Need Opinions of Tank Size for Temensis

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The True Guapote

The True Guapote

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 14, 2005
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Ok guys, I'd like some honest opinions of what would be an acceptable tank size for an adult Temensis. I'm growing five out right now and they're small but they're gonna get big (eventually). They are in a standard 75 gallon tank (48" L x 18" W). I'm moving into a house in the next month/month and a half and they will then be moved to a 220 (72" L x 24" W). I'm wondering how long could I keep the group in there? I'd like to keep all five, I've seen a couple threads/posts of people's tank with an all Temensis school and I want to keep all of mine.
How long do you think all five could get along in a 220? By get along I mean at what size per fish would an upgraded tank be necessary? I am going to have heavy duty filtration, a DIY 55 gallon sump and a Fluval FX5 canister.
My next question is what size tank (realistically) would be suitable for the group? I was thinking of either an acrylic tank or a homemade plywood tank. The acrylic tank I was looking at was Tenecor's U400L (96" L x 36" W x 30" H). Or I would make their tank of plywood?
I am powerfeeding them right now twice daily and even in between because they're small and I want to get them past this vulnerable stage asap. I do bi-weekly water changes on them also in the area of 20% or more. When they go to the 220 it'll likely be weekly water changes of 30%.
Thanks to all, I love this forum and I look forward to conversing regarding my tank plans! -Chris
 
I think the final tank size should a minimum of 4' wide.. i think deep isn't as much of an issue as wide and long. i would think that 8' would be a minimum for length. especially with 5 adult tems. probably be much better at 10' - 12'.
 
Knowing that JohnPTC has the largest I have seen in captivity (33" i think) I would say you could get past with a 3' wide tank as long as it is LONG like 12' that way they have the standard 4 times the length of the fish and 1 time the width for turning.

Although a 4' wide would do alot better. but you're asking min.
 
The wider the better, I'm planning on a 12x4 wide tank as the permanent home for all my cichla. Your 220 will give you a couple of years max before it starts to get cramped in there..
 
I'm hoping that the 210 will be enough space until September next year, thats when I'm going to decide whether to buy an acrylic tank or just build one. The only problem with buying one is that all of the doors/openings in my house are 29" max. width, I'd have to widen the front door and knock down a wall to expand the living room to make way for the bigger acrylic tank. Or I can build the plywood tank in the basement and bring the pieces in which would be easier and cheaper but I've never built anything like that and frankly I'm a bit nervous about the prospect.
 
The True Guapote;2930260; said:
Ok guys, I'd like some honest opinions of what would be an acceptable tank size for an adult Temensis. I'm growing five out right now and they're small but they're gonna get big (eventually). They are in a standard 75 gallon tank (48" L x 18" W). I'm moving into a house in the next month/month and a half and they will then be moved to a 220 (72" L x 24" W). I'm wondering how long could I keep the group in there? I'd like to keep all five, I've seen a couple threads/posts of people's tank with an all Temensis school and I want to keep all of mine.
How long do you think all five could get along in a 220? By get along I mean at what size per fish would an upgraded tank be necessary? I am going to have heavy duty filtration, a DIY 55 gallon sump and a Fluval FX5 canister.
My next question is what size tank (realistically) would be suitable for the group? I was thinking of either an acrylic tank or a homemade plywood tank. The acrylic tank I was looking at was Tenecor's U400L (96" L x 36" W x 30" H). Or I would make their tank of plywood?
I am powerfeeding them right now twice daily and even in between because they're small and I want to get them past this vulnerable stage asap. I do bi-weekly water changes on them also in the area of 20% or more. When they go to the 220 it'll likely be weekly water changes of 30%.
Thanks to all, I love this forum and I look forward to conversing regarding my tank plans! -Chris
Click to expand...

I have the Tenecor 400gal one, 8'x3'x27" and I gotta say, that's one tank that gives you a lot of room to play around with fish. Realistically, I've started seeing 70cm+ Cichlas, and those cannot seriously be kept in a 2' wide tank.

Have in mind to upgrade to a deep tank like the one you mentioned, whatever your finances are, but to be honest, Tenecor has one kickass deal on the 535gal (8'x4'x30") and the price is 2900 something tank only. I'm a Tenecor dealer and that's one of the best choices available to hobbyists looking for a quick and easy upgrade.

All the best,
Marius
 
I'm leaning towards probably just building a tank. I like acrylic tanks but I think I'm going to need something pretty big in order to house these guys for life and I think based on econmics alone a plywood tank would give me the most tank space but I'm not going to rule out acrylic tank just yet.
Marius-thanks for that info, that tank footprint isn't bad, but I can see it now when these guys are 24"+ and get spooked and flick their tail and bash the other side of the tank. I'm thinking a 10' tank is the only way to go.
 
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