Finally got myself a VATF

[sunnysjourney]

Finally got myself an (v)ATF!

I first had one about 8 years ago when I had no idea about what their tank requirements were, housed the fish in a 55 gallon for a couple of months and it was dead. Thought to myself that this fish isn't for me and gave up.

Last year got another ATF but soon realized that my tank wasn't upto an ATF's standards, so ended up trading it off for a couple of dats.

Now, after reading a LOT and prepping the growout for about 3 months, I finally got a VATF. I had all the reading material I needed thanks to the sticky in this sub forum... The little guy is tiny (4") but healthy! Here are some pics of his current home . Here is some info of the grow-out tank:
- Tank-size: 30 gallon
- Tank-mates: a bristlenose pleco and a zebra loach.
- Filtration: 1 sponge filter, 1 bio-wheel with a lot of filter media
- Circulation: 1 MP10


I lucked out when I tried feeding him a small portion of shrimp. He ate it without hesitation


I know we can't tell what sub specie he is at this size but the LFS told me that he's a VATF.


I plan on moving him to a 60 gallon after he outgrows this tank along with his tank mates. Hoping that my third time is the charm .

 

[SandNukka15]

Good luck to u ..... I'll be getting mine in a week or 2

 

[Chicxulub]

Awesome! Looks like you're on the right path to getting this guy fat and happy.

As to the species, even I can't tell from those pics what it is. I'll be eagerly awaiting new pics!

 

[sunnysjourney]

Good luck to u ..... I'll be getting mine in a week or 2

Thank you buddy .

Awesome! Looks like you're on the right path to getting this guy fat and happy.

As to the species, even I can't tell from those pics what it is. I'll be eagerly awaiting new pics!

Ill keep you guys updated! He is the only grow-out I plan on having for a while, so he will be getting all my attention .

 

[justarn]

subbed

 

[sunnysjourney]

I was out of town yesterday and didn't feed the little guy the whole day. Just finished feeding him and he is all happy .
I have also noticed that he likes a constant high flow rather than a random medium - high flow (random setting on the MP10)... I had assumed that randomness would be better because the flow can never be 'constant' in the wild.

 

[Chicxulub]

I was out of town yesterday and didn't feed the little guy the whole day. Just finished feeding him and he is all happy .
I have also noticed that he likes a constant high flow rather than a random medium - high flow (random setting on the MP10)... I had assumed that randomness would be better because the flow can never be 'constant' in the wild.
View attachment 1130741

They normally like to hang out in waters just below natural structures, such as waterfalls and rapids. In these areas, there is a near constant flow, that is over the long term consistent in it's flow characteristics. There will be fluctuations, but they occur over long periods of time and are cyclically related to the dry season.

 

[sunnysjourney]

They normally like to hang out in waters just below natural structures, such as waterfalls and rapids. In these areas, there is a near constant flow, that is over the long term consistent in it's flow characteristics. There will be fluctuations, but they occur over long periods of time and are cyclically related to the dry season.

Aah, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you Chicxulub . Ill keep the pump at a constant flow now 24 X 7.

 

[Aronus]

My lfs always has them! Ohio

 

[Chicxulub]

My lfs always has them! Ohio

LUCKY!

I don't like you anymore lol