Changed sand from white to black (Asiatica)

[johnnyberotten]

Immediately after changing my sand to black my Asiatica Snakehead became darker and his spots are glowing like stars.
Very cool.

Before:


After:
[video=youtube_share;qiyB5C-KCws]http://youtu.be/qiyB5C-KCws[/video]

 

[-DC-]

Good choice!, I also find the darker substrates result in nicer the color . Same with lot's of floating cover and dim lighting, anything to make it dark and gloomy the darker they get the more those spots shine! (same seems true with most channa, they like it dark and gloomy)

 

[bottles]

Looks great on dark substrate.
Keep in mind that asiatica is a subtropical species and shouldn't be kept at tropical temps year round like your other fish.

 

[johnnyberotten]

Looks great on dark substrate.
Keep in mind that asiatica is a subtropical species and shouldn't be kept at tropical temps year round like your other fish.

Yes, I was given some inaccurate info. when I got him. I've been keeping the tank at 79 degree thinking I'll meet in the middle. No obvious stress seen from either group.

Cheers

 

[-DC-]

I find that the asiatica do best at the lowest end of the sub tropical spectrum. Mine sits around 60 for most of the winter give or take a couple degrees depending on the weather. In summer temps climb as high as 74-75 ish.

The tank used to be upstaris where temps got much higher, they can handle warmer short term but over time if kept at high temps it makes them dull and lethargic, I haven't pushed it past a few months at higher temps just that one summer upstairs then when they started to loose color they were moved to the basement where they, and now just she has been ever since. I'd assume if kept high for too long they would respond like most other sub tropical species, with a sudden onset of fungual/bacterial infections that rapidly erodes them away.

Your's still looks healthy to me, but I'd go as low as your other tankmates can tolerate, lower temps will boost his color and pattern, but I'd watch close he might start to show that killer attitude that asiatica are known for. His good temperament might just be him being lethargic, if he perks up He'd be more then capable of taking out one or more of his tankmates before you get a chance to intervene.

 

[fishcollector1221]

It looks great, and the snakehead is awesome looking too.

 

[-DC-]

Also are those endlies ? Looks like we have similar tastes in fish, I've got a trio of them as well !

 

[johnnyberotten]

Also are those endlies ? Looks like we have similar tastes in fish, I've got a trio of them as well !

Yes, I'm actually more passionate about polys. I have been a little stressed about our discussions about asiatica's potential temperament. I'm going to have to get him his own tank soon or may sell him. I would hate to wake up to a skinned Brichir or datnoid.

 

[Runitis]

Yes, I was given some inaccurate info. when I got him. I've been keeping the tank at 79 degree thinking I'll meet in the middle. No obvious stress seen from either group.

Cheers

You should know just because it working for now doesn't mean it good for them. Another rule you should is always research your fish before buying don't trust the lfs.

Yes, I'm actually more passionate about polys. I have been a little stressed about our discussions about asiatica's potential temperament. I'm going to have to get him his own tank soon or may sell him. I would hate to wake up to a skinned Brichir or datnoid.

Wow all that In tthe same tank surprised that's working and the snakehead hasn't went on a tear yet. Whens the upgrade coming but he does look good!


My fish life is sparked up with Polys

 

[-DC-]

Yes, I'm actually more passionate about polys. I have been a little stressed about our discussions about asiatica's potential temperament. I'm going to have to get him his own tank soon or may sell him. I would hate to wake up to a skinned Brichir or datnoid.

\\\

I don't blame you for worrying I've seen first hand what they can do with the slightest mood swing lol.

Do you have other poly's ? I have a trio of WC endlies, senegalus & ornates as well as a solo delhezi right now, I Want/plan to order in some larger WC Lap's and Weeksii for the monster tank as well when the weather get's nicer. I've also got some Dat's and IT, NTG and 3 AT's. Sorry side baring the convo.

Get a second tank hold onto that fish! If you do want to sell shoot me a PM, I might know a buyer out on the west cost, he's asked me several times over the years for mine.