Armatus 16"+ 8x2x2 Powerhead Advice.

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amazontank

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Nov 14, 2010
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Got my Armatus last night. I have 2 RIO 2500 stacked Powerheads on one side of the tank. 1000 GPH each. But after reading that 2 powerheads dont equal 2000gph, something about the current just being broader. I wanted the best advice on setting up this tank and the current? I added towels on the tank since he does not look happy at all and is swimming against the glass.

I plan on getting a 7x4x4 fish tank thats the only area left for another tank but not for a few months. Unless its an emergency and my Armatus does not settle down.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 

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Chances are hes stressed in the new environment and is trying to attack his reflection (common issue with this species). Blacking out the back and sides can help reduce the stress level. Id suggest turning off your tank lights for a couple days (turn on half an hour before feeding - turn off half hour later)

As for tank setup, they dont require lots of decor, a nice piece of driftwood is all youd really need. A large airstone/bubble maker is good as this species requires well oxygenated water. As for your power heads see if you can double the flow rate, 2000gph seems a little low for this species in a 6' tank (you may be able to get away with what you have - depends on your fishes temperment). Place one a few inches above the bottom of the tank (i slightly angle mine towards the center of the tank, and the second powerhead about mid level. Or place it on the opposite side of the tank.
 
Chances are hes stressed in the new environment and is trying to attack his reflection (common issue with this species). Blacking out the back and sides can help reduce the stress level. Id suggest turning off your tank lights for a couple days (turn on half an hour before feeding - turn off half hour later)

As for tank setup, they dont require lots of decor, a nice piece of driftwood is all youd really need. A large airstone/bubble maker is good as this species requires well oxygenated water. As for your power heads see if you can double the flow rate, 2000gph seems a little low for this species in a 6' tank (you may be able to get away with what you have - depends on your fishes temperment). Place one a few inches above the bottom of the tank (i slightly angle mine towards the center of the tank, and the second powerhead about mid level. Or place it on the opposite side of the tank.

Well said. +1 on all of that.
 
Thanks so much Slippery for your advice! I did all that today with many towels covering on the whole tank. I just got home from work and I sneaked up on him and he's cruising the tank and looks very happy!
 

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There ya go. He looks good!
 
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i would agree with doubling the flow, these fish dont just love, they NEED current, and no matter how much flow there is, there will always be dead spots where he can hang out if he wants.... these fish have a very sensitive slime coat that gets all messed up without enough water movement in the tank... i had about 6k gph flow in my 6 foot 220 gallon tank, and about 12k gph in my 10 ft 400 gallon tank

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