South American Biotope

[stang1]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum, so I apologise in advance.
I'm planning on turning one of my 3ft (48G) tanks into a biotope suited around Keyhole Cichlids. I know they are endemic to Guyana and the Maroni River but I can't find out what substrate to use. I've 'googled' a few sites but there isn't any info on it. I want to create this biotope as best I can and am hoping that a fellow member can help out.
Also, any other ideas for plants, decor etc. would be very much appreciated.

 

[Shrimper]

I don't know but this link might help:

Mongabay Biotopes

I don't think it has the exact one you need but it does have some similar south american biotopes with photos. If you can't find the exact one why not try something like ADA Amazonia as is designed for SA Cichlid tanks.

 

[stang1]

Thanks Shrimper, that's a great help!
Didn't come across that site in my endless trawling yesterday but looks like it'll give me some great ideas.
You are a star!

 

[Shrimper]

I found it when i was trying to decide what to do with my big tank, i decided against doing a biotope because of how much effort it is finding the right plants and just went lo tech with plants from the LFS instead!

I'll always remember its name, it made me chuckle for some reason.

Good luck on your biotope, i'm sure you wont give in as easily as i did

 

[stang1]

Thanks.
Determined to give it a go but am worried about how much care it will need. Work at an lfs all week and spend my days off working on my own tanks! Must be bloomin' mad!!
I'll let you know how I get on, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

 

[Shrimper]

Thanks.
Determined to give it a go but am worried about how much care it will need. Work at an lfs all week and spend my days off working on my own tanks! Must be bloomin' mad!!
I'll let you know how I get on, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

You can't be that mad, i've just started a new job and spend my days making websites and my spare time looking at them!

I'll keep them crossed... what with the crossing i'm doing hoping my shrimplets survive its getting hard to type