Newbie! Question: Tank/Driftwood Ratio

Darth Namazu · Post by **Darth Namazu** » 21 Jul 2006, 01:55

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site!! I'm planning on starting up Catfish tank (probably Corydoras). Before starting laying out the tank, I was wondering if there are any guildline to the ratio of the amount of driftwood needed for Catfish tanks ( for example: covering up 50% of tank floor with driftwood). I have no idea how much free swimming space/ driftwood cover area is prefered in catfish tanks. Any suggestion would be helpful, Thank you very much!
-Darth Namazu

Post by **Silurus** » 21 Jul 2006, 02:05

This greatly depends on the kind of catfish you keep. Corydoras are a little more free swimming and probably don't need as much driftwood cover as something like auchenipterids, for instance. I think something like 40% cover would be fine for Corydoras.

FuglyDragon · Post by **FuglyDragon** » 21 Jul 2006, 02:35

I find my corys like to sit in the shady areas provided by flatter pieces of driftwood that are positioned so as to be 2 or 3 inches above the bottom, they seem to like a certain amount of cover above them.

ginosanti · Post by **ginosanti** » 21 Jul 2006, 08:10

If you 'cover the floor' with wood, you'll have a hard time cleaning it. I try to stack the wood up against the back. Add plants in the front so there is also free swimming place near the bottom.

It also gives your tank more depth.
But to actually answer your question: if you use thinner pieces of wood, you can put more in, while you still keep enough swimming space.
I would just set it up, natural looking and you'll see how the fish take it.
good luck