Newbie to Poly species

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Setherson

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 23, 2018
12
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Hi all,

Title kind of explains it. I am looking at the different poly species and I can't find information that has similar enough details on the approx size or care condition. I just recently came across these awesome creatures while browsing at my lfs. I would love to turn my tank into a home for different bichirs, but haven't fully made the commitment yet as information discrepancies kind of dilute what I should really know before getting the equipment for it.

I guess starting off, what website or forum post in your opinion has the most reliable info on the different species in terms of adult size of WC or CB, temp, pH, other water chemistry, and misc details?

P.S. I have read through the stickys already on this thread section, but it conflicts with info from different websites and my lfs(not by much, but enough to raise concern).
 
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Setherson said:
Hi all,

Title kind of explains it. I am looking at the different poly species and I can't find information that has similar enough details on the approx size or care condition. I just recently came across these awesome creatures while browsing at my lfs. I would love to turn my tank into a home for different bichirs, but haven't fully made the commitment yet as information discrepancies kind of dilute what I should really know before getting the equipment for it.

I guess starting off, what website or forum post in your opinion has the most reliable info on the different species in terms of adult size of WC or CB, temp, pH, other water chemistry, and misc details?

P.S. I have read through the stickys already on this thread section, but it conflicts with info from different websites and my lfs(not by much, but enough to raise concern).
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard

This is by far the best Forum imo. You will be bombarded with plenty of experience and info from great knowledgeable members soon.
 
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tlindsey said:
Welcome aboard

This is by far the best Forum imo. You will be bombarded with plenty of experience and info from great knowledgeable members soon.
Click to expand...
tlindsey tlindsey yep I'm pretty sure BOMBARDED is the best word to use! Many MFK members here, including myself, own bichirs-polys, as we sometimes call them. If you need help, look to J jaws7777 , Troy1015 Troy1015 , magpie magpie , myself, or any others who are part of the growing poly crew on MFK. Welcome!
 
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For some of the questions like temp any thing from mid 70's f to low 80's is good. Typically a ph of 7.2-7.8 is good stability is more important. As for other water chemistry same as any fish cleaner the better. As for size differences in cb vs wc the difference is negligable.
You looking at lower jaw species or upper jaw?
Ljs tend to get much bigger in length and girth then ujs and quicker too. Except for the "big 3" of the ujs weeksi, teugelsi, ornate. As a general rule expect your poly to achieve around 60-75% of their max size in about a year. So if you are planning the I'm going to upgrade this tank shortly just get them the bigger tank now.
As tlindsey tlindsey stated alot of knowledge right here in this sub forum.
Welcome!
 
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thefredpit said:
this is BY FAR the best place for bichir info.

as far as sizes here is a good chartView attachment 1295598
Click to expand...



That chart is the kind of thing I was looking for! Thank you!

I am just looking at ujs as of now. I only have a 125g tank and don't want to run the risk of not being able to comfortably care for the larger birchirs.

Any of the ujs species in particular I should avoid as a poly beginner?
 
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Setherson said:
That chart is the kind of thing I was looking for! Thank you!

I am just looking at ujs as of now. I only have a 125g tank and don't want to run the risk of not being able to comfortably care for the larger birchirs.

Any of the ujs species in particular I should avoid as a poly beginner?
Click to expand...
Probably any of the big 3. All though teugs are pretty cool and seem to be easy to feed. Dels are great, hit a good size not huge but a little bigger the the averge uj. Polli, sen, albino are all pretty active and good easy polys. Mokes, butts, palmas tend to be hiders and sometimes finicky eaters. Retropinnis I don't know alot about but my guess is hider.
 
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twentyleagues said:
Probably any of the big 3. All though teugs are pretty cool and seem to be easy to feed. Dels are great, hit a good size not huge but a little bigger the the averge uj. Polli, sen, albino are all pretty active and good easy polys. Mokes, butts, palmas tend to be hiders and sometimes finicky eaters. Retropinnis I don't know alot about but my guess is hider.
Click to expand...

lol jinx
 
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