Ideal conditions/set up for Bichirs?

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PaiLum92

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2010
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Fort Collins
I want to get back into the hobby, and definitely looking at Bichirs again.

I want to know though, what is the ideal conditions/set up for them? I had a Delhezi once that loved the plants that I rigged at the top of the water, and never really left that spot other than to eat. He didn’t pay much mind to the rest of the tank though, even though he had it all to himself.

So, I figured it must have been the way it was set up (lots of rocks, lots of plants). I’ve been thinking though, nearly all of the pictures I have seen that have been of purely Bichir and Ropefish tanks, have had just a few rocks, and just a few plants.

Is this their ideal habitat? Do they prefer fewer things in the tank?

I am still going to rig plants to the top of the tank again, as I know they just like to float and perch on things, and besides, I like the look of plants up top. But should I scarcely decorate the tank? Only throw in a few rocks and a few plants, and leave the rest open? I’m thinking of getting at least 2 Bichirs, would fewer things be preferred for them? (PS, Tank is 72g bowfront)

So, short and sweet, do Bichirs prefer fewer things in the tank, or is any way I decorate it really ok/won’t have an effect?

Thanks everyone…
 
Here is my 10gallon grow out tank for me senegals. They never stay put in one spot unless they just finished eating. Then they just sit there and digest. LOL fatties.

I like the more natural look with plants and drift wood. If your last bichir liked the way you set up the tank do the same thing.

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Nice grow out. I figure when I am able I may set up my 10g or 55g as a grow out of some sort.. that or a quarantine tank... I just won't have any substrate and just a few decorations, like some caves to hide in.

My 72g though I want some sand. But I’m not sure how much decoration I should have to keep 2 or possibly 3 Bichirs happy. To be able to still swim around, hide when they need it, be social, be safe if they get spooked, etc. A set-up that would make them the most comfortable. Like me, all I need to be comfortable is a couch, a refrigerator, and a TV. But what do Bichirs need? (Not sure they would be able to fully utilize a couch and TV)...
 
I would say the ideal set up is drift wood/ rock tunnels and caves, plants not necessary, besides floating plants many bichirs especially juveniles love sleeping and spending lots of time in floating plants. My 8 year old Senegal still does this!

Oh and sand is a must for keeping polys


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I think ideally, more plants and hiding spots is best. But if you want to see your bichir and enjoy them, less is better. Just a matter of what is important to you. Though some bichir aren't shy at all.
 
That’s a real nice set up. I like tanks of all kinds, from just a rock and piece of wood, to tons of plants and rocks/caves.

Problem is I have horrible luck with live plants. Fake plants are ok if they look realistic, but I hate the neon purple weeds, plants you can obviously tell are plastic/cloth, and stuff like that.
 
Agreed mate on the fake plant stuff... not my thing as well... like u i had rotten luck with plants as well... so i stuck to some hardy plants.. like anubias, valesnaria and amazon... i have white sand and all i do is add plant fert... its upto ya mate what u choose... i will try tp post a pic of my GO later when i get home... GL on that and keep us posted cheers ;)

PS: I owe it to James... his tanks just inspired me...
 
My 75 all four love it lots of hiding spots and lots I open space the best of both. My ornate and retro are always out in the open. The Senegal and del like to hide most of the time so I catered to both. They love to suspend in the plants and on the driftwood


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ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1334240044.286975.jpg
 
I like to include a lot of plants both as hiding places and filtration for my poly & ropes. I think a lot of the reason that some of the larger poly tanks are bare is because polys produce a lot of waste and a bare tank is simply easier to clean.
 
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