New tank almost ready. Which is best for my ATF?

[johnnytaboo]

So I've been cycling my 144 gallon 1/2 circle aquarium. It's 5' at the longest; 29" at the widest; and 28" deep. I've been thinking this is where I'd put my little brevis as a grow out; however, I also have a 60"x18" 120 gallon I could put him in. I'd move the other fish and make it his exclusively (check my sig. for the stock).

I'm wondering, which would be better for my little guy for a longer time? I'm not making the switch for another week or two, but I'm just trying to plan for what's best for my little ATF.

Thanks for any suggestions,
John

 

[Adamson]

The 144 gallon sounds good. You could put some crazy flow in all directions there. Could you post a picture of the half-circle aquarium, I am having trouble picturing it in my mind!

 

[johnnytaboo]

Posting pics below. Tank has around 8x turnover with the 2000gph pump.



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[Slippery K]

As a growout, you could put him in either the 120 or the half circle, just depends what future stock plans you have.

 

[Adamson]

Hmm, I'm not sure which would be better than. I really like that look though!

 

[Slippery K]

Seems like the half circle tank would give him a larger foot print to turn once he gets a little bigger, although the 120 would offer more lateral swim space with a more consistent current, but less of a turning radius for the fish. So there are ups and downs to both really....

Typically for predators, a larger foot print is always better, but that isnt always the same for some species.

 

[johnnytaboo]

Thanks man. In regards to stock, it's just going to be the little Brevis. I MIGHT add the scomb if he outgrows his tank mates in the 120, but I'm not planning on putting anything else in the tank.


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[Slippery K]

Thanks man. In regards to stock, it's just going to be the little Brevis. I MIGHT add the scomb if he outgrows his tank mates in the 120, but I'm not planning on putting anything else in the tank.


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A scomb might work. Is the Brevis the smallest of the atf species? If not he may outgrow the scomb in time, they are also known to die off randomly around the 12" mark. If your looking for a payara tank mate long term, a tat would be a slightly better choice.

After some thought, I would personally use the 120, just for the 5' swim length.

 

[Chicxulub]

A scomb might work. Is the Brevis the smallest of the atf species? If not he may outgrow the scomb in time, they are also known to die off randomly around the 12" mark. If your looking for a payara tank mate long term, a tat would be a slightly better choice.

After some thought, I would personally use the 120, just for the 5' swim length.

Brevis get huge and mean as hell. They are in fact the only species of ATF that routinely kills and eats larger fish as a staple part of their diet. Forskahlii is the dwarf species that stays less than 18".

John, my recommendation would be the 120 with a retarded amount of current. Reference my guide thread for a schematic on how I have my flow set up. For an ATF only tank, that is the ideal way IMO. The 144 has a slightly wider footprint but is pinched at the corners and the ATF would likely have quite a bit of trouble with that. Plus, it would be hard to get a good, consistent laminar current in the 144.

 

[djaalix]

i would agree, the longer tank would be my first choice..... i can picture the ATF swimming into the corner of the circle tank, feeling trapped and freaking out leading to a lot of nose rubbing damage ... plus these fish can really swim fast so added length is helpful

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