substrate or not?

[baruch mor]

im currently holding 6 L66 and 3 L260 in a 200L tank.
the tank has only aquaclay substrate and a big bogwood
the filteration is eheim 440l/h + 1000l/h internal filter acting as power head too
small air stone in the corner and and a 150w jager heater

could u tell me if its a good set up? they are still young, do they need "houses"?

can i put there another 2 pairs of "working" common ancistrus ?

will bare bottom would b better for them (considering i would like to try n breed them in the future)?

[baruch mor]

no other fish but them

[B-2]

You probably don't need substrate, but it is a good idea to have it. In my opinion the tank should be like their natural environment especially if you want to breed them. It would be a good idea to give them caves to hide in. You might want to think about adding plants. They aren't necessary but they provide more places for hiding. If you want to add some ancistrus, make sure there are enough caves so they don't fight with the other fish.

[PlecoCrazy]

For plecos I prefer substrate. I think they feel more comfortable about there surroundings plus it helps keep the food in place on the bottom making it easier for them to eat. Otherwise it gets wisked away to the dead areas of the tank or the fish have to chase it around a little more on the bottom because there is nothing to stop it from moving.

It also keeps breeding caves from moving around so much.

[Janne]

If they are or when they will be mature there are a big risk that L66 and L260 could crossbreed, I would not keep them together if your goal is to bread them.

Janne

[Telnes]

If they are or when they will be mature there are a big risk that L66 and L260 could crossbreed, I would not keep them together if your goal is to bread them.

Janne

I just want to say the same as Janne. L066,L260 and L333 should not be together inn the same tank.