Jack Dempsy Tank Size

[FinalJenemba]

Hi all just wanted to get some opinions. I just a got a new male Jack Dempsy, he's ~5-6" and is a really cool fish. He's currently in my biggest tank which is my 45g that previously housed mbuna. I did research before I got him and most of the articles I read said a 45g would be the minimum tank size for one. He's going to be the only cichlid in there, the tank is all his. I realize that it might be a little tight when he gets closer to fully grown but based on the research I did I thought he would be ok, the tank is 13" deep he should always be able to turn around. The reason im asking is because there has been some debate on the other forum im on about whether the tank is big enough for him. I am prepared to either upgrade his tank or rehome him if that time comes when he is uncomfortable, im just curious to get your guys thoughts since you are the monster fish experts as they say. I assume some of it comes down to the individual fish as well in terms of how big they decide to get? Thanks!

 

[probassfisher010]

75g would be needed if he hit 10"+ 55g till 10" and 45g till 8". Most jds with the amount of inbreeding don't surpass 8", which is why some sites say the min is 45... I'd say the min is 55g


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[1bigdovii]

I would think it would be fine. If not for life at least for most of it. If i was u i would keep him there if he starts to look cramped then get u a 75 gallon. Just make shure to keep up on water changes since that tank will be the minimum tank size for him and will dirty faster than a larger tank.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[knifegill]

To your advantage are both the laziness of an adult JD, and their generally sluggish metabolism. You'll only be feeding him twice a week, so the bioload is lighter than you'd expect for the heft of the fish. And unless he is swimming up and down the walls like a mad hatter, he will probably not mind slightly smallish digs. I wouldn't say this about many fish. But JD's are kind of unique in their slow metabolisms and lazy demeanors, in my experience. Granted, you'll enjoy him more in a 75g than you will in the smaller tank, and he'd probably move around more, too.