When is it too much? Poly carpets, and stocking...

[predatorkeeper87]

Fish stocking can be a very controversial subject on this site especially when it comes to the cichlid section! lol

Ive noticed a more 'relaxed' attitude in regard to poly's with many keeping what I call a poly carpet.
So my question is this, when is it too much?

This topic is just for fun so no personal attacks, just wanting to hear different viewpoints.

I hate poly piles in barebottom tanks. I think it looks like crap and, this is only my opinion, tanks that aren't scaped somewhat like a natural habitat makes me wonder why people even want to have fish in general if you aren't keeping them in a semi-natural box of water in your home.

Again, this is just my opinion, so do your thing boo boo. I have 3 bichir in a 150, a 13" del, a 12" koliba, and a 13" ornate, and I refuse to add anymore. it already looks crowded.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

Bichirs are pretty unique. There piling can be compared to shoaling, the more the merrier, it makes them feel comfortable.

Then you have the fact they are very sedentary, spending most of their lives just sitting on substrate.

These two factors together are what allow, in my opinion, such heavy stocking. So, as long as you can keep up with water quality, it's quite possible to stock many more fish than some other species.

I'm sure some of the big dogs like Hao and framcosco can elaborate on their, much more experienced, opinions.

I feel like its a shoaling instinct when they have no other cover in the tank.

 

[Hao]

This is an example of too much for me. It was fine in the 6x2.5x2.5(they only covered 1/4 of the bottom). BUT when I kept them temporarily in the 5x2x2(covered 1/2 of the bottom).

 

[DMD123]

I have 3 bichir in a 150, a 13" del, a 12" koliba, and a 13" ornate, and I refuse to add anymore. it already looks crowded.

Thats how I feel with my group in the 300. I dont want to add any more.... and they still can grow larger!

 

[shookONES]

The more the merrier, IMO. It seems the more bichers I add, the more active and gluttonous my group becomes. I used to wonder if my bichers were even eating back when I only had a few. Now I'm wondering how they eat so much HAHA

 

[framcosco]

I like to keep it civilized....... two stories of bichirs is cool.... but three stories & up... well that's just plain silly!!

 

[Thekid]

I like to keep it civilized....... two stories of bichirs is cool.... but three stories & up... well that's just plain silly!!

Is this too much or just right?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachments/img_4791-jpg.539444/

 

[jaws7777]

Is this too much or just right?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachments/img_4791-jpg.539444/

I think theres some sand in there

 

[shookONES]

Is this too much or just right?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachments/img_4791-jpg.539444/

We're barely one high in that photo. Still plenty of room for new additions.

 

[DMD123]

I think theres some sand in there

So bichirs show even better on top of other bichirs? I thought red garnet was the way to go... lol