Argentea vs. Haitiensis
- Thread starter seedubs1
- Start date
Speaking in general the best way to avoid bloat is many small meals throughout the day instead of 1 huge meal.
Imo, the bloat issue comes down to how much time you have to stay on top of their tank. With me, it's all a cake walk until I take on more hours at work or have to take the kid to soccer, swimming, karate, dance, gymnastics,........ That's when the haits, beani or any other more delicate species of fish decide to kick the bucket. If you're ready for the extra commitment, haits ARE awesome fish. However, if you want a mixed community and/or aren't able to structure a steady routine around you fish, try an argentae. All else; looks, temperament, etc are all personal preferences but the more practical concern might be you're ability to provide for the special needs a young haitiensis. Good luck. You really can't go wrong either way.
Haitiensis are my favorite of most cichlids. They are delicate when small but once they grow they are worth it.
That sounds about right. I would assume two years or so for a male to reach adult size?
Well what would you consider to be adult size? The male I have now is an offspring to my old pair born last year around this time. And ill have to measure but he is solid and close to 9". I also haven't been power feeding either. His dad went from 3" to 7.5 in three months!! Lol but it really depends on a few factors of how one cares for their fish.
Like Ed stated, haits are not good for communities unless its strictly a species tank. And I find that the best scenario for me...
Well.....See my plan if I get a 3" Hait below, and let me know if you think it's a bloat free plan 
:
-Just him in a 75 gallon (if he ever needs larger, that's no problem, but I figure this'll be fine until atleast 13", and not as bloat prone)
-Feeding only NLS There +A
-Tank at 80 deg.
-1 Rena 400 pushing 2 airstones
-2 AC110's
-50% w/c's weekly
:-Just him in a 75 gallon (if he ever needs larger, that's no problem, but I figure this'll be fine until atleast 13", and not as bloat prone)
-Feeding only NLS There +A
-Tank at 80 deg.
-1 Rena 400 pushing 2 airstones
-2 AC110's
-50% w/c's weekly
It was his breeder so I got him this way. I would really hate to sell him but I think I may. I need an Argent that is compat with my other fish. I'm about to place an order with Gage again for a smaller one. PM me if you are interested.
Yeah, if you need one that's going to be compatible, you're going to have to grow him out at the same size as your others.
I'll definitely take your argent if you decide to sell it. Just let me know.
Your plan sounds good. But I'd get at least 2-3 of them minimum that way you can guarantee to have at least one make it past the bloat stage. Plus they will help each other stay comfortable and less stressed. So make sure you set the tank up with enough hiding spots for each hait to call their own and somewhat evenly spaced. They'll seem aggressive with each other but also establish their own territorys. It doesn't matter what foods you feed really. Most importantly feed only once a day til 4-5" and lightly. I would also go with smaller water changes like 25-30% once, maybe twice a week depending on how they fish respond to their environment. It sounds messed up but the less you do to stress them out the better, ie. Large water changes, large feedings, adding or subtractin tankmates, etc. You will be feeding small amounts so you won't need to change water as frequent, your filters are more than enough to do the job on a 75 plus the airstones will help alot. Give it a shot I'm sure it will be fine
