Hidden SAE's

tackful

AC Members
Mar 15, 2007
649
11
18
Sausalito, CA
My 29 gal tank is 15 months old, very heavily planted, with 2 SAE's, 5 Rasboras, and 19 Tetras. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are always zero, pH always 6.0 (my API test kit doesn't go any lower). The SAE's are my favorites, but I hardly ever see them anymore, just the dominant one during morning feeding. Both looked in good color and weight on the rare occasion when they appeared together. Where they spend their time I can't tell because the plant growth is so thick. Both are about 3 1/2" long and a year old. Is it normal behavior to remain hidden all day? I do miss them. Thanks
 
I would do some trimming back so they were visible a bit more often.
 
They work better in groups, in terms of social behavior. Unfortunately, there is not really room for more in s 29.
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Great pic TTA! Synchronized swimming SAE style... :)
 
I totally agree with TTA. When I get them, I usually get them in the least number of 3's and theynever leave each others side. I would suggest like rb, to trim down on the plants to give them some room to swim around, at a year, mine were a lot bigger than 3+ inches and I'm thinking maybe the tight quarters and plant growth could be limiting yours.
 
I'm tempted to say... add a filter and 2-3 more SAEs. I do believe in overkill on & in my tanks though.
 
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