This is a hot topic of debate, and I believe there will be many varying opinions on this.
To me, with a well taken of pair, a male could easily reach somewhere around 15 to 18 inches.
In many cases they do not normally reach that size in aquariums, and believe that's because without enough water changes in the space allowed, growth is restricted from the buildup of high nitrate and other metabolism by-products, acceptable as a norm.
Back in the 80s, I had my pair in a 150 gal, but I always had a divider at the ready to slip in, in case things got rough for the female, and believe they out grew it after a couple years.
At the moment , as I stare at my 180, I would never consider it a large enough tank for a pair. Even if a divider was there, ready to drop in at a moments notice, and I had the ability do "daily" 40% or (preferably more) water changes. A 200 or 220, is really not much more space, so
a 300 gal might be a better choice.
To me, with a well taken of pair, a male could easily reach somewhere around 15 to 18 inches.
In many cases they do not normally reach that size in aquariums, and believe that's because without enough water changes in the space allowed, growth is restricted from the buildup of high nitrate and other metabolism by-products, acceptable as a norm.
Back in the 80s, I had my pair in a 150 gal, but I always had a divider at the ready to slip in, in case things got rough for the female, and believe they out grew it after a couple years.
At the moment , as I stare at my 180, I would never consider it a large enough tank for a pair. Even if a divider was there, ready to drop in at a moments notice, and I had the ability do "daily" 40% or (preferably more) water changes. A 200 or 220, is really not much more space, so
a 300 gal might be a better choice.
