what is a good beginner bichirs?

[fishmadness]

i wannt to setup a bichir tank... which bichir are for beginner?

thanks

-tank

[Kenta]

senegals always seem to be the first bichir people get (and the most common species around). Very active for a bichir and not that bad looking
They are all basically the same to care for, some have differing tank size requirements due o their adult size.

[piranha45]

senegal is really active and common, many/most of the other species are alot less common to find and a LOT less active

[Fruitbat]

I definitely agree that Polypterus senegalus is an excellent 'starter' bichir and it is certainly the most commonly available. Polypterus palmas polli would also be an outstanding choice. It is as active as P. senegalus, grows to about the same size, and has the added advantage of having a nice pattern.

-Joe

[fishmadness]

thanks guy for the fast reply... i will check into Polypterus senegalus definally....

[Freshy]

senegal bichir would be a great choice for beginner...

damn active.. u won't get bored watching it dashing ard in ur tank.. :grinno:

[guppy]

Never owned one but ropefish are easy.

[Cyclop3000]

I always thought that polypterus were all the same to care for...

[beblondie]

Pretty much the care for one is the care for all.It's just some species tend to be moe active than others .So you might as well star off with something more active-Anne

[slavezer0]

i agree! senegalus!

main reason: very cheap!


by the way guyz,
any infos on bichirs tank set-up?

[redtailfool]

If you want a biotope setup, i would put mini ledges and caves made out
of rocks. Floating plants would be great to make them feel secure and not make
them jump out of the tank.

[slavezer0]

do you have a pic of your set-up?
what plant(s) can i add?

[beblondie]

Bichirs tanks idealy should be low wide tanks(breeder tanks) work well with a minimum footprint of 36 x 18 inches and at least 13 inches tall for the smaller species and 72 x 24 x13 inches minimum for the larger species

Bichirs are low light loving fish as many are nocturnal and some dinural . The tank
needs a secure top or lid with any opening plugged as some species are escape
artists and others can jump well.The water level needs to be 2-3 inches below normal as bichirs need to breathe air from time to time. The substrate should be sand or finelycrushed gravel. driftwood with short bushy plants.attached or anchored under it. In general I find it hard to have live plants as bichirs tend to uproot them searching for food, floating plants are a good option though, One last point no sharp edges bichirs tend to move close to things and sharp edges remove slimecoat and can cause eye abrasions -Anne

[redtailfool]

Thanks for the information beblondie! I always try to put floating
plants ( even plastic) whenever i have aros or and bichir in a tank. It just calms
them down somewhat.

[beblondie]

My senegal tank

[redtailfool]

Very nice!! Im a guy so i would opt for a rocky decor with plenty of driftwood
and sand. What size tank is that?

[redtailfool]

do you have a pic of your set-up?
what plant(s) can i add?


Mines a community right now. And presently i only have one bichir..
a delhezi i got 3 days ago.

[beblondie]

Its a glasscages 50 gallon long its 48x18x13 inches

Have some biotpoe info
BICHIR BIOTOPES
African River
West and Central Africa are full of rivers. Within each of these river systems are
numerous biotopes -- this description will focus on species found in slow-moving
sections and side streams.
WATER:
pH 6.9-7.2, 3-8 dH, 75-81 F (24-27 C)
TANK:
The tank should be furnished with wood for hiding places, and fine gravel or sand for a substrate.
The lighting should be muted, and the water should have a slight current.
PLANTS:
Bolbitis heudelotii , Anubias, Vallisneria, Eleocharis.
FISH:
African tetras, Mormyrids, African tetras African Knifefish, African Butterfly fish,
Synodontis, Hemichromis, Pelvicachromis,

African Swamp
The waters support a variety of species and vigorous plant growth making it an ideal subject for a biotope aquarium. Reedy plants line the shores of waterways
WATER:
pH 7.2-7.8, 2-8 dH, 70-75 F (21-24 C)
TANK:
The tank should have fine gravel, sand, or clay for a substrate.
Dense vegetation and floating plants help recreate the natural setting.
Use submerged wood to provide hiding places.
The lighting should be bright and the water should be clear.
PLANTS:
Bolbitis heudelotii, Ammannia, Marsilea, Eleocharis, Anubias, Nymphaea, Water
Lettuce
FISH:
Mormyrids, African tetras, barbs, spiny eels, Haplochromines, Tilapia, Hemichromis, Synodontis, Clarias catfish.
In the neighboring floodplain, annual Killifish can be found. -Anne

[redtailfool]

Looks bigger than a 50..

[beblondie]

Its a glasscages 50 gallon long its 48x18x13 inches same footprint as a 75 gallon just not as deep-Anne

[redtailfool]

Its a glasscages 50 gallon long its 48x18x13 inches same footprint as a 75 gallon just not as deep-Anne

What do you use to seal the openings?

[piranha45]

anne, your setup absolutely rocks. Your fish must love it.

[beblondie]

Glass tops have a heavy vinly strip that can be cut
to exactly A) the intake and output area of your
filter, or if using a canister filter drill holes
for the intake and return. For cutting vinyl use a utility
knife remember make the opening no bigger than
needed.on full canopy top its the same thing except you'll
need a jigsaw or scrollsaw to cut the openings
AS for the opening part of the lid or top make sure
it fits well and add weight to it fiberglass screening and silicone
work wonders also -Anne

[redtailfool]

I do that too but reinforce it with duct tape.

[slavezer0]

thanks anne and red!
a planted set-up...hmmmmmmmmm