new to gars

[hammy and waf]

i was trying to plan a tank and the plan is to put in a black arowana and some oscars, a peacock bass and probably a catfish also. the tank will probably be 8'x4'x3'. the question is what kind of gar/s can i put in this tank?

 

[xander]

size wise, everything except alligator gars
behaviour wise, exerything but gators and shortnoses

but bear in mind it's a better idea to grow them out slowly in proportinate tanks, eg 6" gars in 2' tanks, 15" gars in 4' tanks, 20" gars in 6' and up tanks

hope that helps

 

[hammy and waf]

thanks, but what would be the disadvantage to putting them in the big tank from the start? do i have to do that? anyways, i think the gar that looks best for my tank is the spotted gar, what do you think?

 

[xander]

thanks, but what would be the disadvantage to putting them in the big tank from the start? do i have to do that? anyways, i think the gar that looks best for my tank is the spotted gar, what do you think?

yes, spotted gars are generally the best for beginners, as along with tropical gars, they stay relativly small and are more docile and stable. also pretty hardy and not too sensitive to changes in water parameters.

large tank and small gars means that the gars have the space to gather enough speed so that should they get freaked out. hence, if they do get spooked, they might just decide to swim right into the tank walls, and as they are able to gather enough speed, break their backs.

furthermore with such a large tank, finding food would probably be a lil harder than in a smaller tank, this is only a secondary reason though..

 

[demjor19]

i was trying to plan a tank and the plan is to put in a black arowana and some oscars, a peacock bass and probably a catfish also. the tank will probably be 8'x4'x3'. the question is what kind of gar/s can i put in this tank?

another thing is...you really want to avoid aggressive tankmates. as mentioned above a florida/spotted or tropical gar probably would be your best bet. these are typical recommendations for gar noobies.

 

[demjor19]

yes, spotted gars are generally the best for beginners, as along with tropical gars, they stay relativly small and are more docile and stable. also pretty hardy and not too sensitive to changes in water parameters.

large tank and small gars means that the gars have the space to gather enough speed so that should they get freaked out. hence, if they do get spooked, they might just decide to swim right into the tank walls, and as they are able to gather enough speed, break their backs.

furthermore with such a large tank, finding food would probably be a lil harder than in a smaller tank, this is only a secondary reason though..

i think this only really an issue for very small gar.

 

[KaraJo]

I believe your biggest issue could be feeding...the pbass, oscars, and catfish could be agressive at feeding time and try to steal all of the food. If this becomes an issue, you may need to put up a temp. divider during feeding time or try a feeding stick to make sure the gar gets the food.

 

[demjor19]

I believe your biggest issue could be feeding...the pbass, oscars, and catfish could be agressive at feeding time and try to steal all of the food. If this becomes an issue, you may need to put up a temp. divider during feeding time or try a feeding stick to make sure the gar gets the food.

we know all about this! i agree though...this will almost surely become an issue.

i dont even think the feeding stick would help in this case...the cichlids would more than likely beat the gar to it. a divider is the best solution i can think of for this issue...aside from not housing these types of fish together. which most will recommend.

 

[Weylin]

Just get a big gar...

 

[demjor19]

i was trying to plan a tank and the plan is to put in a black arowana and some oscars, a peacock bass and probably a catfish also. the tank will probably be 8'x4'x3'. the question is what kind of gar/s can i put in this tank?

one more thing...define catfish. small catfish should be fine, but if you are thinking TSN, RTC, etc...the gar will be toast.