Heros sp. "Red Tiger Severum" "Rio Curare"

[duanes]

Because this is a soft water, black water species, your neutral pH might present a problem over time. Although when young they tolerate harder water, as they age, hard water can cause chronic problems like HLLE if your water change schedule is not very frequent. Tannins could help, because they are anti bacterial.
I believe the tank you are setting up would be nice tank.

 

[Streety1]

The water will be soft with a ph6 to start with. How many specimens could be kept in a tank of this size? 850litres.

 

[ryansmith83]

I keep all my adults in 6' tanks, between 150 - 210 gallons. I'm sure you can grow them out in smaller tanks but once they hit adult size they will need space. They're one of the largest growing species I've kept, next to liberifer.

 

[Streety1]

850litres converts to 224 gallons US. Is this enough for a pair only or small group, 5 or 6 individuals?

 

[ryansmith83]

You can raise a young group out and then see how it goes when they hit breeding age. Usually they’re fine with tankmates. It’s each other they’re aggressive toward.

 

[Streety1]

Thanks for the reply. I can't decide between them and the heckels! I'm not sure I fancy an 850 litre tank with just a pair in. 5 or 6 would look great for a while but I could house 10 heckels long term.
I'm no good at decisions!