It’s not risky short term until they outgrow the tank- in a couple months. Most fish will be compatible as juvies for a short period of time. But what’s the point? Are you getting a 300g plus? If not, why not get smaller alternatives to the larger fish that you can keep for a much longer time
An Extremely Gutsy Mix, Is it Possible?
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in response to fishhead0103666@ again, I accept your apology. As for what comes to mind first regarding fish tanks, it would be a large beautiful planted tank, something like Takashi Amano's work. But I would not personally do that (and even if I wanted to, I don't have soil in my tank, just sand, and only a few plants can survive without soil). As for what I want, I want a tank suitable for keeping possibly destructive and large monster fish. So basically, a relatively sparse hardscape tank with just sand, driftwood, and rock. What fish would make me happy are show-stopping fish that people will have to double look to make sure they saw what they think they saw. So basically large oddball fish such as arowanas, gars, stingrays, large catfish, knifefish, eels, and eel-like fish, etc.
In response to Trouser Bark@ again, I don't personally own another tank suitable for large specimens. But I do have a local place or two I can take them to when they get too large for my tank, both of which have experience with taking care of the fish I want (and usually sell them).
In response to Joshuakahan@, I agree, it isn't risky short term until they outgrow the tank. I'm not getting a larger tank than the current 55-gallon I own, I totally would though if I had the space and if I was living alone. I am considering getting smaller alternatives, but the big ones that I've chosen are kind of stuck to my brain and I'm honestly hell-bent on getting the fish I want.
In response to Trouser Bark@ again, I don't personally own another tank suitable for large specimens. But I do have a local place or two I can take them to when they get too large for my tank, both of which have experience with taking care of the fish I want (and usually sell them).
In response to Joshuakahan@, I agree, it isn't risky short term until they outgrow the tank. I'm not getting a larger tank than the current 55-gallon I own, I totally would though if I had the space and if I was living alone. I am considering getting smaller alternatives, but the big ones that I've chosen are kind of stuck to my brain and I'm honestly hell-bent on getting the fish I want.
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It ain’t gonna work for more than a couple of months. You won’t do the water changes every couple of days in order to try and keep those sort of fish healthy in a 55 gallon.
You think you will, but you won’t.
They will eventually go off their food, get sick, then start to die, 1 by 1.
Sounds harsh but it’s the truth. If you had any vast amount of practical fish keeping experience then you wouldn’t be posting this thread.
But it’s your choice, so do as you please.
I am just giving my honest opinion.
You think you will, but you won’t.
They will eventually go off their food, get sick, then start to die, 1 by 1.
Sounds harsh but it’s the truth. If you had any vast amount of practical fish keeping experience then you wouldn’t be posting this thread.
But it’s your choice, so do as you please.
I am just giving my honest opinion.
Agree. Besides, what is the point? To prove that it can (barely if at all) be done?
There are lots of moderately sized, beautiful and interesting fish that can live happily in a 55. You don't need monsters for the sake of it.
In response to FJB@ and to everyone who has responded since, The point for me is not to prove to anyone that I can do it, as a matter of fact, I have no one to prove it to even if I wanted to lol. Very few of my friends have a whim about fishkeeping beyond the goldfish (and most don't even the names of the fish I want or like). I want to do it so I can provide the best beginning for larger fish's lives (like a foster home) and so I get the joy of even temporarily raising the best fish in the hobby. Basically killing two birds with one stone.
I agree with those who have mentioned more appropriate fish for a 55-gallon and I'm considering taking back the arowana (though that's the one I want the most o_o). Are there any fish beyond the African Butterfly fish that are smaller top dwellers that can fit in my tank? I originally was going to try to mix only African and South American species, but I'm honestly willing to try Asian or another part of the world at this point. The only Asian top dwellers I can think of are halfbeaks and some types of gars, anything beyond that would be great.
I agree with those who have mentioned more appropriate fish for a 55-gallon and I'm considering taking back the arowana (though that's the one I want the most o_o). Are there any fish beyond the African Butterfly fish that are smaller top dwellers that can fit in my tank? I originally was going to try to mix only African and South American species, but I'm honestly willing to try Asian or another part of the world at this point. The only Asian top dwellers I can think of are halfbeaks and some types of gars, anything beyond that would be great.
Years ago I went through a phase of trying out all sorts of fish in a 75 gal tank, including some that couldn't stay long term, so I kind of get it. I had fun, learned a lot, and it was an area (and time) where I had good connections to higher end lfs that readily accepted trades, etc. In effect, I took on growing up fish for them that they could take back, sell at a larger size and higher price, and then I'd get something else and grow it out for them. So if you have those circumstances it's feasible, but my suggestion would be not to do all those at the same time in the same tank, especially a 55, which is quite limited when you're talking about larger growing fish-- there's a big difference even between a 55 and a 75, really. That way it gives more time growing out a particular fish you're interested in, more time to enjoy it, learn more about it, etc. In that respect it will be better prep and experience for the day when you really can do the tank you want.
I actually really like that idea neutrino@! It would be better to do it over a period of time rather than all at once...maybe I'll wait on some of my choices. I do have similar resources where I live, though I doubt I'll make any serious money as the store that gives me money for my fish doesn't give much, the most I've gotten from the store was $20, which is a fraction of the price I paid for the stock at the time.
I’d say get it unstuck from your brain or just keep it in your brain and not make it a reality. The only way you should do this is if you have a deal with your LSF to return fish every couple months
Closest things to aros I’d say are the half beaks and hujeta gar. Hujeta aren’t exactly ideal for a 55 but are way better than an aro
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