Tank 4: 161 gal African tank

This is my fourth largest tank and has been devoted to large African fish
- several Polypterus species (bichirs), an African tigerfish, and a Synodontis catfish.

Tank Size (LxWxH)	Approx 7x2x2' (84x23x24"/213x58x61cm)
Volume	Nominal: 161 imp gallons/192 US gallons/725 litres Actual: 136 imp gallons/162 US gallons/612 litres (+ 27 UK gal filter volume)
Filtration	Home-made external filter box - 24 x 12 x 28" (61 x 30 x 71cm), powered by Hagen PRO4 powerhead with Quickfilter cartridge. There are triple pre-filtration sponges (course, medium, fine), and the main biomedia is highly porous Alfagrog rock. In addition, an Eheim 2010 internal filter is used for extra circulation. There is also a large airstone to help maintain a high oxygen level.
Heating	Heated room
Lighting	Low - fluorescent room lighting only.
Substrate	Thin layer of aquarium sand
Decor	Bogwood, large smooth rocks, large artificial plant
Background	3-D effect artificial background
Water parameters	Temp=26oC ; pH=7.0-7.2 ; GH=4 ; KH=2 30% water change every week.
Fish stock	Polypterus delhezi (10") Polypterus endlicheri (10") Polypterus mokelembembe (9") Polypterus (palmas) buettikoferi (9") African tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) (12") Synodontis decorus (10").

Polypterus mokelembembe	Polypterus buettikoferi

This tank has a very large capacity filter to cope with the waste load from large predatory fish. The external glass unit has a capacity of 27 (34 US) gallons and essentially functions like a sump except that mechanically prefiltered water is pumped to it by a powerhead with prefilter cartridge and flows back by gravity. However, unlike a sump, almost 100% of the capacity is filled with media.

The African tigerfish makes a stunning centrepiece for this tank, cruising slowly or hovering almost stationary in the water until food is thrown in, which results in lightning-fast lunges! The tank also houses several of my large Polypterus collection. Also on an African theme, is the Synodontis catfish - a lovely specimen of one of my favourite Syno's - S. decorus.

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