A tank for slow moving members of the subfamily Anabantoidea, other Labyrinth-fish, along with small barbs and danios and of course catfish.

Allepey backwater, India
Photo by: Raj Sivarajan

Betta splendens

Hygrophila difformis

A standard fifty-five gallon or the forty gallon would be fine.

Typical setup.

On the bottom use a dark substrate with no sharp edges to a depth of at least two inches and mix in some Laterite to promote plant growth. Place driftwood and roots in the back area creating many hiding places. This tank should be heavily planted, here are some native species available:

Giant Hygrophila Nitelia Hydrilla Water lilies Cryptocoryne ciliata Java moss Limnocharis Water lettuce

You want to have very little water movement, with a slight circulation from one end to the other. With the large amount of live plants the lighting should be bright, at least two fluorescent full spectrum bulbs.

pH of 6.5 with a Carbonate hardness of around 4dCH and a total hardness of 10dH. Water temperature in the low eighties.

A school of Danios, two or three pairs of any of the varieties of the Dwarf Gouramies., a group of Koolie Loaches and some catfish from the family Pangasius.

Dwarf Gourami.

Main index Aquarium Supplies Navigation Badmans Tropical Fish! Fishkeeping ABCs Favorite Fish Fish Families Detailed Information In Depth Definitions Natures Way The Equipment Whats That Mean? Want More Just For Fun Guestbook Site Search, What's New