Is this bogwood too big for the tank?

justinhill · Mar 17, 2021

Stupid question. If I'm wondering if it's too big, it probably is.

It reaches within 1cm of the front wall and within 3cm of the back wall at its widest part. There's a big hollow in the back of it that you can't see in the pictures and this is where the two shrimp spend most of their time.

Wills · Mar 17, 2021

It depends on what you are keeping. If it’s quite sedentary fish it’s perfect but if it’s active schooling fish they might need more space. But stuff like Bettas, lots of catfish and even some schoolers like galaxy rasboras would work as they often cling closer to the decor and plants than out in the open

justinhill · Mar 17, 2021

Wills said:
It depends on what you are keeping. If it’s quite sedentary fish it’s perfect but if it’s active schooling fish they might need more space. But stuff like Bettas, lots of catfish and even some schoolers like galaxy rasboras would work as they often cling closer to the decor and plants than out in the open

You'll note from my other threads that I inherited this tank and the fish population isn't ideal. It's nominally 125 litres and contains 13 cardinals, two gourami, four algae eaters and two shrimp. I can either get a bigger tank (not an option), get rid of some of the fish (not ideal) or try to make more space in there by replacing the wood with an alternative hiding/clinging feature. - if that will make a difference...

Essjay · Mar 17, 2021

With those fish it's not too big.

But the important question is - do you like the wood? If you don't, replace it with something you do like. It's your tank now and you can decorate it to suit your tastes.

seangee · Mar 17, 2021

The wood is fine so your choice what you do with it. Your Gouramis and tetras would appreciate a lot more vegetation.

Slaphppy7 · Mar 17, 2021

Essjay said:
With those fish it's not too big.

But the important question is - do you like the wood? If you don't, replace it with something you do like. It's your tank now and you can decorate it to suit your tastes.

+1 to this, it is your tank, you will be the one looking at it, enjoying, it, and doing maintenance....if YOU like it, keep it....personally, I think it looks very cool, and unique....I'd get more shrimp, they would look great climbing all over that piece....

justinhill · Mar 17, 2021

Essjay said:
With those fish it's not too big.

But the important question is - do you like the wood? If you don't, replace it with something you do like. It's your tank now and you can decorate it to suit your tastes.

Oh I don't dislike it. I'm just thinking what I can do to improve things and that piece of wood is displacing at least 10 litres.

justinhill · Mar 17, 2021

seangee said:
The wood is fine so your choice what you do with it. Your Gouramis and tetras would appreciate a lot more vegetation.

Indeed. Hopefully those carpet plants I've put in there will spread and grow. Your tank looks great by the way!

justinhill · Mar 17, 2021

Slaphppy7 said:
+1 to this, it is your tank, you will be the one looking at it, enjoying, it, and doing maintenance....if YOU like it, keep it....personally, I think it looks very cool, and unique....I'd get more shrimp, they would look great climbing all over that piece....

You're right about the shrimp!

Slaphppy7 · Mar 17, 2021

justinhill said:
You're right about the shrimp!

Nice pic!

seangee · Mar 17, 2021

justinhill said:
Indeed. Hopefully those carpet plants I've put in there will spread and grow. Your tank looks great by the way!

Thanks. Yes the carpet will spread.
I missed your earlier post but the tank has come a long way. Cardinals are forest fish and enjoy having plants above them. Gouramis typically live in swamps / marshes so similar applies. You can propogate your stem plants by pruning the tops and replanting the cuttings, it also makes them bush out more and grow faster.
Initially I would be tempted to cut the plant in the back right to around 1/3 of its height (without replanting). That way you will get rid of the hair algae much quicker - and end up with far bushier plants. They look quite cool and appear to be healthy.

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Is this bogwood too big for the tank?

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