Biotope Tanks attempt to improve water quality and the efficiency of nutrient cycling using natural methods.
History of Glass Aquaria
In the mid nineteenth century people began to keep fish in glass tanks, but without electricity in the home it was difficult to control the temperature. Tropical freshwater tanks were possible as soon as electricity was installed (early twentieth century in many places), and the keeping of tropical marine specimens in the home took off in the 1960’s with the development of silicone sealants. This overcame the problem of metal frames and made it possible to build large all-glass tanks for the first time.
Biotope Aquaria
In the mid nineteenth century people were keeping freshwater aquaria stocked with an assortment of cold-water fish, plants and invertebrates - attempting to create stable aquatic environments. This approach is still found in many public aquaria, and practiced by many hobbyists, and it can lead to satisfying displays which look very much like the ‘real thing’ and are relatively stable. It is unfortunately rather difficult to set up this sort of ‘biotope aquarium’ with marine systems because the different organisms that need to work together are usually best kept separate from one-another.
Biotope Tanks
Recently people have begun to experiment with systems which involve a number of small tanks that are linked to the main display aquarium. These ‘biotope tanks’ house the more delicate (or unsightly!) organisms that are needed to help purify the water and cycle nutrients efficiently. Ret Talbot has a number of articles which go into the practical side of this technique, and I have written about some of the theoretical aspects (see ‘how to set up a display tank’ and ‘Biotopes and Habitats’ for examples).
Discussion
Both Ret and I would like people to let others know about their successes and failures through the discussion forum.
