Is this too much decoration for a fahaka?

[iklipsed]

Is this too much decoration for my fahaka's tank? Little by little he's been exploring more, but he tends to stay in the one spot he likes, but tends to turn on a tight radius and bend a lot? Should I take some deco out, or just let him get used to the tank, or move deco around? If so what should I remove/ move?

[bertie 83]

My fahaka behaved exactly the same, tucked up tight in his corner lol. They like a comfort spot. What is the tank size and how big is he? Welcome to the forum

[Pufferpunk]

Not at all, as long as he continues fitting into his "cave". Here was my 1st shot at decor (need to take pic of the new decor, as I bought a very huge, very $$$ piece of wood for his tank now):

[defool89]

Hey pp are those real plants?

[iklipsed]

Man those caves you have look pretty awesome! And oh ok thats good, I was just worried it would bend his spine or something like I've read about when they make tight turns thanks!

And to answer the question he's about 12 inches and the tank is a 150 gallon, about 5' by 2' by 2'

[bertie 83]

Nice! Their spines pose a problem when crammed into tight quarters. You have ample room

[Pufferpunk]

Hey pp are those real plants?

Java fern in the middle are. The rest are plastic. I only have live plants (java/anubias) in his tank now.

[Pufferpunk]

Be sure to stir that sand bed thoroughly, before weekly water changes. Also, why isn't the tank filled all the way?

[iklipsed]

Will make sure to stir well! And just some evaporation I believe, will top it off when I do my water change tomorrow!

[defool89]

Hey pp are those real plants?

Java fern in the middle are. The rest are plastic. I only have live plants (java/anubias) in his tank now.

Very healthy looking, good job. I am trying to find drift wood like the one on the left but its soo hard to find. I may try another river soon

[Pufferpunk]

Fake driftwood from Petsmart.

[iklipsed]

Having trouble getting the remains and emissions from the sand, any tools you guys use that work well with sifting/ a gravel vac that picks up stuff from the sand the best?

[RTR]

I also use both fake and real driftwood. Neither one embarrasses me. Nor do decent artificial plants. Live plants do more for the water quality, but require more hands-in-tank work - which can be an issue with Fahakas.

[bertie 83]

It's never wise to let your guard down with your hands in a fahaka tank, I learnt this the hard way.

[Pufferpunk]

Just a good thorough stirring with your hand (if you trust your friend not to bite you) or a stick (chopsticks work well), with the filters turned off. Let the detritus settle & skim over the sand with your siphon.