New guy, planned Midas setup

[JAX3000]

Hi,

I’m new here, so I thought I’d say hi and run my planned setup past you.

I currently have an empty 340litre 90US Gallon tank which I intend to be home to a solitary Amphilophus citrinellus.

Previously it was a planted community including some beautiful Thorichthys maculipinnis, but now I’m starting again, I’ve decided to go a different route and I’ve always liked the beefier CA Cichlids and having seen a couple of Midas over the years, I’ve decided that’s the one for me.

I plan for sand, maybe one piece of wood and a few large smooth rocks... simple. I like creamsicle / piebald colouration. I’d like F1 so I at least THINK I can be certain what it actually is. I’ll source from a reputable breeder.

I have so many questions to ask you more experienced folks, but I don’t want to pile them all into one post so as to keep it simple.


So, for now, Hi...! and if you have any words of wisdom, I’d be grateful for any advice.

 

[justarn]

Hi, welcome to mfk'. Sounds like a nice setup for him, I'm guessing it's a 4ft tank? If so go for a male in the future you may want to upgrade but that'll be a few years. I've kept and bred many Midas/rd over the years and you have made a great choice, probably a good idea to buy half a dozen and keep your favourite when they have peeled, are you familiar with how a Midas peels?
Basically it's a colour change, although Midas change throughout their lives most seem to settle to a basic colour around 4-5 inch.
If you plan on a loan fish you will be better getting the six so 1. You definitely get a male 2.you can pick the most out going, you don't want a nervous wet pet 3.6 plus with help avoid aggression, less than 6 and damage and deaths will be more likely.
Once you know which one you want sell the other 5.
They grow fairly quickly so expect 8-10 inch in year 1, 11-12 by year 3, 14" max if your lucky.
Keep in mind they aren't predatory dustbins like Oscars or butti so feeding usually ends up pellets and the odd prawn or mussel but they more than make up for it if you get a good one, glass banging and general feral behaviour lol.
Post some pics of the setup!-)

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

What I would do, (creamsicle as well) if I only had one 90. But I would go for a pair - I’ve had good luck with pvc pipe the girl can get into and he can’t. I’d also put a robust synodontis or African that has a few small places to hide. It will give him something to chase that he likely won’t hurt and build that pair bond.

 

[JAX3000]

Thanks for your reply justarn, you just started answering my questions before I even asked!

Firstly, the tank is almost 4 foot, it’s about 44 x 21 x 24 inches or 110 x 55 x 60 cm.

I’m glad you mentioned growing out 6 till I can choose one. I wasn’t sure if they’d be more likely to kill each other before they’d developed enough to make a meaningful choice, so I’m relieved to see this is a good plan, as it’s what isn’t hoped to do.

Yes I’m familiar (ish) with pealing. I don’t fully understand the colour vairiants and how and when it all happens, but that may be a whole nother thread... I love the variation from fish to fish and I’d love to be able to choose one, though I’d probably go more on size and temperament than colour.

I LOVE Midas, so I’m extremely excited. One that I one in the shop was trying to eat my 2 year old son who thought he was “coming to say hello” haha!

 

[JAX3000]

What I would do, (creamsicle as well) if I only had one 90. But I would go for a pair - I’ve had good luck with pvc pipe the girl can get into and he can’t. I’d also put a robust synodontis or African that has a few small places to hide. It will give him something to chase that he likely won’t hurt and build that pair bond.

Thanks NW Cichlid Keith!
Wow! I’d love a pair and maybe even an additional fish, but frankly with the limited space and my limited experience of very aggressive cichlids, I think I’ll stick to a solo fish.
I like the idea of pipe she will fit in, but he won’t...! Still, my only other tank is a 70litre community, so if it all kicked off I would be stuck for a plan B.

 

[justarn]

Well I wouldn't attempt a pair personally, mainly due to having to find homes for the 300 or so baby's you grow to saleable size each spawn... It's not easy and you will soon be overun unless you live near a large wholesaler who will take them...
I would do a smaller plec like l001 if you really want a tank mate.

 

[JAX3000]

Well I wouldn't attempt a pair personally, mainly due to having to find homes for the 300 or so baby's you grow to saleable size each spawn... It's not easy and you will soon be overun unless you live near a large wholesaler who will take them...
I would do a smaller plec like l001 if you really want a tank mate.

No, I don’t feel confident to attempt a pair anyway, more in case they fell out and I had to pull one out in a hurry...
And the reason I’d probably not add a plec or indeed probably not add any other fish is my concern of Nitrates creeping up too quickly. I’d love a nice fat l001 chilling in the corner, but think of that plus an adult Midas, regardless of filtration, it all ends up as Nitrate, right?
I’ve accepted that this is going to be a solo tank and I recon a nice Midas will do...

 

[justarn]

Good choice