How many delhezi in tank

Jimmyk

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 2, 2022
28
18
8
I’ve been tempted to get more dels but am concerned about aggression. I currently have a 4.5” delhezi in a 125 gallon tank filled about halfway. The actual volume of water that’s currently in the tank is 40 gallons. I like the look so would like to keep it filled halfway permanently. I have 3 sponge filters running in the tank with a pump rated for a 60 gallon tank. I change 25% of water weekly and hope to keep the maintenance at this level. My questions are:
1. How many delhezi can I keep with my setup and water change schedule?
2. Are dels aggressive? What would be the minimum number that one should keep to spread out aggression?
3. Where would you recommend getting healthy dels? I’m in the US.

Thank you!

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tlindsey

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Ohio
I’ve been tempted to get more dels but am concerned about aggression. I currently have a 4.5” delhezi in a 125 gallon tank filled about halfway. The actual volume of water that’s currently in the tank is 40 gallons. I like the look so would like to keep it filled halfway permanently. I have 3 sponge filters running in the tank with a pump rated for a 60 gallon tank. I change 25% of water weekly and hope to keep the maintenance at this level. My questions are:
1. How many delhezi can I keep with my setup and water change schedule?
2. Are dels aggressive? What would be the minimum number that one should keep to spread out aggression?
3. Where would you recommend getting healthy dels? I’m in the US.

Thank you!

View attachment 1499115
You could add 5 more Delhezi easily.
I personally think the Delhezi is very mild aggressive from experience.
There are a few good vendors the Wetspot would be a good place to buy Polypterus.
 
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tlindsey

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Ohio
You could add 5 more Delhezi easily.
I personally think the Delhezi is very mild aggressive from experience.
There are a few good vendors the Wetspot would be a good place to buy Polypterus.
I suggest changing half the water weekly but with the plants you may getaway with a lower % wc's. Test your water as the Delhezi grow and keep Nitrate below 10 ppm.
 
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Jimmyk

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 2, 2022
28
18
8
You could add 5 more Delhezi easily.
I personally think the Delhezi is very mild aggressive from experience.
There are a few good vendors the Wetspot would be a good place to buy Polypterus.
Thank you. Is there a number that would be a bad idea? Like if I were to add two more and have three altogether?
 
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Jimmyk

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 2, 2022
28
18
8
That would be fine imo. You could add more smaller upper jaw species if you choose to do so.
Thank you! Are there things that I can do to minimize the possibility of aggression? I think the only reason I haven’t gotten more dels yet is I’m not sure what I would do if there were aggression.
 

The Masked Shadow

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Jul 19, 2020
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Southern California (San Diego)
With the footprint of your tank there should be little aggression. Plenty of territory and easy access to air. I suggest adding some other lower jaw species.
 
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