Grow out tank for Festae?

[joedtr]

I finally got my hands on a couple Festae. I walked into a local chain store all prepared to be disappointed and low and behold the had some young Festae, Cubans and even a Flagtail. Well after purchasing a couple Festae I realized I need to grow these out before they can go into my 125. They are currently about 2 inches long and I would like them to get to about four inches before introducing them into the large tank. My question is, what is the minimum size tank I can keep them in without stunting there growth until they reach the four inch mark? Also, what is an average growth rate for these fish? Right now they are in a standard 20 gallon and I am doing 50% water changes weekly.

 

[GTS]

Are you sure they are festae? The big chain stores often mislabel Mayan cichlids as festae.

 

[joedtr]

Are you sure they are festae? The big chain stores often mislabel Mayan cichlids as festae.

These are Festae. I learned the hard way on a previous fish that was labeled as a Red Terror but turned out to be a Mayan. I still have that stupid fish as a reminder.

 

[]v[onster_Terror]

These are Festae. I learned the hard way on a previous fish that was labeled as a Red Terror but turned out to be a Mayan. I still have that stupid fish as a reminder.

lol. Well in my opinion, I use the 20 gallon long all the time with all fish a want to grow out before introducing them with the big boys. I'd say just dont leave them there too long and they should be fine. Thats how I grew out my red terrors to a desirable lenght.

 

[uncwnells]

it took me a year to grow festae from fry to 4" your looking at a 6 month growth period imo. But hey you may have better results that I did. Mine were in a 1200 gallon pond for the past 6 months.

 

[joedtr]

it took me a year to grow festae from fry to 4" your looking at a 6 month growth period imo. But hey you may have better results that I did. Mine were in a 1200 gallon pond for the past 6 months.

Wow. If I am looking at that long of a growout I need to find an alternate solution. I'll stick with the 20 for the next month or so, but I think after that I need something larger. Unfortunately, the wife just won't understand why I need another tank.

 

[thorzep]

20gal long is fine

 

[Reiner]

the key to fast growth is water changes, water changes, water changes and some quality foods. If you change 5 gallons of water (25%) daily you should see a 2" growth in 3-4 month. Also I would divide the tank somehow or otherwise your chances are pretty good that you will only have 1 fish remaining by the time he/she reaches 4"

 

[fishluvr12]

the key to fast growth is water changes, water changes, water changes and some quality foods. If you change 5 gallons of water (25%) daily you should see a 2" growth in 3-4 month. Also I would divide the tank somehow or otherwise your chances are pretty good that you will only have 1 fish remaining by the time he/she reaches 4"

I also highly advise a divider .They don't normally tolerate their own species unless it's a large tank.

 

[fishluvr12]

Almost forgot, with good care you should get 3/8-1/2" a month growth.IME