Hi I would like to add some plants in with my rtc ame rtcxtsn hybrid I was thinking of using rock wool sheets and planting swords and some other plants into large sheets of rock wool in my 120 and letting them root. The cats are still small, but I'm remodeling my basement to build a 1200 gallon pond for them and some other big boys. I would like to also have some plants in rock wool sheets in the pond once its done but my only question is will the cats try to eat it and if so will it hurt them?
Large catfish and plants
- Thread starter Microbialhydra
- Start date
My guess would be yes and yes. Unfortunately the nature of rockwool and catfish teeth are not compatible and if swallowed , rockwool would be hard for them (or you) to get back up/out.
Whilst I think it's great that you are taking the time and effort to build the pond, I am assuming it might be 2ft deep or maybe more of you plan a redtail. As such, have you thought about the lighting you would need to keep plants growing in that depth of water? Again, something to consider as such bright lights and the catfish may not mix well and it suddenly becomes much more expensive to run.
Might need to consider a different aquascape for the pond.
Much can be done with well worn roots, branches and rocks to keep a catfish happy, and a happy catfish is out and about making a happy keeper.
For the tank, it might be easier to grow the swords in pots and hide them in/ behind wood or rocks, this way you can put them in clay, soil or other decent grow mixture without the redtail clouding up the tank as he grows and uproots them, which inevitably he will do eventually just to see what's under them.
Java fern on rocks and wood is another good option especially if you have aquascape going up towards the surface as that too will add greenery at height.
Unfortunately in my experience plants and big catfish is a difficult mix.
Whilst I think it's great that you are taking the time and effort to build the pond, I am assuming it might be 2ft deep or maybe more of you plan a redtail. As such, have you thought about the lighting you would need to keep plants growing in that depth of water? Again, something to consider as such bright lights and the catfish may not mix well and it suddenly becomes much more expensive to run.
Might need to consider a different aquascape for the pond.
Much can be done with well worn roots, branches and rocks to keep a catfish happy, and a happy catfish is out and about making a happy keeper.
For the tank, it might be easier to grow the swords in pots and hide them in/ behind wood or rocks, this way you can put them in clay, soil or other decent grow mixture without the redtail clouding up the tank as he grows and uproots them, which inevitably he will do eventually just to see what's under them.
Java fern on rocks and wood is another good option especially if you have aquascape going up towards the surface as that too will add greenery at height.
Unfortunately in my experience plants and big catfish is a difficult mix.
I plan on having it being 45 inches tall in a L shape kimda like this with 3 acrylic veiwing panels on the front 3 sides
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We plan on having a aquaponics planter bed on the bottom side and a mangrove tree in the corner, in the room theres 8 recessed lights and I plan on putting a 100w cree led bulb in the back corner for the mangrove and either 25w or 50w led bulbs for the other 3 lights that'll be over the pond. Would putting the rock wool sheets in a box then putting lighting diffuser over it with a lip to hold it in and a gravel cap and planting into that make it so the cats can't get into the rock wool? I plan on running a external pond pump rated for between 5000-8000 gph on the pond to run filtration and recirculation. My feiancaee also wants to have a smaller preformed pond spill into the larger pond with a waterfall on the end of that pond. We plan ongoing having alot of tropical plants and the like in that half of the basement and tile flooring because of spills and the like.
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We plan on having a aquaponics planter bed on the bottom side and a mangrove tree in the corner, in the room theres 8 recessed lights and I plan on putting a 100w cree led bulb in the back corner for the mangrove and either 25w or 50w led bulbs for the other 3 lights that'll be over the pond. Would putting the rock wool sheets in a box then putting lighting diffuser over it with a lip to hold it in and a gravel cap and planting into that make it so the cats can't get into the rock wool? I plan on running a external pond pump rated for between 5000-8000 gph on the pond to run filtration and recirculation. My feiancaee also wants to have a smaller preformed pond spill into the larger pond with a waterfall on the end of that pond. We plan ongoing having alot of tropical plants and the like in that half of the basement and tile flooring because of spills and the like.
I agree with Dave.
I would never mix plants with large catfish for it cannot be done in a practical manner unless a catfish cannot access the plants at all.
I would never, ever mix catfish with any kind of mineral wool, especially RTC, who will sooner or later rip out some pieces and swallow them and die from it.
I would never mix plants with large catfish for it cannot be done in a practical manner unless a catfish cannot access the plants at all.
I would never, ever mix catfish with any kind of mineral wool, especially RTC, who will sooner or later rip out some pieces and swallow them and die from it.
I do like the plans you are forming. Anything like a mangrove with roots in water would always be nice but those roots might start to penetrate. Sounds like your really thinking well on it. When I built my pond in the fish house i had opportunity to put in roof lights for daylight, ran a waterfall and had lots of tropical house plants on a 3ft wide decking area 1ft above the pond which also provided a dark area for the fish. It was great for a while but the plants were taking out too much oxygen on a night and giving me filter swings. Then the umbrella plant in the waterfall grew massive, cutting out most of the light, and whilst the roots were great for removing nitrate they needed regular pruning so I ended up with a builder's plank in there to get accross, spoiling the effect almost constantly.
then of course was the massive difference in condensation between just running water from a pump return and a waterfall, the walls were just running!
nothing here is meant to put you off, cos I wanna see it in place, just food for thought so you get it right by at least thinking about the mistakes of others.
then of course was the massive difference in condensation between just running water from a pump return and a waterfall, the walls were just running!
nothing here is meant to put you off, cos I wanna see it in place, just food for thought so you get it right by at least thinking about the mistakes of others.
- Dec 2, 2018
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Mangroves are salt tolerant often found in coastal areas but I think you also will get it to grow in fresh water albeit depending somewhat on type. Also, most folks may not want or have room for a fully grown 30 ft mangrove tree so any loss in growth may be appreciated and handy.