To provide some background, I have been involved in the aquatic hobby for over 25 years. I have traveled extensively because I have been part of the military, either as the child of a service member or as a service member myself. Eight years ago, I got out due to an injury and am now enrolled in college to become a teacher. I have kept just about everything from saltwater oddballs like Peacock Mantis Shrimp to freshwater beauties like Discus. However, I have always dreamed of having big fish, like REALLY big fish, and I am finally in a position to be able to do it. When I finish my degree, which should be in the next year or so, I am planning on getting a BIG tank somewhere around 300-350 gallons. I know it's not HUGE, but to me this is gigantic considering the largest tank I have had is a 75. Right now, I am running a 75, actually, and have been stocking it with some fish I know are going to be great additions to my big tank when they are full-grown. The fish I currently have are a Senghal Bichir, Rope Fish, Frontosa, Tiger Oscar, Striped Duck Bill Catfish, a Tiger Shovelnose Hybrid, and various Synodontis catfish. I am looking to add a few more fish to my stock for when I install my BIG tank; I am looking for some recommendations. I absolutely love fish like the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish and Bichir, just so you know where my tastes lie.
I'm finally doing it!! I'm gonna get a BIG tank.
- Thread starter Ravenfish
- Start date
That’s quite the load on a 75g and don’t see that lasting a year before you’re able to upgrade.
Ps. Thank you for your service from a retired E6, 11B with the 10th Mountain from 1992 to 1998.
I’d say save your money and urge for now until the tank is in range. 2-3 months max
That 75 can be your quarantine for your Monsterfish.
That 75 can be your quarantine for your Monsterfish.
Thanks, brother, it was a pleasure to serve. You may be right about it not making it that long before I can upgrade, and if it comes to that I have a buddy who has a literal pond in his garage that he keeps monsters in and he said if my guys get out of hand for my tank he would house them for me until I can get within upgrade territory. I also have a second 75 sitting in my shed along with a couple of 55s, and I think a 65, so if I have to separate, I can. There is the possibility I may be able to get the BIG tank sooner; however, that is a BIG maybe, considering I will have to reinforce my floors before I can get the tank. I just wanted to let you know that I do have a plan if it looks like growth rates are going to surpass the timeframe to BT-Day (Big Tank Day).
You are probably right, and I am not sure I am going to buy the fish now I plan on keeping the 75 up and running for a bit after i set up the BIG tank as a grow out tank, considering how hard and pricey it is to get larger fish that are already grown out, that and growing them out is half the fun. I am just looking for suggestions right now so i can do some research, I learned early on in my fish keeping hobby that you NEVER take on the responsibility of getting a new aquatic critter without first doing some research on them and seeing if the planned tank mates are compatible and if the environment you can provide will be adequate.
Sounds like a cool plan.
With that bunch you have, I'd go for 375 to 400ish if you can do it. Dats a lotta fish at full size.
With that bunch you have, I'd go for 375 to 400ish if you can do it. Dats a lotta fish at full size.