210 gallon Frontosa build

[danotaylor]

Not sure about stress mate, more likely being greedy and picking up way too much food to chew and swallow. In an attempt to prevent other fish getting it, holds it in its mouth and slowly works on it. I’d think shrimp in a warm tank would go bad in 3 days though. I’d be a little concerned about that if it were me
If they’re readily taking high quality carnivore pellets there’s really no need to feed shrimp at this stage. When they get to breeding size you could reintroduce to stimulate spawning behavior

 

[Caperguy99]

Alright, well this is the (more than) 1 year update. My fish arrived on August 1, 2024.

First year was a measured success. Four of the original six survived. Two passed from water fluctuations, as far as I can tell, which I’ve worked to offset since that time. These were replaced by two sexed females from Finatics in Ontario.

Currently all seem healthy and hale. It looks like I have one male and 5 females, which isn’t too bad of a ratio. The largest are still a shade over 4 inches each, but the male is getting a bit of a larger lump on his head and his growth has begun to outpace the two larger females a little bit.

His name is also Homer. The kids couldn’t give up the name.

In terms of maintenance, keeping to 25% water changes every Sunday. Supplement with measured amounts of Cichlid Lake Salt and Malawi Buffer. This keeps me around 340 TDS, 8.2 PH, 11 GH and 11 KH. Nitrates still really low each week, as the fish are still small in the big tank.

Nothing else new to report. A few photos for your viewing pleasure. If there are any new Frontosa keepers looking to ask any questions about the build or the plans, feel free to send them my way.

 

[danotaylor]

Looking good mate. Getting some nice pelvic trailers going as well!

 

[Mcgorman]

This is perfect timing! I just finished reading the whole thread. I’ve acquired a 210 gallon 6ft tank and I’ve been researching for months on what I might want to put in it. Frontosa are at the top of my list. My question is are they too shy? I’d like this to be a centerpiece in my newly finished basement. I want to show them off. I see that you have written that they hide a lot especially when they don’t recognize you. Should I consider haps and/or peacocks instead?

Thank you so much for this thread. I enjoyed reading it and I’ll keep checking back for updates.

 

[danotaylor]

This is perfect timing! I just finished reading the whole thread. I’ve acquired a 210 gallon 6ft tank and I’ve been researching for months on what I might want to put in it. Frontosa are at the top of my list. My question is are they too shy? I’d like this to be a centerpiece in my newly finished basement. I want to show them off. I see that you have written that they hide a lot especially when they don’t recognize you. Should I consider haps and/or peacocks instead?

Thank you so much for this thread. I enjoyed reading it and I’ll keep checking back for updates.

I'm not sue shy is a good descriptor, perhaps reclusive is better. Cyphos are essentially deep water shoaling fish, nocturnal predators. I have raised several from 1.5' fry to 10'+ adults. As juveniles they seek safety & comfort amongst rock work & caves, but as adults they are the more freely they tend to swim in open water.
I am currently getting cash together to start with a new group of 2-3" Zaire's for my 500gal tank, either Tembwe or Moba, yet to be decided. I hope to have 12-15 in-house late October...more to come...
This was my F1 Mikula alpha, the sole survivor of my group of 6 after a power outage when I was visiting my parents in Australia. I couldn’t find any more miks to rebuild so I ended up selling him…

 

[Caperguy99]

This is perfect timing! I just finished reading the whole thread. I’ve acquired a 210 gallon 6ft tank and I’ve been researching for months on what I might want to put in it. Frontosa are at the top of my list. My question is are they too shy? I’d like this to be a centerpiece in my newly finished basement. I want to show them off. I see that you have written that they hide a lot especially when they don’t recognize you. Should I consider haps and/or peacocks instead?

Thank you so much for this thread. I enjoyed reading it and I’ll keep checking back for updates.

So glad that I could be of service! When I was planning out my build I frantically read as much as I could, drawing largely upon this site and people like danotaylor

For my little guys, I have to say no they aren’t shy. They definitely get to recognize « their person » who feeds and interacts with them most. If I come in the room, I’m pretty certain they recognize me - they all swarm to the front and beg for food. Then I can sit next to the tank and they’re all swimming in the open - no hiding.

In fact, at this point - one year in to owning them - they really only go into the caves to sleep. Otherwise they are free swimming.

FYI, some other considerations I had for my 210 was a swarm of clown loaches, which I thought would be pretty cool, or a big banger like a Midas or Red Devil. I’m also in Canada, so channa snakeheads are legal here. If I ever get another big tank, I might dedicate it to something like that.

That said, I’ve never once regretted stocking with these guys. They are great

 

[Caperguy99]

I am currently getting cash together to start with a new group of 2-3" Zaire's for my 500gal tank, either Tembwe or Moba, yet to be decided.