Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check species, adult size and social structure. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare substrate, oxygen and usable bottom area with livestock needs and recent changes. Look for genuine overlap in water, flow, territory and feeding throughout the year.
Assess compatibility and welfare
Adjust one variable and assess a complete diet that reaches the animal before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
Living low does not make a fish a cleaner or suitable for every substrate.