Tank 18: Hoplias microlepis Wolf Fish tank

This tank houses a Hoplias microlepis Wolf Fish, a highly aggressive predatory fish - hence he is kept alone! This fish is so aggressive he attacks the siphon pipe during water changes.

Tank Size	Approx 36x18x14"/92x46x35cm (LxWxH)
Volume	Nominal: 31 imp gallons/37 US gallons/141 litres
Filtration	Built-in internal filter box, powered by Rio 800 powerhead. There are triple pre-filtration sponges (course, medium, fine), and the main biomedia is highly porous Alfagrog rock.
Heating	Heated room
Lighting	Low - fluorescent room lighting only.
Substrate	Thin layer of aquarium sand.
Decor	Bogwood
Background	3-D effect artificial background
Water parameters	Temp=26oC ; pH=6.8-7.0 ; GH=3 ; KH=2 30% water change every week.
Fish stock	Wolf fish (Hoplias microlepis), male, currently 12-14"/30-35cm.
Feeding	Prawns, Mussel, Earthworms.

Wolf fish	Wolf fish (close-up!)

This is one of six tanks that I have with built-in internal filtration units. I specified the design for these and had them built into the tank at the time of manufacture. They are efficient and very low maintenance. They are also separated from the main tank, so large fish cannot interfere with the filter in any way, and there is space to put a heater in the initial filter chamber too.
The tank itself is wide (front-to-back), but not very high - ideal for raising mainly bottom-dwelling predators which need plenty of floor space, but in some cases need to be able to reach the surface easily to gulp air.

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