Smallest Tank Size For a Gar

divemaster99

Dovii
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2014
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Pittsburgh, PA
Just wondering what the smallest size tank was for any species of gar (presumably the smallest) whether that be with or without tankmates. I've never kept one or even caught them while fishing and many people on here and in general don't know it but, seeing Longnose Gars at the Pittsburgh Aquarium are one of the many fish that inspired me into get into the hobby. I'd love to keep one but I doubt I'll be able to get a tank big enough for one. Would it be possible to do one in a 180 gallon? I'm more than likely setting up a 180 for PA native fishes next year with what will probably be a school (5-6) Pumpkinseeds, a Bullhead of some species, a sailfin pleco, and a larger centerpiece fish (which is what the gar would hypothetically be, probably a spotted if possible). Here's hoping that I can get one of my dream fish reasonably soon :)
 

cnel124

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 30, 2013
650
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Bangkok
I think you could do a Florida in there for life as a introduction into gars as they are very hardy.

The tank more depends on the dimensions, there are a few threads related to it on this forum.

A 180 gallon for a Florida may work however I think it might be more comfortable in a 270 for life.

Unfortunately longnose gars get very large, much to large for a 180 gallon. If you want to keep it in there for a while go ahead but a 180 gallon tank is not sufficient for life
 

piranhaman00

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Sep 15, 2009
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Ya Florida gars are probably going to stay around the smallest of gars.

Its up to you, a 180 has a 24" width and the gar will get up around that size.
 

divemaster99

Dovii
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2014
4,795
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Pittsburgh, PA
I think you could do a Florida in there for life as a introduction into gars as they are very hardy.

The tank more depends on the dimensions, there are a few threads related to it on this forum.

A 180 gallon for a Florida may work however I think it might be more comfortable in a 270 for life.

Unfortunately longnose gars get very large, much to large for a 180 gallon. If you want to keep it in there for a while go ahead but a 180 gallon tank is not sufficient for life
Believe me, if it were all up to me I'd get a 270 in a heartbeat, a 300 actually! But sadly me being 15 and living with my parents, they're the ones paying the electric and water bill so the biggest tank I could talk them into would be a 180. The dimensions would be the classic 72" x 24" x 24". Florida Gars are one of my favorites and even though it's not a PA native, I'll just make it a US native tank, I'm taking every chance I have to get a gar I can get :D
 

divemaster99

Dovii
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2014
4,795
385
107
Pittsburgh, PA
Ya Florida gars are probably going to stay around the smallest of gars.

Its up to you, a 180 has a 24" width and the gar will get up around that size.
Alright cool! I just don't want to stunt the gar or have it break it's back. Really, feel free to tell me if it's a bad idea, I care about the fishes health more than having one.
 

lunker65

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 17, 2013
683
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Virginia
would deffinately do a florida. they should be ok in a 180. you r set up is very similar to what i have right now. i ha ve caught longnose at 5 foot plus. not good for anything smaller than a pond.1920178_10151918510755946_445791170_n.jpg

1920178_10151918510755946_445791170_n.jpg
 

BigFinn

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2012
435
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America
Most of the time on here people are more likely to over state the amount of room a fish needs. Do a little more research on here about floridas and make a good decision for the fish.


Sent from my iPod touch using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 

davis101

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2009
667
1
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canada
I'm sure you could get away with a couple of floridas in a 180. Takes them a few years to get to 20". Maybe by then your parents can be convinced to get a larger tank lol
 
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