How about a 180 gallon tank? That would expand your options considerably. I mean ...... this IS MFK. Big tanks are all the rage around here ya know.
Need 8-10" cichlid ideas
- Thread starter MC4RKiller
- Start date
How about a 180 gallon tank? That would expand your options considerably. I mean ...... this IS MFK. Big tanks are all the rage around here ya know.
The way I see it is any LFS fish that he buys for that tank has a much better future than any of the others there... the op seems like a responsible fish keeper and we all know 99% of the LFS fish will be stuffed into tiny tanks with wc every 6 months or just general poor care...
That said the smaller species are a better option, I for one believe an oscar needs a 180g after owning one at 14+ inches, I have no issues with someone keeping one in a 90g though if the person maintains the tank properly.
I think a lone 7-8 fish that isn't an overly active species will be perfectly happy with proper care and decor...
Plus I'm sure in 3-4 years when the said fish is approaching max size the said responsible op will know himself if it's time for an upgrade.
As far as puffers a lurker like hairy puffer would be totally at home IMO.
This is just the way I look at it, I would think make sure the absolute possible max size is 8 inch, not a species like GT that we all know average 8 inch but freakish 12+ inchers are possible.
That said the smaller species are a better option, I for one believe an oscar needs a 180g after owning one at 14+ inches, I have no issues with someone keeping one in a 90g though if the person maintains the tank properly.
I think a lone 7-8 fish that isn't an overly active species will be perfectly happy with proper care and decor...
Plus I'm sure in 3-4 years when the said fish is approaching max size the said responsible op will know himself if it's time for an upgrade.
As far as puffers a lurker like hairy puffer would be totally at home IMO.
This is just the way I look at it, I would think make sure the absolute possible max size is 8 inch, not a species like GT that we all know average 8 inch but freakish 12+ inchers are possible.
I'd go 4 inch max. Why not get a convict, they're smarter than a lot of the bigger cichlids anyway; or at a push an acara? Given time, both become hefty little bruisers
Ive been in the hobby for 20 of my 31 years without any significant breaks...I have 12 tanks currently from 150-29G mostly 75s and those in the 50ish gallon range. I do large weekly WCs and filter way more than is necessary. I am just trying to gain experience with new to me species as after I moved a few years back I sold all of my stock and now have the option of having a fish room 
I admittedly got the 40s on sale and want to use them as they are a nice size and will fit well into the space I have allotted for them. Upgrades are an option if the fish needs it but Id like to stick with something around 8" which either will not need an upgrade or wont need one for at least a few years. Im also liking keeping a well bred or wild "show" fish alone in a tank.
I have stocked my Jaguar on a similar method; I know most dont exceed 12-14" and if mine falls into that rule he will be fine in my well maintained overfiltered tank which only utilizes manzanita branches for decor as he can use the entire tank for swimming and moving. Now if he does grow larger than is average I will certainly dump a 120G tank in the place of his 75G. However that will be several years off if it even needs to happen. Why did I get a 75G instead of the 120G....convenience, the only "LFS" I have is a petsmart which does not usually stock a tank bigger than a 75G with the exception of a 150GXH. Id have to get a shop about an hour away to order me anything else. Not to mention I catch the 75s on sale with glass tops and light for around $135. It is also easy for me to carry and transport a 75.
I suppose I fall into an older school methodology than a lot of folks and don't mind using a smaller tank or overstocking a bit as long as it is balanced with filtration and maintenance. I remember back in the day it was common for folks to keep Jack Dempseys in 3ft 30G tanks and nobody batted an eye...now it seems if it is less than a 75G it is viewed as crazy. I feel that a 40breeder is a better home for most moderate size cichlids than a 55G due to width...the 40B has more usable real-estate than a 55G.
I do appreciate large setups and trust me when I build a house hopefully in the next 8-10 years I will design it as an option to have some truly large tanks....however for now moderate sized is best for me. Im not interested in breeding, keeping communities, etc....Ive done that in the past and just like having a couple of different fish together or a tank dedicated to a lone fish nowdays.
I admittedly got the 40s on sale and want to use them as they are a nice size and will fit well into the space I have allotted for them. Upgrades are an option if the fish needs it but Id like to stick with something around 8" which either will not need an upgrade or wont need one for at least a few years. Im also liking keeping a well bred or wild "show" fish alone in a tank. I have stocked my Jaguar on a similar method; I know most dont exceed 12-14" and if mine falls into that rule he will be fine in my well maintained overfiltered tank which only utilizes manzanita branches for decor as he can use the entire tank for swimming and moving. Now if he does grow larger than is average I will certainly dump a 120G tank in the place of his 75G. However that will be several years off if it even needs to happen. Why did I get a 75G instead of the 120G....convenience, the only "LFS" I have is a petsmart which does not usually stock a tank bigger than a 75G with the exception of a 150GXH. Id have to get a shop about an hour away to order me anything else. Not to mention I catch the 75s on sale with glass tops and light for around $135. It is also easy for me to carry and transport a 75.
I suppose I fall into an older school methodology than a lot of folks and don't mind using a smaller tank or overstocking a bit as long as it is balanced with filtration and maintenance. I remember back in the day it was common for folks to keep Jack Dempseys in 3ft 30G tanks and nobody batted an eye...now it seems if it is less than a 75G it is viewed as crazy. I feel that a 40breeder is a better home for most moderate size cichlids than a 55G due to width...the 40B has more usable real-estate than a 55G.
I do appreciate large setups and trust me when I build a house hopefully in the next 8-10 years I will design it as an option to have some truly large tanks....however for now moderate sized is best for me. Im not interested in breeding, keeping communities, etc....Ive done that in the past and just like having a couple of different fish together or a tank dedicated to a lone fish nowdays.
I can agree with this to an extent but there is plenty of properly sized fish that he can provide a better future for in a 40 gallon.
But this guy seems intent on doing what he wants to do so... Whatever lol.
Most male Jags will exceed 14 inch, just takes longer then most people think
I was only asking for interesting ideas, not trolling and certainly not "just doing whatever I want". I like critique and discussion; I do not however see the point of placing a 4" max fish alone in a 40G tank that just seems like a waste when I know lots of larger solo fish would do fine in it
I also agree with that but it probably takes so long the fish is parted with or dies first. Ive honestly never seen a male Jag above 12" and verified ones of larger even online are very few and far between.
I also agree with that but it probably takes so long the fish is parted with or dies first. Ive honestly never seen a male Jag above 12" and verified ones of larger even online are very few and far between.
