How Tall

[georgedv]

I am building a new rack about 5+ feet in length available. I plan to put tanks that I will build myself for the purpose of keeping/breeding apistos. These tanks will be 20" in depth and 20" in width. My question is what is the min height I need and what would be the ideal height.

thanks
george

 

[gerald]

I would make them 10 or 12 inches tall. Some species get nervous if water is too shallow. Even though many Apistos often live among leaf litter in very shallow edge habitats, they like to have the option of dashing into deeper water if spooked by a bird, snake, etc on the bank. Dense plants, leaves, and caves/pipes will of course help. Also, if using air-powered filters you'll want at least 8" of lift (from outlet of air tubing or airstone to water surface) to get decent flow.

 

[Mike Wise]

I have some breeding tanks that I've had for about 35 years. They are 18x16x8"/45x40x20cm tall. I've had no problem breeding many of the smaller regani- and pertensis-group species in them.

 

[georgedv]

perfect...thank you for the input. now i'll need to do some math to see how many I can fit comfortably
g

 

[Mike Wise]

Just be careful keeping more polygamous and aggressive species in these tank. They are on the small size.