Re: Killies in Big Tanks

[Steffano2 at aol_com]

In a message dated 5/30/2002 8:13:45 PM Central Daylight Time, 
RuevenM at aol_com writes:


> 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

Hi list:

This thread came at a great time for me, since I'm just getting back into 
killie fish. Currently I've been breeding a strain of lyertail swordtails for 
about 4 years in brick red and green were the bodies alone get to be about 4" 
not including the caudal.  How big tanks applies is that the 2 tanks I have 
to use are a 40 breeder and a 29.  My initial thoughts were what a waste of 
space, well after reading your post I'm all about giving it a try.

I do have a few questions though:

Filtration for your tanks and what kind of peat do you use on the bottom of 
the tank? I have hydro sponges and power filters for both tanks. As for peat 
I have peat pellets like one would use to start seeds in are they okay?

Thanks,
Steve


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