The well-decorated aquarium is satisfying to watch. Do every fish require decoration in its tank? Most importantly, do Flowerhorn fish needs decoration too? Well, in the case of Flowerhorn, the decoration of the tank seems to be a little different.
Flowerhorn is an exciting kind of cichlid that has a unique character. You can find more than hundreds of strains of Flowerhorn cichlids. They are popular for their fascinating appearance and unique behavior. If you are looking to decorate a tank for your Flowerhorn, it’s very simple and easy. Unlike other fish, decorations for Flowerhorn are minimal.
Most hobbyists find a positive aspect to keeping a pet. However, Flowerhorns can be very expensive. If you are searching for decorating tank for Flowerhorn, this article will surely guide you.
Flowerhorns are a unique kind of cichlids that needs very minimal decorations. Firstly, they need a tank of a minimum of 75 gallons. Depending on the type of Flowerhorn and its size, tank size can be up to 300 gallons as well. Most of you may think that this tank size may be larger than a Flowerhorn. Is it indispensable to have such a large tank? Yes, they are fast-growing fish and require such size of a tank.
Essential Equipment For Flowerhorn Tank
Before discussing decorations, let us have a basic idea about what equipment the Flowerhorn tank requires.
Heater
You know that the Flowerhorns are the crossbreed of different cichlids. Heaters are very important as a little drop in the temperature results in fluctuation of the tank environment and fish. It also affects the health of the Flowerhorn.
The ideal temperature needed for the Flowerhorns is about 80° F. Hence, an automatic heater will provide a consistent tank temperature.
I recommend you to keep two heaters as Flowerhorn needs a bigger-sized tank.
hygger Saltwater Tank Titanium Tube Submersible Pinpoint Aquarium Heater with Digital Thermostat can be used as a heater.
Filter
Filteration is very essential for a Flowerhorn tank. As Flowerhorns are large fish, they produce waste in larger proportion. This waste sinks to the bottom of the tank and converts into toxins. Also, the uneaten food by the flowerhorns may remain and convert into toxins.
You can see the tank water becoming dirty. Even if the tank looks clear, there might be toxins that we cannot see through our naked eyes.
Adding the filter helps to break down the toxins into less harmful compounds. It breaks down toxins like ammonia into nitrites and nitrates into nitrogen. These then get removed during the water cycle.
A bigger tank needs a bigger filtration system. I recommend you install Canister Filters. These filters are more effective than the internal filters.
Flowerhorn fries and adult flowerhorn both need filters to maintain their good health. Flowerhorns are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. To keep the water throughout, the large tanks need a water change frequently. It is better not to compromise while buying a good filter.
The filtration process is a necessity to provide quality water. Timely filtration of the tank water is very crucial for the good health of your flowerhorn. This directly affects the health of your fish.
Filtering the tank water is highly recommended as it offers long-lasting benefits in the lifespan of your flowerhorn. You can find various kinds of filters for your tank. Make sure you get the right one for your aquarium.
Decorations For Flowerhorn Tank
Flowerhorns are very aggressive and prefer to stay alone in a tank. Many beginner hobbyists put stones and gravel at the bottom of the tank as a substrate. But the presence of these can make Flowerhorn fish sick.
People have thought that decorations are the main thing that adds beauty to the aquarium. Especially, they see the decorative tank as peace of mind in watching. But in the case of Flowerhorns, decorations can not be included due to their aggressive nature and other reasons.
For these cichlids, it is essential to have volcanic stones and wooden trunks to fix their territory. The use of live plants, especially in the Flowerhorn tank, is difficult to maintain since they tend to move and damage them. Make sure you do not put any small stones or gravel in the tank.
Plant Decorations
Keeping Flowerhorn means limited decorations of the tank. Flowerhorns are strong and active cichlids. They can easel knock-over decor if the decors are not heavy and not attached to something.
Flowerhorns are big, strong, and very active. They will easily knock over decor and hardscape in the tank unless it is very heavy or solidly attached to something.
It depends on the kind of cichlid you have in the tank. Some cichlids respect the plants. On the other hand, Flowerhorns are aggressive fish and also dig the substrate. Remember that most of the cichlids are digging fish.
Apart from that, Flowerhorns can also hurt themselves by the sharp decors and objects as they swim. Make sure you do not add decors that have sharp edges.
Substrate
As glass bottoms irritate fish, the substrate gives your fish a better orientation. Moreover, the substrate is a colonizing and breeding ground for beneficial bacteria to build colonies.
The substrate with a height of about 2-2.5 inches is better for your tank as deeper layers of a substrate with finer gravel sizes can be a danger. Food particles can sink into the deeper layer and over time will produce hydrogen sulfite that is very toxic to your fish.
Gravel substrate should not be used for larger fish, as they can swallow it with the food and become impacted in the fish’s intestines. This stops the passing of any waste and creates a serious health risk to your flowerhorn. You can use bigger stones instead.
- WAYBER 1 Lb/460g Natural Pink Quartz Crystal Stones Irregular Aquarium Pebbles Rock Sands for Turtle Tank/Succulent Plants/Vase Decoration (Fill 1 Cup)
- Carib Sea ACS05820 Super Natural Moonlight Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
- Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
However, Flowerhorn does not need any kind of substrate. It is the preference of hobbyists. It is better if you use rocks and mono-colored rocks if you want some decorative substrate in your tank.
Some hobbyists prefer a bare bottom tank as it looks clean and is also easier to clean the tank. This is something you can also consider.
You can avoid using substrates in the Flowerhorn tank because over time, the uneaten foods and poops get stuck in the substrate. These tend to increase ammonia growth which is dangerous for your fish.
Hence, bare bottom, large pieces of tiles, and sand substrates are better choices for Flowerhorns.
However, it is recommended not to add any plants to the Flowerhorn tank. Just add a thin layer of gravel and some medium-sized rocks or logs. If you still want to add some plants, you can adhere to java moss on trunks and rocks.
Lighting
Flowerhorn should not be kept in the dark tank. Lighting affects the color of the Flowerhorn. The absence of proper lighting may hamper the color of the skin. The skin of the Flowerhorn can get dark and dull if adequate lighting is not provided.
However, Flowerhorn is not picky in the lighting. It’s your responsibility to provide them with proper lighting.
If I have to recommend the kind of lighting, I would recommend using LED lights. You should also provide your Flowerhorn tank with adequate sunlight and position it accordingly.
Hiding Spots
Hiding spots are essential for Flowerhorn. It generally affects the health and lifespan of your Flowerhorn fish. People can see the hiding spots as decorations too. It also adds some pleasant decoration to your tank.
Flowerhorns need hiding spots when they are stressed or feeling unwell. They tend to hide due to new changes in the aquarium environment. Another reason that your flowerhorn needs hiding places is due to the new fish added to the tank.
If the tank is placed near the noise sources, it will cause the flowerhorn to stress a lot. To relieve its stress and to feel safe, your flowerhorn needs a hiding spot. It is better to give them enough hiding spots to decrease their stress level, hence preventing health issues.
Hence, many Flowerhorn fish keepers prefer bare bottom tanks to avoid possible dangers. You can keep some large and smooth stones and driftwood. Whatever decorations you prefer, make sure that the decorations are big enough so that they do not get knocked out easily. They also should not have sharp edges so that they would not hurt themselves while they swim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is driftwood good for Flowerhorn?
Yes, driftwood is good for Flowerhorn because they provide hiding spots and a form of playground for Flowerhorns as well.
Should the Flowerhorn tank have substrates?
Yes, you can add some substrate as a decoration in the Flowerhorn tank. But there are a few things you should avoid as a substrate. Avoid keeping small pieces of stones and gravel. Flowerhorns can easily swallow this kind of substrate while consuming food. Instead, use medium-sized rocks, large pieces of tiles, or sand.
Is a bare bottom tank for Flowerhorn preferable?
Yes, a bare bottom is preferable. When you use any substrate in the Flowerhorn tank, the remaining food particles and waste of Flowerhorns remain in the substrate. They produce toxins that are harmful to your fish. Hence, for Flowerhorn, a bare bottom tank is considered to be most preferable.
Conclusion
Unlike another fish tank, a tank of Flowerhorn is not filled with decorations. As Flowerhorns are aggressive cichlids, they can damage any decorations in the tank. Live plants are better to be avoided as Flowerhorn tank decorations. You can add some substrate like medium-sized stones and rocks. Adding some driftwood will add hiding spots and play for Flowerhorn. Additionally, lighting adds color to your Flowerhorn.
However, a bare bottom tank is recommended. When you use any substrate in the Flowerhorn tank, the remaining food particles and waste of Flowerhorns remain in the substrate. They produce toxins that are harmful to your fish. Hence, for Flowerhorn, a bare bottom tank is considered to be most preferable.
