Substrate and Impact on Feeding Bichir

[Sidrock]

Hi Guys,

All my bichirs are in grow-outs (rather than "show tanks") and hence they have always been in a BB tank.

(Stock: One 12" Endli. Two 3"-5" Dels, One 6" Endli)

As per the excellent directions mentioned in this sticky, Hikari Cichid Gold (sinking) form about 80% of their diet. And shredded shrimp, Jumbo Krill and Silver Slides (for the larger Endli) making up the remaining 20%

Question: One of the "Show" Tanks (220G) is going to be set-up in the coming couple of weeks and I want to keep sand as substrate for a more natural look. What will be the impact of sand in the feeding ritual of these bichirs?

Are there any precautions to be taken?

Thank you,
Sid

PS: The 12" Endli will move to the 220G immediately. The others will be moved there after they hit at least 8".

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Not really much of an impact. But as a precaution, I might turn off the filter since they could get rather messy and sand could fly all over the tank and into the filter.

Alternatively, you could try dropping the food on the opposite side of where your filter intake would be.

 

[Sidrock]

Not really much of an impact. But as a precaution, I might turn off the filter since they could get rather messy and sand could fly all over the tank and into the filter.

Alternatively, you could try dropping the food on the opposite side of where your filter intake would be.

Ok.. Point noted about the filter intake.

So, what you're saying is that when they do that "vacuum" thing to suck in pellets from the tank (sandy) floor and a little bit of sand gets sucked in with the pellets, they can spit out the sand without much problem?

That's good to know..

Thanks,
Sid