My last thread didn't get any responses so I guess I'll try again with a more focused title. I'm interested in setting up a riparium or paludarium type enclosure with an electric catfish. This would involve a tank half filled with water, leaving air space for terrestrial plants and perhaps a few small arboreal lizards, but that's not the main focus. My question is what size tank should I start with? I figured if I can use plants and increased filtration to keep the water clean, I wouldn't have to use a tank much larger than one that would otherwise be required for an electric cat. So my question is, what size tank do you suggest I use? I'd want to use one that could house it for a while, preferably up to the point when the fish reaches about 18". All help is greatly appreciated.
Electric Catfish in Riparium/Paludarium
- Thread starter rudukai13
- Start date
Probably start with a 120 gallon with excellent filtration. Make sure you have insulated gloves nets and anything that current can run through. When I say insulated, you have to have the insulation that will prevent current and possible burns(electricians, etc.. use). Here is an article about electric catfish care but continue to research, this is a VERY DANGEROUS CATFISH: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatfishblog/2009/10/16/the-electric-catfish-a-unique-species-for-the-serious-catfish-fancier/
I've kept one before - granted not to the size that their shock becomes dangerous - but I am certainly familiar with their little surprise. My main question was do I need to double the usually suggested tank size in order to maintain the correct water quality, or simply up the filtration that I use. The tank will have large enough dimensions for the fish to be comfortable either way, I was just concerned with the overall water volume needed.
A large over filtered tank would be ideal, but if you have to keep a smaller tank, definitely over filter. I would go for a 120 with a large sump or big canisters like two FX5s! Or a 180 gallon would be awesome.
Electric catfish are not a current loving fish, so keep that in mind when planning for filtration. I would expect at least 50% weekly water changes in a 120 when he starts getting larger.
As for the size the catfish will reach, in many books, the average electric catfish only reaches 18". They can get larger, but it is unlikely and being kept in an aquarium chances are it will be stunted a little bit too so a 120 should be able to house it for life.
I am not sure what size you are starting with, but I recommend growing it out before having him be the only fish in a 120.
As for the size the catfish will reach, in many books, the average electric catfish only reaches 18". They can get larger, but it is unlikely and being kept in an aquarium chances are it will be stunted a little bit too so a 120 should be able to house it for life.
I am not sure what size you are starting with, but I recommend growing it out before having him be the only fish in a 120.
This won't happen for a while, I'm not in a position to be able to keep a tank of any decent size any time soon, let alone a state where electric cats are legal. Eventually though I'd like to keep one along with a small group of syno cats in a naturalistic looking riparium tank - Dark water, Leaf litter and silty substrate, lots of driftwood sticking out of the water, etc.
check out this site http://www.vivariumforum.com/community/index.php Im sure there is some information there that can help you