New poly need a bit of advice

[Spence]

I was going through my local fish store and came across what I think is an Ornate Bichir. The guy said he's had him for a while and needed to move it so he offered him up for $20. I've been considering getting a Bichir but wasn't quite ready with tank space. So for now he will need to grow out in my empty 29 gallon (I'll be cleaning out a 75 gallon within a couple weeks). Since this guy is tiny I didn't want to add in with my green terrors as he looks like he could easily be lunch.

So how quick do these guys typically grow? How long will he be ok in a 75 gallon before I need to move him again? Is a 90 enough or does he need a 6 foot tank? I didn't want to jump into getting this guy without more research, but I couldn't pass up that deal.

 

[twentyleagues]

It is an ornate. Its really cute! He could live in the 75 for quite a while but could live in a 120 forever. He should probably be around 10 to 12" in a year.

 

[tlindsey]

Nice little Ornate. You have a little time in the 29 gallon before transferring to the 75 gallon. What is the dimension of your 90 gallon. My largest Ornate grew to a length of 18 inches and girth of about 3 inches. The Ornate was in my 180 gallon 2×72×2.

 

[Polyaddict86]

1” per month, usually slows down at 12”-15”

 

[Spence]

The 90 needs to be resealed and I'll only do it if it would work long term. It's basically the same dimensions as a75 gallon except taller. Pretty sure its still just 48 inches long.

 

[tlindsey]

Very crucial to leave a 1-2 inch gap at the surface so the Ornate so it can take in air if you didn't know this already.

 

[twentyleagues]

The 90 needs to be resealed and I'll only do it if it would work long term. It's basically the same dimensions as a75 gallon except taller. Pretty sure its still just 48 inches long.

If its a standard 90 then you are correct.
Like I said a standard 120 4x2x2 would be perfect long term.

 

[tlindsey]

The 90 needs to be resealed and I'll only do it if it would work long term. It's basically the same dimensions as a75 gallon except taller. Pretty sure its still just 48 inches long.

I personally would just wait and get the 120 gallon or larger aquarium.

 

[jaws7777]

Get him on a quality pellet and chopped tilapia (small pieces) along with large water changes and it will put on size in no time

 

[Spence]

Speaking of feeding...how good are these guys at finding food. Can I just drop some in or do I need to target feed? And what is the preferred pellet food for polys? I got Cichlid gold and some NLS.