Self-sufficient Amazon Biotype?

[Reginator]

Hi there, I've got a bit of a mad project bubbling away in the planning stages right now. I have about enough space to squeeze something like a 10m X 2m indoor pond with a depth of about a metre into my warehouse, and I thought about trying to set up a fully self contained biotype. I've "inherited" a medium sized RTC, 2 TSN, another baby RTC and a silver aro, and need to figure the best way to keep them happy. My idea is: sandy bottom, bogwood all along the "back" side of the pond with some kind of semi-aqautic plants (amazonian reeds of some kind maybe?) where a population of prey species can live and breed; reasonable constant single direction flow of water to simulate a river and keep the fish active; the possibility of using reed-bed filtration on a higher level to deal with the bio-waste, then feeding the pond via a small waterfall to oxygenate the water. The whole thing can be under a clear polythene "tent" with metal halide lights on tracks to simulate the movement of the sun during the day and provide the plants with adequate light, as well as maintaining the temperature and humidity at a steady level.

My aim would be to create as close to a self sufficient system as possible, prey items breeding in and above the pond providing most of the food, plants providing most of the filtration. Does anyone have any detailed info on the wild eating habits of the above mentioned cats? I really need to figure the average number of fish and crustaceans needed to support them so I can get an idea of necessary stock levels for the prey items and the bio-load they'll add to the system. Has anyone had experience with this kind of set-up?....

Thanks for any help...

 

[sadatru]

This idea(self sufficient biotopes) has interested me for years although i've never had the room or funds to attempt such a project, would love to see it come to fruition for you. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

 

[filio]

Your fish are too big for the system to be self sufficient. You'll have to feed them. Sandy bottom might not be enough for bacteria to live in, so I'd include a bucket or two of ceramic rings in there. If you provide sufficient lightning terrestrial plants will suck any waste out of the water. I have a paludarium with very low maintenance. I only feed and top off water.

 

[Younglin]

You will have to feed the cats or the prey fish. And if you feed the prey fish you need hundreds of fish to sustain a population that can breed faster than the cats can eat them. Which is almost impossible. You should just feed the cats.