Rotkeil Severum Tank Setup

[bolivianbaby]

I'm in the midst of mass tank swapping due to several fish being re-homed and a few tank issues.

I have 5 juvenile rotkeil severums and I'm going to be setting them up their own 90g tank.

Should I do sand or river rock for the substrate? I've heard they like rockwork, so I'll be setting that up as well for them in addition to some driftwood.

What else can I do to make this a very natural and enjoyable environment for them and me? Right now, I'll be having to use plastic plants but later on I plan on setting up some very tough live plants.

The goal is to eventually get a breeding pair and re-home the others. They will be the only inhabitants of the 90g except for a sailfin pleco. The sailfin pleco will eventually be moved to a 75g tank later on when they get large enough to breed.

 

[ceeej31]

my severum tank has a mix of sand and fine gravel, it looks nice and they seem to enjoy it

 

[bolivianbaby]

Thanks, Colin.

Do you have pics posted somewhere I could look at for ideas?

 

[JK47]

I'm in the midst of mass tank swapping due to several fish being re-homed and a few tank issues.

I have 5 juvenile rotkeil severums and I'm going to be setting them up their own 90g tank.

Should I do sand or river rock for the substrate? I've heard they like rockwork, so I'll be setting that up as well for them in addition to some driftwood.

What else can I do to make this a very natural and enjoyable environment for them and me? Right now, I'll be having to use plastic plants but later on I plan on setting up some very tough live plants.

The goal is to eventually get a breeding pair and re-home the others. They will be the only inhabitants of the 90g except for a sailfin pleco. The sailfin pleco will eventually be moved to a 75g tank later on when they get large enough to breed.

I agree with Colin. Sand with larger stones so they do not get burried. rotkeils are wonderful fish, good pick and good job doing some homework. I keep mine in a large tank but that's is because of the tankmates. You can soak out and prep silk plants and your tank will look more natural. If you place the plants in front of flow, it hides equipment and moves like a live plant would in nature. The only plants that have survived my rotties is a gigantic (26") anubias. No luck with anything else long term. Here are a couple pics for you to get an idea or two from.


This is my big guy. He's 8" TL







This is fill day for the new setup as I was putting it together. Hopefully there is an idea or two you might like. The last pic is obviously not a rotkeil but one of his mates. It's the only clear shot I have of the sand I used.





GL Marie post lots of pics

 

[bolivianbaby]

Wow! You're tank is gorgeous! How did you set up the background? The root system background looks incredible!

Thank you so much for the pics! They're very helpful.

 

[JK47]

Wow! You're tank is gorgeous! How did you set up the background? The root system background looks incredible!

Thank you so much for the pics! They're very helpful.

Thanks Marie. I only added to give you ideas like you asked. The background was not easy since it's a 30" tall 300 gallon. The link below is a thread I did in the setup section. Sorry it's 70+ pages I redid all my tanks and stock so this was my "man diary" lol

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=358278

if you have more questions ask away!

 

[NixMix]

I have 4 gold severums in my tank. I used a coarse grain sand and added in some larger river rock that I went out and found. Picked out different colors and shapes. Brought them home to scrub them down and sterilize them in boiling water. Once I got them all placed how I wanted, I planted some different heights of Anubias and swords between. Now they're so happy. Driftwood is starting to sink too, so that will help my guys! Sounds like you've gotten it all figured out! Way to go!

 

[NixMix]

By the way, beautiful Rotkeil!!!!

 

[sampster5000]

Wow very nice tank! The background makes it looks amazing. I need to invest in one of those.

 

[Kanta]

When I had my pair of red dots in their 55 I used small fine gravel. They loved to dig in it and it drive me crazy. Now they are in a 75 bare bottom for the moment. Here's a pic of their old tank.