Dovii + 180 gallons?
- Thread starter D-Train
- Start date
I had my 20 inch dovii in my 210 (same footprint as a 180) and he was was great. Of course it appears I accidentally started a mini-cycle and killed him, but that's beside the point. I think a 180 is the bare minimum for life. My current 11 inch dovii is going in my 210 soon as a lifer. Dovii in tanks really get to 20 inches max as a rule.
They rarely get to 20" because they're kept in smaller tanks, not because they just don't grow that large. There is a difference.
I agree that a 180 is good for a long while, and will probably serve for life (but that raises the question what is life? 8-10 years in a smaller tank or 15-20 in a larger? Are we causing fish to die prematurely and assuming that is the actual lifespan of the fish?, but I digress). IDEALLY I'd go with something larger.
I agree that a 180 is good for a long while, and will probably serve for life (but that raises the question what is life? 8-10 years in a smaller tank or 15-20 in a larger? Are we causing fish to die prematurely and assuming that is the actual lifespan of the fish?, but I digress). IDEALLY I'd go with something larger.
I agree. There is a reason you only "hear" about really large dovii, except for the odd beast here or there, even though EVERYONE seems to have them. The hard fact is 99% of captive dovii die from one thing or another long before they are fully grown. I mean honestly, I can count on one hand the number of aquarium raised dovii that I know to be over 18" or so. I've seen a few in person, and there are a couple on the net that are very large. In each case, those fish are kept by some very experienced fishkeepers and/or in very large tanks or ponds.
I know of a couple in 180s that are really big, but their keepers are fanatics about changing water. I don't think most people appreciate how fast these things can ruin their tanks. If you have a large dovii in a 180, plan on about 3 75% water changes a week!
I don't want to discourage you from getting your dovii, but in a few years you'll want a much larger tank or even a pond. In fact, ponds are the easiest and cheapest way to keep these fish in good conditions. You really begin to appreciate these awesome fish when they have plenty of room to stretch out!
I know of a couple in 180s that are really big, but their keepers are fanatics about changing water. I don't think most people appreciate how fast these things can ruin their tanks. If you have a large dovii in a 180, plan on about 3 75% water changes a week!
I don't want to discourage you from getting your dovii, but in a few years you'll want a much larger tank or even a pond. In fact, ponds are the easiest and cheapest way to keep these fish in good conditions. You really begin to appreciate these awesome fish when they have plenty of room to stretch out!
Modest_Man;2643093; said:
actually i think your somewhat confused.
the reason why fish die, is the simple things that we doo in the tank.
- tank size
- feeding
- water changes
- filtration
all that stuff.
the size of the tank will likely determine the life of a large fish, but so will other factors.
I still have yet to see a 2 ft dovii even in 400+ gallon tanks, even in public aquariums I have not seen one that large.
