Dovii Hardscaping

[ClaustrophobicTurtle]

Hey Guys.

I've seen a lot of Dovii tanks online, which only have substrate and nothing else in the tanks.

I understand Dovii need maximum swimming space, but also that they prefer to have some hiding spots.

Would you say Dovii can thrive without any hardscape?

Thanks so much

 

[knobhill]

probably better in the cichlid section but I'd love to see some inventive dovii aquascaping. Post people!

 

[dan518]

If your after a biotope type tank lots of rocks with maybe the odd piece of driftwood would work, look at Lee nuttels YouTube channel, lee1973n, he has a Nicaraguan biotope which would be the same for dovii, trouble is it would be fine when the fish is a juvenile but getting it to look and work well when you have a 24 inch beast in there is a different story, unless you have a 18 ft tank.

 

[Bandit87]

I watch a guy on Youtube, GuapoteMel. That guy has it all down. Thing is your lookin at 600 gallon tanks.

 

[ClaustrophobicTurtle]

If your after a biotope type tank lots of rocks with maybe the odd piece of driftwood would work, look at Lee nuttels YouTube channel, lee1973n, he has a Nicaraguan biotope which would be the same for dovii, trouble is it would be fine when the fish is a juvenile but getting it to look and work well when you have a 24 inch beast in there is a different story, unless you have a 18 ft tank.

Beautiful channel.
I love his biotopes, really outstanding.
In your experience, does a Dovii 'grow' more and appear healthier in a natural biotope than lets say a bare bottom tank?

Or is it more for the owners visual appeal of the aquarium?

 

[Bandit87]

Im lookin at 8X4 in the next housing go round. Two would be the dream. By 30". Those fish are just so big. They "need" it.

 

[dan518]

Beautiful channel.
I love his biotopes, really outstanding.
In your experience, does a Dovii 'grow' more and appear healthier in a natural biotope than lets say a bare bottom tank?

Or is it more for the owners visual appeal of the aquarium?

most ca cichlids like to dig and rearrange the tank,, they also like to have a bit of cover, so weather you use gravel and flowerpot or do a full biotope is up to you but yes I think they get stressed in a completely bare tank

 

[ClaustrophobicTurtle]

most ca cichlids like to dig and rearrange the tank,, they also like to have a bit of cover, so weather you use gravel and flowerpot or do a full biotope is up to you but yes I think they get stressed in a completely bare tank

This is the tank layout at the moment.
Its only a 4x2x2 for the next couple of months).
I thought I should maximise his swimming space.. but he doesnt really swim.

When i had a biotope set up for him, all he did was hide under the driftwood 24/7.
I had read on here removing the decor forces him to become more active and out in the open. I have seen bits of that, but not the the extent I was hoping for..

 

[dan518]

young dovii are shy, the only thing to get them over it is patience and time

 

[philipraposo1982]

It's proven my scientific studies that replicating nature is healthier for the fish. It's stimulates parts of the brain and allows the fish to act more natural. Natural materials are key.