setup for you, correct? If you're serious about keeping Boraras merah, I'd recommend diving deeper into the specific requirements for their care. Paludariums can be more complex to manage, given the combination of aquatic and terrestrial elements. This added complexity demands careful planning, especially considering the limited water volume available.

I get that. I'm still in the planning stage and I don't have a spare tank yet, but I'm eager to get a separate aquarium in the future. I believe practice makes perfect, so I'm open to experimenting with different setups to replicate the natural environment of my desired fish. Since Boraras species are from Asia, it can be challenging to exactly replicate their environment. I'm taking my time to research and plan through trial and error before I attempt to create a paludarium for the first time in the workshop.

I appreciate your opinions and I respect them. However, I've decided to go with a more conventional paludarium shape, similar to the ones commercial brands like UP Aqua make. Unfortunately, there aren't many options available in Perth, and I'm limited to purchasing from one of the two local fish stores that sell paludariums.

[angelica]

Boraras merah require extremely soft and acidic water. I've found this out from my own experiences with similar fish. These fish are also extremely sensitive to nitrates, and they need very clean water to thrive. The pH requirement is quite specific and will limit your plant choices. For example, my MCora nano has a pH of less than 5, and many plants that do well in my other tanks won't grow in there. On the other hand, I have plants that thrive in the MCora nano that won't grow in my other tanks. Ideally, you'd want a larger school, I think 20-30 would be a good starting point.

[graye]

For a poorly designed paludarium like the one you linked, Bororas aren't the right choice. The advice is simple: don't do it.

My experience with Bororas started with a large group - over 40 fish - and ended with me rehoming nearly twice that number, as they thrived and bred in a spacious single-species tank with far more water than that toy system. They did well at pH 6.6 and 80tds, but clean water was crucial. Breeding is always a good indicator of a healthy environment.

The design of that paludarium is flawed. With the water level so close to the front lip, it's an accident waiting to happen. Any fish can jump out. I prefer a setup where the front glass is higher - essentially, a standard aquarium shape with less water. This design, combined with large leafed plants hanging over the water, has helped me minimize jumping in my open tanks. The fish would need to clear at least 15cm to escape, but in the setup you linked, they'd only need a small push to jump out.

Unfortunately, much of the aquarium equipment on the market prioritizes profit over function and humane fishkeeping.

[eleNt]

Hi @graye, I think we can discuss the Boraras merah and the paludarium further. I'd appreciate your insights on the matter. I have to sleep now, but I'll catch up with you later in the evening, my time.