co2

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pat3612

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 21, 2008
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Barrie Ontario Canada
Does anyone run co2 with their bichirs I cannot see it bothering them but thought I would check first.
 
Hi,

you just have to make sure to have proper aeration above the tank, so that CO2 can't build up and the bichir breath it.
 
Polypterids are specially adapted to survive in water that is low in oxygen, so water infused with C02 is no big deal, they'll simply breach the waters surface frequently to get gulps of air.

What you need to worry about is making sure there is enough space between the surface of the water, and the lid of their tank, because they will jump out fairly high, especially if they get startled on their way up for a breath, and they can hurt themselves. 4" clearance is optimal.

When they breach the surface, they exhale the co2 from their special lung-like swim bladder, which will release a large bubble, like this:

DSC01560.jpg
 
Ok thanks guys they do have about 4ins clearance if not 5 the lid is wire so that should be good .:D
 
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