Water Parameters
pH 5.5-6.5, very soft (GH 1-4), warm (24-28°C). Tannin-stained amber color from leaf litter.
Use RO water remineralized with blackwater extract or just leaf litter alone for natural softening.
Substrate and Hardscape
Fine light sand substrate. Tangled root driftwood (Malaysian or spider wood). Leaf litter (Indian almond, mangrove, beech).
No rocks — West African rivers are sand and wood only. Plants are rare.
Fish Options
Kribensis cichlids (Pelvicachromis pulcher), African tetras (Congo tetra, Phenacogrammus), killifish (Epiplatys, Aphyosemion).
Optional: small dwarf cichlids (Anomalochromis), African characins, Ropefish for unusual touch.
Plants (Minimal)
Bolbitis heudelotii (African water fern), Anubias barteri (originally African), Crinum calamistratum.
Attach to driftwood. No substrate plants in true West African biotope.