Tank size for a L 333 group.

[MattP]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting my first group of hypancistrus and wondered whether my 120x40x40cm would house a breeding group of 9 adults if I filled it with loads of bogwood etc? If anyone would like to share their experience with these it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Matt

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[Jools]

Hi Matt,

You don't really need wood for these guys, just lots of caves/rock. I think nine adults would work depending on gender ratio. Having five males and four females might get a bit fiesty! If they are all full grown then I'd say you'd about get away with it on a 120x40cm footprint but I'd go for a group of five myself in that size of tank. Then you'd be able to raise young in the tank too.

Cheers,

Jools

[Richard B]

Adults need around a square foot of substrate for territory so I'd go for 5, maybe 6 at a push. Of course you can grow out a number & cherry pick the 5 you want to keep.

Some fine beech branches can help the aesthetic look of the tank but caves & piles of slate or other suitable rock is the way forward. If you ever get the chance, visit sweet knowledge aquatics & have a look at their 6 foot tanks on the right hand side. L066 & L134 breeding in the shop. Not sure the L128 have bred yet but similar set-up

[saor alba]

Ive a group of 4 ( 3M and 1F )in a 48x18x18 plus roughly 50-60 young upto over 2inch .

I use wood just to make tank look a bit better visual wise and to give the female loads of hidey bits the males tend to stay in caves till food is in tank but they still dont go far from there caves.

The only thing ive noticed is the adults have stopped breeding ,which to be honest im more than happy with them doing so at the moment and i expected them to do this with so many young about tank, both lots of zebs and queens ive got in groups do this act this as well.

[steph en jess]

i hold 10 sub adult breeders in 60/50/35 around 100 liters
i have 6 males an 4 females
they had 3 spawns last 4 weaks

[NChops134]

Are you planning on this being a species tank? If you are committing the tank to L-333 only then I see no problem with 8-10 pieces in it. It all depends on the sexes of the fish, as well as the number of separated areas within the tank. People say lots of different numbers in regards to the territories that each fish needs. However, this varies from species to species. Some are more territorial than others. For example, in a species only tank I am going to be keeping 6-8 peckoltia compta in a 29 gallon bowfront, but they tend to be peaceful. It's depends on the species and numbers of hiding spots you provide, especially for a hypan like L333