Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,
My tank is at 160 gallons, inside a tote. It is white plastic and a bit opaque. I can definitely see if the tank needs cleaning (no gravel). I have a CFL on the outside that lights the tank very nicely.

Is it good practice to place anything in the tank for the benefit of the fish, such as small sections of clay pipe (PVC) to serve as a shelter? To allow them to rest? To minimize the current flow so they might rest?

We won't be eating these guys so I see no reason why they wouldn't become pets...thinking stuff in the water might make it more interesting too!

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Chuck

In heavily stocked tanks with eating fish, rarely does it work well to have many objects in the fish tank since that tends to stop the uneaten feed and fish waste from getting sucked out of the tank but in a very lightly stocked "goldfish" system, this might not be a problem.

Now in a tank for crawfish or yabbies, hides are generally necessary but there are few fish I know of that really need them unless you are trying to breed fathead minnows.