I, like most other people pretty much fell in love with these guys as soon as I saw them. The episode of River Monsters and the special on Nat Geo only reinforced that love for them and I'm at a point now debating on whether or not to buy one.
From the threads it comes across as these guys are skittish, so I'm thinking of putting it in my basement where there really won't be anything down there to spook it, and I understand covering the back/sides of the tank is also advisable.
So I'm thinking of starting it out in either a 135g or 180g tank as a growout. Either way it'll be a 6' tank to start in, preferably the 180. As for long term, I was thinking about one of the large tubs you can buy from Tractor Supply Company, they have a 6' x 2' tub that is around 600 gallons I believe, this would be really my only option for when it would outgrow the 180.
So as for tank setup, I'm thinking either something like a FX5 supplemented with powerheads or a couple of AC110's with powerheads would provide ample filtration and a couple of strong powerheads would help create current and well oxygenated water.
As for objects in the tank...just something as simple as a piece of driftwood for hiding or would it be more advisable to add gravel/wood/rocks/plastic plants, I know they're quick so I don't want to clutter the tank up and take away from swimming space but I don't want to stress it due to lack of hiding place.
What kind of growth rate is normal for GATFs? I keep cichla now and they grow like weeds when young, then start to slow, I'm assuming this would be similar? Sorry for the long post, just want to find out as much I can about how to properly take care of them if I do purchase one. Thanks!
From the threads it comes across as these guys are skittish, so I'm thinking of putting it in my basement where there really won't be anything down there to spook it, and I understand covering the back/sides of the tank is also advisable.
So I'm thinking of starting it out in either a 135g or 180g tank as a growout. Either way it'll be a 6' tank to start in, preferably the 180. As for long term, I was thinking about one of the large tubs you can buy from Tractor Supply Company, they have a 6' x 2' tub that is around 600 gallons I believe, this would be really my only option for when it would outgrow the 180.
So as for tank setup, I'm thinking either something like a FX5 supplemented with powerheads or a couple of AC110's with powerheads would provide ample filtration and a couple of strong powerheads would help create current and well oxygenated water.
As for objects in the tank...just something as simple as a piece of driftwood for hiding or would it be more advisable to add gravel/wood/rocks/plastic plants, I know they're quick so I don't want to clutter the tank up and take away from swimming space but I don't want to stress it due to lack of hiding place.
What kind of growth rate is normal for GATFs? I keep cichla now and they grow like weeds when young, then start to slow, I'm assuming this would be similar? Sorry for the long post, just want to find out as much I can about how to properly take care of them if I do purchase one. Thanks!
I don't know why, maybe they scare me. Saw some today at the store, even at a couple of inches they look vicious. If you do be careful, its kinda of like playing with a bear trap.
