Community tank with SAPs.

[omplmpa3]

Two weeks ago I bought one inch SAP. Right now it is in quarantine but I would like to try it in a community tank. I want to get 2 more SAPs so I have a trio at least. I have two tanks to choose from for this new set up, a 40 breeder and a 55. From my current freshwater community I thought I would try some upsidedown catfish and some pearl danios as tankmates for the SAPs. I figure it would be best to wait untill I have all three SAPs before adding them to the new tank. Does anyone have any opinions as to which tank would be a better fit for this type of community? It will be planted, with driftwood and rocks as decor (the more complex, the better) and a sand substrate.

[LilGreenPuffer]

SAPs love their swim room. Which one has a bigger footprint, and which is longer?

[omplmpa3]

the 40 breeder has a bigger footprint (36x18 and 16 high) while the 55 is longer (48x13 and 20 high)

[Dadof4]

I'd actually go with the 55 gallon for SAP's . The length outweighs the footprint.

[LilGreenPuffer]

Yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking. It gives them a chance to swim in a longer unbroken line. If you add a powerhead, you can simulate a river current, which I hear they love.

[robert_hollis]

I keep my SAP in a 50g with a powerhead. I have a Hydor Koralia #1, but I'd have to suggest a #2 or #3 for such a tank. My powerhead puts out enough current to make the plants sway, but only the Danios ever seem to swim in it (effortlessly I might add). I do see all my fish swimming down the stream of bubbles from the aristone at times.

-Rob

[sample789]

i think either tank will be fine but the 55 would probably be better in the long run my SAPs really dont hang out with each other they will go explore something together everyonce in awhile but other then that they do there own thing. also my SAPs love to explore the plants and everything else they can in the tank and it gives them a place to hide. so in the 55 gallon you could plant half the tank and leave the other half for fish to explore so its a win win.

[omplmpa3]

Okay, I'm sold on the 55. I have a powerhead I can set up. This may be a dumb question, but never having used a powerhead before, where in the tank do I set it up?

[Dadof4]

I would set it up so the flow goes the long way, across the tank so it's more river like.

[LilGreenPuffer]

I read that pointing it slightly up, towards the surface, aerates the water more. True?

[robert_hollis]

It creates ripples in the water, which may help break the surface tension of any scummy build-up, but doesn't really aerate the water. However, a powerhead will help circulate the water in te tank, and reduce the likelyhood of any dead zones.

That's my understanding of it, but I could be dead wrong.

-Rob

[Dadof4]

Breaking the surface of the water does help in oxygenation. One of the arguments I've heard in opposition to canister filters is that they don't allow for proper oxygen exchange with at the water surface like a HOB will. Just having good circulation in your tank takes care of this problem IMHO. SAP's really like their current so Like I mentioned, I'd set it up length wise from end to end.

[omplmpa3]

Fantastic advise all!! Thank you! I will post pictures when it's complete. Well, it will never be complete, I am a tinkerer by nature. But I will post pictures when the tank is acceptable for public viewing.

[LilGreenPuffer]

Please do. I can't wait till I can set up my SAP community down the road - at least I can drool over everyone else's!

[omplmpa3]

at least I can drool over everyone else's!

I know what you mean!
Well, I'm off to rinse about 75 pounds of sand!!!