how many bichirs can i keep in a 55gal?

[Majinn]

Hi guys!!

i think my 55gal (3'x18x20) tank is ready for my 4 albino sens.. i think 4 is the max number i can keep after reading most of the threads here.. (yet i do feel like getting more, one costs RM15, which is about USD4.2) thats the best i could come up with the limited budget i have.. the biggest sen being just a lil over 4inches.. what do you guys think? can i add more? or i should just be happy the way it is?

 

[ymolina]

if it was mine i would only have 2 max. but if the tank is a 55 gallon long an u have plenty of filtration an a air pump i would say u can try it. u also need enuf room for them to all move without feelin crowded.

 

[Majinn]

pics..

 

[ymolina]

i wouldnt go with the live goldfish as feeders. as they could contain diseases.

 

[Angler]

Albino Senegals stay smaller than regular Senegals. I have had one for a while that grew pretty fast until 6-7 inches. Since then, I haven't really noticed any growth. I think you could add a couple more if those are going to be the only fish.

 

[Stump]

I wouldn't hesitate to put 5-6 sens in there, personally. Maybe even add a delhezi...

Of course, that's me, and I'd keep it a polypterus only (ish) tank.

 

[Cohazard]

I wouldn't hesitate to put 5-6 sens in there, personally. Maybe even add a delhezi...

Of course, that's me, and I'd keep it a polypterus only (ish) tank.

You've learned well dude, I concur with that post!


@ Majinn, you have a very nice sump going on, so filtration is covered.

Bubbles aren't needed per say, depends on the tank mates. For example, I keep dats with my bichirs and they need lots of oxygen, where the bichirs don't. I need extra oxygen, but I don't like having too many small bubbles that cloud the view of the fish.

So I added a Koralia 2 for surface movement to keep the water oxygenated, and no annoying bubble mist.

The bichirs still gulp for air in well-oxygenated water, though less than when in low-oxygen water. I think they just like splashing me when the lids are open, I swear one of my 10" females has a perfect aim when splashing, she's hit me twice!

 

[uting]

I would put around 10-11 since a 55 gallon has lots of space and albinos grow really small about 6''-7''.

 

[*Alex*]

Yeah your bichirs should be fine in that tank... and you have filtration sorted.! only thing is id make more caves, and put some live plants in... Giant Vallis would be good in that tank... n floating plants would be good idea (Frogbit)! Bichirs like 2 hide... its not like you will never see them again.. i always see mine about! they will be much happier,,

 

[Majinn]

You've learned well dude, I concur with that post!


@ Majinn, you have a very nice sump going on, so filtration is covered.

Bubbles aren't needed per say, depends on the tank mates. For example, I keep dats with my bichirs and they need lots of oxygen, where the bichirs don't. I need extra oxygen, but I don't like having too many small bubbles that cloud the view of the fish.

So I added a Koralia 2 for surface movement to keep the water oxygenated, and no annoying bubble mist.

The bichirs still gulp for air in well-oxygenated water, though less than when in low-oxygen water. I think they just like splashing me when the lids are open, I swear one of my 10" females has a perfect aim when splashing, she's hit me twice!

ahah.. thanx cohazard... they look beautiful when swimming, albinos of course..