Big Fish Little Tank

[Raka]

I am looking for suggestions for big fish species that can be comfortable kept in smaller tanks.

Lets say bioload isn't an issue in this hypothetical setup, someone willing to daily water changes, auto water changes, denitrification, etc.

What is the biggest fish you could keep in tanks readily available, 75's and 90's.

Looking for just one large fish that ideally doesn't want to be very active. Maybe your opinion on difficulty of keeping said species.

 

[Mister-Blister]

uhhh, none, not many? most fish species that are large will find themselves rather uncomfortable in a small tank, its a bit of cruelty if you ask me.

 

[pinfish]

It really depends on how big you are looking to get and if you'd be willing to upgrade the tank if needed.

 

[esoxlucius]

Even talking hypothetically this subject is not one that goes down too well on here. Usually people who start threads like this with an element of nonsense about them are actually fishing for slightly positive comments which would give them the go ahead to do it for real!

You'll not get no positive comments around here on keeping big fish in small tanks.

 

[Mister-Blister]

Even talking hypothetically this subject is not one that goes down too well on here. Usually people who start threads like this with an element of nonsense about them are actually fishing for slightly positive comments which would give them the go ahead to do it for real!

You'll not get no positive comments around here on keeping big fish in small tanks.

i think that the thread maker has to ask this. Would they be happy if someone cramped them up in a small, awkward living space?

 

[The Morning]

I think giant danios would be fine in a tank that size. And clearly they are large fish. Just look at their name.

 

[Raka]

Guess you all missed the "comfortably" part.

Wouldn't something like an Oscar qualify?

I am just curious and looking to expand knowledge. Not trying to stick a RTC in a 75. But am looking for like I said a "big" fish for that space.

Perhaps some form of ambush predator? Maybe from people with more knowledge of varied species.

 

[Niki_up]

Jack Dempsey works well for a 75
FH, GT, red devil/Midas, or a single common pleco might work for a 90g

 

[Blakewater]

Guess you all missed the "comfortably" part.

Wouldn't something like an Oscar qualify?

I am just curious and looking to expand knowledge. Not trying to stick a RTC in a 75. But am looking for like I said a "big" fish for that space.

Perhaps some form of ambush predator? Maybe from people with more knowledge of varied species.

Even oscars are often underhoused. Its not just the room to swim but the waste they produce and the surface area for BB. Often times when I see posts like this I tend to think the OP has yet to see what a 16" fish in a 75g aquarium looks like in person. Online its all just numbers but when you see it in front of you its very hard to feel "ok" about the situation. When my bass were 7" in a 8x2 ft aquarium I upgraded them to a 9x5 because, to me, it was obvious they were already starting to feel less comfortable. Fish arent as dumb as some people think and just because they'll live in a small glass box doesnt mean they'll be happy. Happy fish are what every owner are after because happy, comfortable fish show the best coloring, growth, energy, and personality that every aquarist if after when they purchase their tank additions. If youre looking for something fun to look at, a better option is to get a few small/medium fish but put the extra money and effort into the aquascaping, tank decor, and set up/filtration so its much more interesting and in depth. Outside of maybe a lungfish and a gulper catfish you will find that any "big" fish needs either a "big" aquarium, or a huge aquarium.

 

[BIG FISH BOB]

I'd go with a Green Terror.....not big....but big enough. They look cool and they are aggressive. If you wanted to feed them live food they will attack it. I don't mind the oscar idea as long as you do water changes ALL the time!!!