25G Fire Belly Project

[Megalechis]

A month ago I saw my first FBT, and having a spare ten gallon recently emptied bought him on the spot - with just my smartphone to do some quick research. A few weeks and much research later I bought a second.

Since then I've realized I'm very tired of small fish aquariums, and began slowly tearing down my 25 (US) gallon female Betta tank. This will allow me to move my two Fire Bellies into a larger, more comfortable, and more visually appealing home - with a bit of work. Still working on research for land based part of the tank, but figure having a thread to update will help keep me motivated.

Tearing down the Sorority. My last two females needing to be re-homed can just barely be seen. (Gray/White.)


The rough sketched plan. Hill looking section of top sketch meant to represent given area for assorted plants/rocks/driftwood, rather than a steep incline.

Larger Version


The two Fire Bellies who will be making the 25G their home in the future. Currently residing in a 10G.
Original on right, beginning to look much healthier than when I got him(?)


To-Do List;

• Make a plant list
• Build a secondary sponge filter
• Acquire remaining materials
• Replace aquarium lid

Any ideas, suggestions or helpful links very welcome.

[deranged chipmunk]

this looks like it's gonna be an interesting build. i definitely will be keeping an eye on this one. just a thought, but instead of 2 sponge filters under the land mass, why not just put one submersible filter? if you fill it with bio material only, you would only need to clean it every couple months. in fact, i have submersibles running that way that i haven't cleaned in i don't remember when.....lol and you get the bonus of not having to run the air pump, the tubing, check valves, gang valve, ect. fluval makes a nice one. it's their nano...goes for about $25 U.S.

[Megalechis]

I keep shrimp colonies as a clean up crew for plant leaves and large excrement. I haven't seen a submersible yet that wouldn't hinder the Neocardina lifecycle, but thanks for the suggestion.

[deranged chipmunk]

I keep shrimp colonies as a clean up crew for plant leaves and large excrement. I haven't seen a submersible yet that wouldn't hinder the Neocardina lifecycle, but thanks for the suggestion.

Really? Hmmmm......been using the fluval nano for years with shrimp. And neos are the hardiest. I have used my submersible nanos in with crs, prl, oebt, and every variation of neo without ever a problem. Besides, i don't see how a filter hinders their life cycle. But it is your enclosure, just trying to offer some space saving tips. Good luck with it.

[Megalechis]

Took a better look at the Nano. The intake looks much smaller than the other submersibles I've used, so maybe I'll consider it. I'm mainly concerned with the young stages being preserved. One of the submersibles I picked up dropped my survival-to-adult rate down significantly. But I'll probably stick to at least one sponge filter regardless of what the other filter is. It gives a good foraging area for them.

[Hoppity100]

You have a great idea! In fact, I think I'll get a larger tank, more FB's and have a ball with putting together all accessories: live and fake plants, more driftwood, more smooth rocks, I'd like them to have a cave or bridge, better land area, oh, and more friends. The more the merrier. These little guys are cute! They deserve a fancier home actually. I like your drawings, I may do the same thing also. You put alot of effort into it like I do. Mine also have a submersible heater and thermometer and they have a semi-humid environment, get variety of insects. I really would like 4 frogs.

[Hoppity100]

Because of your idea, I just ordered 2 more FBT's and will begin my new project. Thanks for your info!

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh.....gotcha. you're worried about them getting sucked up. I never had that problem with the nano, but i know people who slip a stocking foot over the intake as an added precaution. What flavor neo are you putting in there? I'm picking up some crs, rcs and maybe a few prl from my breeding buddy this weekend for my paludarium.

[Megalechis]

Good luck, Hoppity!

I've got a year old breeding group of mixed genes between a more natural coloration and a rich red RCS. My primary female has been dropping both colors the past couple months, though those with the natural coloration have been living longer lifespans. One of my natural males is still from the original group, while all the red females have cycled over a few times. Looking to pick up another batch just to get the genes mixed again to ensure a lasting hardiness - and that flavor will just rely on what's available at the time of purchase.

I actually thought my reds had died out about six months ago. But someone must've still been carrying the genes, as about 25% and my largest/most prolific female are reds.

[deranged chipmunk]

The naturals will always live longer. After all the selective breeding and then inbreeding afterwards, the color variants lose a bit of lifespan in the long run. It's the downside to all of it. I could never calculate life spans with mine, i had way too many. At times, i would have roughly 2000 shrimp in different varieties at one time.