Lima Shovelnose advice

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octofasciatus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 15, 2007
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The blue corner
I want some advice before I purchase the above mentioned catfish. He would be going into a new set up of 72"x18", and I wondered if this would be too small a tank because of the width. Checking out some internet sites I am advised that he would max out at about 18" - 20" would this cause problems turning in a confined space? Can anybody suggest a similar catfish that would give me as much pleasure?
Also when fully grown he would be sharing this tank with American Cichlids probablly oscars, would they work well together? Can anybody suggest American cichlids that wouldn't be best kept with a LSN?
Sorry for all the questions but hey MFK is the best advice you can get on the WWW.
Ta in advance.
 
With oscars, and limas you will need a larger tank eventually. That will last them for some time, but within 2 years they will need larger accomodations. I say go at least 125 gal-150 gal. They will do good in your tank for now though. And there is no substitution for a lima. They have a very unique personality. Some very odd behavior with them as well. Can't go wrong with a lima no matter the eventual size. It's a good begginer's pimelodid catfish. They are very active on all levels of the tank when adults. When smaller the tend to hide in plants nose down in a verticle position. When really small their tails are longer than their entire bodies. It kinda mimicks grass or twigs that they hide in, in their natural habitat. I say provide them will some driftwood and plants (fake or real) when small and eventually they won't need it, but will still do the vertical thing from time to time as adults or when frightened. They also shed their slime coats when spooked, bad water quality, or under stress. I seem to observe that they will do it at least once per month even if completely content and eating well.
 
I think a 240 would be great for life with a Lima and an Oscar. you could add more fish, too. you could get away with a 125 for a while, like necro said. mine is about 10" and it lays on top of one of my pieces of driftwood when the lights are on, but when you turn them off or put food in, it swims around pretty good. i put a 2" convict in the tank the other day and it ate it. cons can be hard to catch.
 
Thanks for the advice, I like the LSN but if I got one I would want it for life. I dont think I could compromise and pass him on after a couple of years. Another tank is out of the question cos the missus will go bandy if I fill the house with more tanks.
I got a pond outside that is probs 250g but this is North East England and I doubt that a LSN will appreciate this climate.
The LSN was not meant to be, but I gotta pick something to put in the new tank that would cheer me up!

:cry:
 
I think it would be a little tight, but you might be able to get away with an oscar and a lima in a 125 (72x18x22). Is that what you have?
 
Nah.. Unfortunately got a 72x18x18. Seen a 84x24x24 cheap on the e-bay. Will see if I can house a LSN temp in the current tank and then upgrade them to a bigger tank in a couple of years.

Will obviously have to put my foot down in the house!
 
Get the LSN as a really cute little fella and get your missus to drop in the odd treat for it as it grows, train it to feed out your hand as soon as its big enough, then get your missus to hand feed it a treat once in a while, thus tricking her into loving it. As he grows start telling her how miserable he looks in there as its too small, that its a pity he didnt stay small and cute but that you DONT want another tank as the money would be better spent on a meal out for the two of you at a nice resturant... Guilt trip, lol!

If the plan works she'll decline the meal denounce you as heartless and nag YOU to go get a bigger tank.
 
that tank would be fine for quite a long time. i would (probably) go for it.
 
King Edward;1491403; said:
Get the LSN as a really cute little fella and get your missus to drop in the odd treat for it as it grows, train it to feed out your hand as soon as its big enough, then get your missus to hand feed it a treat once in a while, thus tricking her into loving it. As he grows start telling her how miserable he looks in there as its too small, that its a pity he didnt stay small and cute but that you DONT want another tank as the money would be better spent on a meal out for the two of you at a nice resturant... Guilt trip, lol!

If the plan works she'll decline the meal denounce you as heartless and nag YOU to go get a bigger tank.
Click to expand...



That logic is flawless!! I am taking notes. I need to try this on my girlfriend with a stingray, I mean its the same basic principle.
 
King Edward;1491403; said:
Get the LSN as a really cute little fella and get your missus to drop in the odd treat for it as it grows, train it to feed out your hand as soon as its big enough, then get your missus to hand feed it a treat once in a while, thus tricking her into loving it. As he grows start telling her how miserable he looks in there as its too small, that its a pity he didnt stay small and cute but that you DONT want another tank as the money would be better spent on a meal out for the two of you at a nice resturant... Guilt trip, lol!

If the plan works she'll decline the meal denounce you as heartless and nag YOU to go get a bigger tank.
Click to expand...

You my friend are priceless, this logic you can only get get from experience. Any chance of advice on any relationship matters that might crop up in the future.
Will post some pix when the tank is set up and the LSN is installed. Probs about 8 weeks or so i rekon.
Many thanks to you all espec King Eddie for the unique and priceless advice.
 
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