My new obsession!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Aquafreak

Aquafreak

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Dec 22, 2008
1,007
6
38
45
Fleetwood, PA
I recently bought a new home and had to get rid of my monster tanks because they couldn't be moved in time... Very hard. Anyway, my new basement isn't finished off and I don't have the money for another "monster" tank, so I set up a 55 gal in my dining room. I was keeping cichla, arowana, lrg cats etc prior, but that's not gonna fly for now.

Through my obsessive reading, I decided to check out CA cichlids, most specifically guapotes. I've had big Jags in the past, but never really got into dovii, motas, etc. Before this obsession hit, I had purchased a small Jag I found at local hole in the wall that was mispriced and mislabeled just to have something swimming around in the tank, which had just finished cycling. I'm hooked, and most notably, I like the fact that a 250 -300 gal tank will comfortably house a community of (at least some) of these fish.

Ergo ipso facto - I formed the ]\/[onster Guapote League because of all of the great groups on MFK - I couldn't find a really great Guapote group. Let's see if we can change that. Check it out and join today!:naughty:

So the question I need answered is - how long until I have to confront the boss:banher:about the "big" tank purchase? I know, I know... Just get the big tank and be done with it. I have a lot of pennies to save yet...

How many pair of guapotes could fit comfortably in say a 300-350 gal deep tank, 30-36" front to back?

Pics of the Jags to follow soon!
 
i think it would depend on what guapotes you plan on keeping. for example: i think you would be able to have one pair of dovii, MIGHT get away with 2 pair of managuense, friedrichsthalii, motaguense, loiselli. guapotes dont play nice with other guapotes...SPECIALLY breeding pairs

managuense grow very fast so a 55g may work for a little while for one fish. possibly 6 months or so.. i would be looking to upgrade as soon as you can afford it
 
I read that a breeding pair should be kept isolated. Thanks for the input. As far as your Parachromis club, I didn't come across it when I was searching. I'll have to check it out.
 
Yeah, I know people might not agree with me, but it works :). The way I do it is pack enough fish in a tank that,they dont haVe to much ability to take over a territory. And if two decide to fight then a third breaks it up. Of course you have to compansite with extream filtration and weekly waterchanges but it works for me. Ive had my 210 up and running with,large,fish in it for a few years now with no issues.
 
It would really be awesome if your community works for ya ,and I will say I have heard of a few that hve tried a similar community and it didn't work .... BUT I have also seen (terd fergusons)( spelling) tank and it has worked for many years now and some how he keeps live plants in his and the fish don't bother them ! which I Never thought that would be possible with large cichlids ......

Ok ok enough rambling lol basically what I am saying is it may or may not work but you will never know till you try ... Best of luck keep us updated
 
Just switched over to pool filter sand as a substrate for the Jag... I've read a few threads on here and other forums where people are doing it successfully and the tank pictures were awesome. I've had aggression issues with my cichla before but once there were more fish it really spread the aggression out. I guess I have to get my rear moving and start making a "fish room" in the basement. I guess I'll make a bedroom right away to sleep in...;)
 
Ive been useing play sand from home depot for a gew years and its perfect and looks really good. Only like $3 a 50lb pag. I havent used pool filter sand but I hear it coat alot more!
 
The pool filter sand was only $4 a bag at a local pool supply place, and I got 25% off since it's the off season! Doesn't get much cheaper than that! The pool filter sand seems to stay on the bottom and not whip up in suspension as quickly. The jags love it. They're moving it around... I guess they didn't like the way I have it!

On another note, I tried finding a female (since I think my first Jag is a male) but no luck - I'm pretty sure they are both males, or at least the spot patterns seems to be pretty much identical now that they are in the tank together. I'd love to get two paired up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom