Filter For Snakehead

[lilacamy931]

Heya

Got the tank setup and ready for the snakeheads hopefully soon to come, the only problem I have now is the filtration. I have two spare canister filters, one being a eheim which was missing a fuse but then set up and there are further problems and it just wont pump water so this one is out. The second is a similar canister to the eheim (would have to tell you the brand name next time looked at it). The problem with this one have been first the rubber ring and then the tubing and I have spent the last 2 hours trying to get the blooming thing to work...

I guess the question is an external essential. I would prefer an external as it would take less space in the tank and possibly be much better for the fish but with the endless problems currently would it be bad to have the large internal that I have? It does how a strong outflow, the tank itself is fake an silk plant so debris would be limited to poop and food.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, especially as I am now having a major strop

 

[lilacamy931]

Just to add I got the not known brand of filter to work after rushing at it with a battle axe and putting my back out, monitoring carefully for any leaks and springs, fingers reallly really crossed.

If this doesnt work will the internal be ok?

 

[shroob]

What size tank / internal filter / snakeheads do you have?

In my previous fishkeeping experience and what I have read/learned I would say 99% of information says a filter is pretty much essentail...however, that is until I saw the recent PFK article specifically on ceylon snakeheads (orientalis).

LINK HERE

A few extracts:
'Firstly, I added some garden soil. I have a fairly organic garden, so threw in four handfuls of soil and removed the filter....The fish seemed contented rooting in the soil, even if I was worrying about what might be happening to water chemistry. However, there was barely any register of ammonia on a test kit, despite the sudden addition of organic material.'

'Do I need a filter to keep these fish?
Assuming you only have C. orientalis and a large enough tank then no. It would seem that many species in the Channa genus do not like regular partial water changes or water too clean. The best method seems to use a heavily planted tank that has little or no filtration.'

I would be wary about not having a filter, and if so definately keep an eye on the stats. Maybe someone with direct snakehead experience can help out.

 

[rdp50734]

Hi an internal like the Fluval U4 would be enough depending on the number of snakeheads your going to have in there!
I Run a U2 and a rena XP2 on mine but then I have 10 6.5"ish snakeheads, a 4" bircher and plecs! As long as you do your maintenance then it should be ok! I'll get a full tank shot for you today! Been busy! LOL.

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for the help guys and really love to see those tank shots when you get them (it sounds amazing!)

Dont worry I am a firm believer in having a filter on all my tanks it was just getting the blooming externals running. I have this canister now working though the flow isnt very high at all but thw water is circulating so fingers crossed this will be ok for the snakeheads. Have an internal as back up but it is a hefty thing with strong flow so last resort! Thanks so much for the help, I am keeping an eye on the external now and so far fingers crossed it is working..

 

[rdp50734]

From what I've read and been told they don't like high flow! My xp2 is on a spray bar and the U2 restricted flow pushed against the back wall! How many snakeheads are you getting? What are you planning on feeding them?

 

[lilacamy931]

Well the flow should be perfect for them (hopefully) as you can feel water coming out but not strong at all. I am going to be having some of Nelly's Ortinnipis (forgive spelling), as to feeding whatever he has feed them on which I know includes predator pellets, as I have puffers I have various meaty foods to offer including bloodworm, earthworm, occasional live river shrimp, mussel, cockle, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp. Hoping this is a varied diet alongside the proper carnivore pellets? Obviously will have to see what foods they take to

EDIT as to how many unsure yet, a small group to hopefully get a pair forming for life - that is one stupid question I have, what if the mate dies later on in life before her/his partner. Generally to keep the lone snakehead by self and not to try and repair in older age?

 

[rdp50734]

as to how many unsure yet, a small group to hopefully get a pair forming for life - that is one stupid question I have, what if the mate dies later on in life before her/his partner. Generally to keep the lone snakehead by self and not to try and repair in older age?

Its not a stupid question, I have read that when a partner dies the other will not mate with another. I think you may be able to put other snakeheads of the same species in with it but it will not pair off. I hope that makes sense. I also feed mine dried mealworms. They go crazy for them!

 

[lilacamy931]

Ah Nelly had mentioned those before and that Wilkinsons do them, I will get some thanks for the heads up! Do you soak them prior at all or chuck in?

Thanks for that as I did wonder, I know that is also a long way down the route but I try to plan

 

[rdp50734]

Planning is good but always subject to change! LOL I bought these and they last for ages http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premium-Dried-Mealworms-2-5-litre-Bucket-/280439308115?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Birds&hash=item414b7c3f53#ht_500wt_928

Edited to add you just chuck them in its fine!

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for the linky and help, that tub looks like it would last ages with a varied diet

 

[rdp50734]

It will, 250g lasted 3 months ish now I bought the big boy tub and its going to take a while! £9 you cant go wrong! I forgot I also feed them beefheart, he'll do a buy now price if you ask him! Ps when you get it, lay it flat in a freezer bag then freeze it or you will have the same problem I did, a big ball of beefheart you have to break bits off with a hammer!
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/20-YEARS-RECIEPE-BEEFHEART-AND-SEND-AROUND-WORLD-/320563012309?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4aa30b62d5#ht_2144wt_1137

 

[lilacamy931]

Arent you brill with the info and linkies With beefheart is it best to feed sparingly? I have done things like that before and have a hammer just for the purpose

 

[rdp50734]

I do try! Nelly was a good help and I did a lot of research! I usually break off a lump break that in 2 then chuck it in. If its still there in 20 mins they dont want it so its removed and given to the cichlids! No waste!

 

[rdp50734]

Pics as promised but had to do the tank in 2 halves as the light through the window reflects terribly! But you can see the overlap! Snakeheads are hiding as I've had a move around thinned out the plants, cleaned the filter and changed 30% of the water! They are GRUMPY!

This next pic is of one of them that lets me stroke her! I think ts a her anyway!