Really wanting some cichla, but..

[JC_P]

Ok, so after some serious thinking, I have now determined that I would really like to have a group of p-bass. The only thing is I don't know/think if my tank is big enough to house them. I have a 72" x 20" x 20" 125g; it's really only 4" off on 2 measurements from a 180g. There are even some small-medium sized orino's at one of my lfs' right now for sale; one of my personal favs. So before I go out and buy some, would this aquarium suffice, or am I still shopping for a bigger tank?!

P.S - A general group # would be nice too! Thanks in advance.

 

[rgonzales]

In my opinion long term Tank will not suffice. 180 wouldnt even be big enough for a full grown one

 

[haynchinook334]

There is no cichla sp. that will stay under 24". I personally like to keep the TL of the fish at max size In the wild of that of tanked grown. But, there are bass you can keep in there for a while, but a 180gal would be prime.

 

[JC_P]

The biggest I can go is a 6' x 2' x 2.5' 220g, anything bigger is out of the question right now; I still have doubts with that size too though..

 

[JC_P]

There is no cichla sp. that will stay under 24". I personally like to keep the TL of the fish at max size In the wild of that of tanked grown. But, there are bass you can keep in there for a while, but a 180gal would be prime.

How long could I keep them in the 125g before needing to upgrade? I have seen another member on here say that his went from 2" to a foot in about 2yrs.

 

[haynchinook334]

Depends on the sp. you get. I have had monos, ocells tems and pinimas that grew to 14"-18" in the firsts year. Kelberi's and orino's can grow to 12" the first year.

 

[gangster]

imo a 220 is good enough for an average monster fish keeper to hold a 3 orino's.....or 3 kelberis.

 

[Houdini89]

Start with Orino's, they grow slow as hell......Good luck

 

[dales]

Start small.. As they grow, you upgrade bro..

 

[agressive fisherpro]

my friend has 1 in a 20 gal and hes about 3-4 inches