Killies in Big Tanks

[RuevenM at aol_com]

Hi All,

         Bob G., I read your post on breeding in small "leafy" "dirty" tanks 
and it inspired me to share some experiences I have been having. For years I 
bred trios in small tanks all nice and dark. In the last year, I have moved 
to multiple pairs in 30 gallon tanks. The tanks are bare bottomed, painted 
black on the outside bottom and back (sometimes). The tanks are full of 
various potted (in clay pots) plants and lots of java moss and floating ferns 
or najas. There is light for the plants. The water is usually soft and acid 
and there is lots of peat. Since I have moved to these breeding tanks, I am 
able to keep males together with little or no damage; the fish grow larger 
and seem healthier; some are less shy; the range of behavior is amazing and 
the water quality is better. The conditions that are successful with a pair 
in a small "dirty" tank; couldn't those same conditions be met in a large 
"dirty" tank? I wonder if we didn't make a mistake in killie keeping back in 
the 1930's when the status quo became a pair or a trio in a small tank. Maybe 
killies do better in groups. Maybe its a better set up for longtime survival. 
I think we bring some of our problems on ourselves with our small tanks of 
soft acid water. Any opinions?

Regards,
Robert
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