need some help

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dpool

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 8, 2006
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michigan
I'm kind of new to this whole thing and just want some input from you guys, you all sound like you really know what you're talking about lol

Just set up a 50 gal w/ a 110 w/d filter and I want to get some peacock bass in it, and was just looking for some suggestions. Once they get to a decent size I'm going to probably give them away or sell them if I can, because I know 50 gal is too small for pbass. I think the water temp should be like 80 or so, but not completely sure.

A friend of mine said to get some zebra danios to start the cycle with and then add the peacock's. Then maybe some silver dollars and a couple bottom feeders, was wondering what else you guys think could get along nice with them. And also do you guys think I should go w/ sand or gravel?

I'm open to any suggestions
 
I would keep the temp at 84, and have some aquarium salt on hand...

you could keep a few in that tank until they hit about 6". If you get them at 2" you might be able to keep them 3-4 months at the most

what is a 110 wet/dry?
 
I keep my water about 82. You could go gravel or sand depending on what look you like better. I have gravel in my tank. Regular water changes are a must, especially as they grow larger. I'd get them off feeders as soon as you can. I have heard of people having trouble doing this, but mine went nuts on bloodworms right out of the bag. I have also noticed that mine seem to grow in spurts, but they will grow fast so they won't last long in your 50 gallon.

As far as tankmates go, anything that they can not swallow should be alright. They have huge mouths though, so just be careful. Silver dollars should work - same with any bottom feeders that they can't eat.

Definately make sure your tank is cycled though. Zebra danios will work for that. Pbass can create a lot of waste, so if your tank isn't fully cylcled you will most likely wind up with some chemistry issues.

Good luck with them. They are sweet.
 
Well first let me just say that if your "goal" is simply to give them away or sell them once they get too big for you - maybe you should aim for a smaller species. As far as cycling your tank, some may say to add a piece of shrimp to allow it to rot, or to add some other smaller fish to help the cycle. Personally, especially considering the PB's sensitivity to water param's, I think you would be better of going the slow route, and allowing your tank to naturally hit the spikes and lows, gaining the solid structure, throughout the process with no "cycle-speeders" added. As far as the other fish (silver dollars, etc.)- instead of adding them after you add the PB, I would say add them first, as they can be a critical aid in determining your parameters, and overall tank stability. About substrate, I would go with sand, but thats just my opinion, I really hate gravel, lol.
 
I am the "friend" he speaks of, a 110 wet dry is newbie for an AC 110 power filter.

I tried to lead him in the right direction he had to get a smallish tank because he plans on moving within a year but really liked Pbass so I made sure he was way over filtering and instructed him to cycle the tank very well with danio's to "test the water".

I have a feeling when he moves he will get a giant tank and end up keeping these monsters ;) He has "the BUG" now
 
You should be fine. An AC 110 is more than enough for your 50 gal. tank. I only use an AC 70 on my 55s and raise a couple of 100s in them to 3 inch.

Just make sure your filter is cycled, the temp. in the 80 to 86 range, and plenty of aeration in the tank, and feed no more than twice a day.

Depending on how many fish you have in the tank, you may have to do at least a 30 % water change once a week.
 
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