Midas/RD novice needs advice on growing out

[Natalie]

Hey everyone...

I need your all's opinions on whether I'm making an ethical decision or not.

I currently have a red/white 3" Midas/RD, who is pretty darn cute but as some of you may know (SinisterKisses!), I would give just about anything to get a creamsicle Midas with blue eyes. Well lo and behold, after a few phone calls I've found a LFS under an hour away that has some, and I'm going to scope them out after classes tomorrow. I'm as excited about this as I have ever been regarding fish, that's how badly I want one. Here's my question...

Is it ok for me to keep these two in a 55g (with divider between them) to grow them out to about 4", maybe 5" tops, to see which ends up with the best look? For a growing Midas/RD, I didn't know if this is enough room or if it would be too cramped for them. Whoever I like best would then live alone in the 55g until my 90g gets moved down here in December. If it's any concern, rest assured that I do 50% weekly water changes and my parameters have always been fantastic.

I also realize I'm fully in danger of getting attached to both and having two large wet pet tanks. My main concern right now is that the 55g will be ok for the two of them for a few months.

Any advice? Please?

 

[Wolf3101]

I think you'll be fine for up to 6 months that way...Just make sure the divider is SECURE and theres no way for them to jump OVER it.

 

[Ruck Fules]

Depending on what type of divider you're going to use, I would suggest for you to put a filter in both compartments. They should be fine for a few.

 

[Natalie]

Thank you for the replies. I was planning on fashioning a divider of eggcrate that goes all the way up to the center brace and also burrows in the gravel at the bottom to allow for no jumping or passing around.

Also, I've got two Penguin 350s in that tank so filtration and water movement shouldn't be an issue. Again, thanks for the replies! I hope everything goes well with my fish-hunt tomorrow... I'm sure you all will hear whoops of joy tomorrow if I find the type of juvie I'm looking for.

 

[Wolf3101]

LOL good luck...I wish you well on your search.

 

[Natalie]

Woooooo I found my blue-eyed creamsicle juvie tonight!! I'm so excited and happy. He/she is acclimating right now so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow. It's been a loooooong day.

 

[Natalie]

All right, I got my divider set up in the 55g this morning and transferred the little one over. He/She is SO cute!! Its personality really appealed to me at the store, because it was being picked on by all the other fish but when I walked up it started waving back and forth on the front glass like "I like you! Get me outta here!!!"

Anyways, here's a pic of the tank:

and (drumroll please) my new blue-eyed creamsicle baby!

 

[empiredanny]

Here are some new picts of my Oscar couple...hope you enjoy!!