Question about Convict tank size and filtration and etc..

peefyloo

I've read a few sites that say the minimum for a pair of convicts is a 20g long. I've also read that the minimum is 29g. I have a 20g long, a 29g, and one that is a little taller than a 29g... maybe a 35g? Dunno...

Anyways, what IS the minimum? I'll probably use the 29g anyway because I have a stand for it. I'm just curious.

Also, filtration with a 20g long would be a little difficult I would think due to the possibility of the fry being sucked into the intake easily. I would think that the chances would be reduced if it was on a 29g.

Another question... substrate. I've seen in the LFS that various substrate is used. What is the general opinion on which is the best substrate?

And those terracotta pots... do you really need to knock the bottom out? I destroyed about 4 of them this weekend.

I don't have the fish yet, I want to get the tank all setup and rolling for at least a week before I add a pair.

Thanks

1077

29 gal would be my choice for pair of convicts. 35 gal even better. You can purchase prefilter sponge for the filter uptake or cover the uptake with a section of pantyhose and a rubber band. You will need to keep both cleaned so they don't clog and affect filtration.
You don't absolutely need to knock holes in the terra cotta pots but you should provide one or two for each fish. for a pair of convicts ,i would think three or four 4 inch pots would be fine. I wouldn't place them all in one area.