Proper tank dimensions?

[josh_mcfadden]

Hey,

I just started working with L136.
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=214
I just wanted to know what many of you are using as far as tank size to spawn these guys or something of a similar size. I have two now but plan on bringing in another 6-8. Right now I'm using a 36x18x18 tank. Its filtered by an Aquaclear70, Rena XP3 and I'm also using two Koralia 3 power heads to move water. The flow is good and not overpowering.

I also want to build up my colony of L128. Do you think it would be possible to house 5 breeding adults in a 75 48x18x20?

If I do end up switching my L136 over to a 48" tank I want to be able to stack it on top of another 48" tank.

Let me know what you think, hopefully I can start piecing together stuff for when I can upgrade my setup.

Thanks

[CanadaPleco]

First off welcome to the forum!

Either of those dimensions sounds great for spawning hypans. I find most people who are spawning them also tend to have at least 1 hydro sponge filter as well. The 36" tank is fine size for the colony of fish you intend on having.

As for the L128's you do know they get to like 10-11" each, although that size is very uncommonly seen in North America. They are quite expensive at that size and usually go overseas where they get even more $.

[josh_mcfadden]

Thanks for the quick reply. Have you found that crowding your hypans produces more spawning, or is it better to under-stock a tank. The reason I ask this is because with a longer tank I'm assuming that there will be more area for the males to set up territories. In that case would it be better to switch out to a longer tank, although I would be sacrificing width I would be gaining 12" in length.

On a second note, I was aware they topped out at around 9". I'm not overly worried about price as I have a good source. There are benefits to working for Spencer. Top quality fish.

Josh

[2wheelsx2]

It'll take years for the L128's to get to any signifcant size. I have several that were 4.5" SL that I got last year, and they are just approaching 5". Super slow growers.

[josh_mcfadden]

So I should be fine with a 75 for the time being. Perfect, I think I'll end up going with a 55 long for the L136 and then a 75 for the L128.

[2wheelsx2]

I think 5 L128's would be fine if they are not breeding. I've noticed some aggression among mine (they are in a 125 with other plecos and a few cichlids). I don't know how aggressive they would become once they are actually breeding size (I hear that should be sexable somewhere around 5 - 5.5"). Regardless, they should be fine for a while.