Biotope Style

A biotope style aquarium is one which tries to replicate in every detail (as far as possible) using the natural material from that environment, a particular section of river or lake.

So for example if you were to stock it with a species of fish, then the stones, plants, décor, lighting and any other fish or animal must also be naturally occurring in that same part of its natural environment.

Research
A good deal of research is required to achieve good biotopes. You need to investigate the climatic conditions, species mixtures, etc. and what the areas of water look like on the substrate.

Links

 * Amazon Biotope
 * Lake Tanganyika Biotope
 * The great Lakes of East Africa