ATF Set up! - feedback

[Lewisispora]

Hey people

I want to update you on my AFT tank build!

Firstly please see my previous thread as i am still trying ti ID my seven AFT!
(I will get better close ups as i transfer them - then some more photos in this system with a better background).
Here are some photos:


So this system is 8 x 2 x 2.5ft
Currently has an integrated compartment filter (1 each end). Each is compartment is powered by a 500gph supreme mag pump which with plenty of bioballs, carbon and filterwool.

Also i am going to put a Rena XP6 external on it also with mainly carbon and filter floss to really polish the clarity.

There is also an ecotech Marine Vortech MP40 pump on the left hand side really kicking out some flow which creates a turbid river affect.

Currently the main plant species include, African water fern (bolbitis heudelotii), anubias (various species) vallisnaria and java fern to bulk it out.

My plan is to let the African water fern to dominate the aquarium, but it is a slow grower.

The aquarium is lit by 4 x 24w T8 bulbs. I know this is fairly low light, but it gets a lot of surrounding light, plus some natural light. The ferns seem to enjoy this low level, high flow system.

The system hasbeen running for 6 weeks now, and it has 6 synodontis eupterus in there. The ambient water temperature is about 24-25 degrees, so i am going to stick an 200w inline heater with the canister filter to raise it a couple of degrees.

Then i will add the 7 AFT.

Lewis

p.s. More photos to come, especially of the tiger fish.

 

[Chicxulub]

Subbed.

This tank is definitely just a grow out, please be aware of this. It sounds like a superb grpwout, but a grow out none the less.

What is your cumulative GPA in this tank? You're on the right track by introducing a pack of like sized fish, but to really make it work strong current is a neccesity. What traditional aquarists consider strong current is still quite sedate compared to what these fish require.

Which species of atf are you planning to grt?

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[Lewisispora]

I am aware that this tank is a grow out, but these fish a fairly slow growers right? (they have been here for 2+ years and have grown only a few cm).
Although we seem to have stunted growth on majority of our FW fish here in Saudi. I think it is something to do with the desalinated that comes through the taps. We have a RTCF that should be twice the size for its age.

Can you please tell me the best diet for these fish?

As for ID, i believe you have taken a look yourself in a previous thread, and said it was unsure to tell. Someone recently stated they were TAFT quite confidently, however previously someone was quite confident that they were NOT TATF, and were FATF. Please take another look.

As you said before they may colout up better in this system, so all in good time.

As for the flow, There are 2 x 500GPH and 2 x 3200 GPH mp40 vortech on a controller. Also the Cannister is 460gph.

Thats a total 4660GPH at maximum on 360g (before substrate and decor). i have concentrated the strong flow (Vortech) on one side so the fish can choose how they want it, but also to give the plants down the far end some slack. If you want i can draw you out a footprint.

for the last 2 years these fish have been sitting in a 6 ft barebottom tank with only 2 sponge filters. (A testament that they can survive and be relative stress free/ happy without a load of flow)

Do you think the sudden change into this system will be too much for them>?

Lews

 

[Aw3s0m3]

Definitely subbing to this. This is gonna be a wicked tank once everything's in there


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[Chicxulub]

I remember your fish now. Yeah, I still feel that they are probably tatf.

I'm not sure why your fish are so small, but they are likey stunted. Normal growth for an atf is roughly an inch a month to 12" then a half inch a month or so after that. Your fish should be about 18" by now under optimum condirions.

Hopefully now that you have them in better co editions, you'll see better growth.

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[RampageRR]

Tank looks really nice. Looks like you've got all the driftwood and plants at a lower level in the water column, which is good. You don't want too much rock/driftwood sticking up for them to possibly bash into or take an eye out when chasing each other around. From these pics, they should be fine.

Definitely keep this thread updated, I'm looking forward to seeing it full of ATFs.

 

[Lewisispora]

I remember your fish now. Yeah, I still feel that they are probably tatf.

I'm not sure why your fish are so small, but they are likey stunted. Normal growth for an atf is roughly an inch a month to 12" then a half inch a month or so after that. Your fish should be about 18" by now under optimum condirions.

Hopefully now that you have them in better co editions, you'll see better growth.

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An inch a month! Are you sure that is correct? I mean that's some serious growth that meets the standards of intensive aquaculture practice. Surely this fish would be an idea candidate as a food fish which such growth rates?

 

[monsterkeeper87]

My new 1 that I have had for around a month has grown about 1/2" and that's with feeding twice a day as much as it will eat and it is small (3") I'm assuming they slow down as they grow?


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[Chicxulub]

An inch a month! Are you sure that is correct? I mean that's some serious growth that meets the standards of intensive aquaculture practice. Surely this fish would be an idea candidate as a food fish which such growth rates?

Compared to some other big characins like dorados, wolves and armatus, that is still painfully slow growth. Some people don't see an inch a month out if them, but at least a half inch a month from a fish who is in clean water and eating decent food is to be expected.

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[Lewisispora]

Hello Guys

Thought i would update you on the system AND hopefully get a positive ID for these fish.

all 7 of the Tiger fish have been moved into this larger system. Here is a photo:


Also I have got some close ups of some of the specimens:





I hope these help.

Lewis