Setting up tank specifically for FH (need answers)

[dsubaru]

first off I'm new to this forum but I'm really getting into it. I'l be sure to keeping checking out...

In the near future I plan on starting up a new tank for a flower horn... Here is what I plan on doing and I'm looking for feedback.

Hardware
​

75 gallon AGA Tank (back and bottom painted black)
Fluval 405 canister filter rated for 75gallons
Eheim Submersible Heater
Coralife 50/50 fixture

questions
​

1. I've read that FH's prefer a colorful background. I'm very fond of black background and plan on going with a bare bottom with either terra cotta pots or drift wood. So would it be recommended to go with a solid color background?

2. Since flower horns are so aggressive would algae be an issue since I cannot put a pleco in the tank?

3. Would a 130w coralife fixture with 50/50 bulbs be too much for a FH configuration?

4. Any suggestions of other forums out there that specialize in FH and their care?

 

[AGflowerhorn]

Hi Dsubaru, I see you are new to this site as I am. I keep a few FHs myself so maybe I can help you. I haven't noticed my FHs respond to different backround color types but a darker color will help contrast natural colors and help them stand out. You can keep algae under control by not allowing direct sunlight on your tank and limiting the time your lights are on. The 50/50 light is more of a marine light but it will work for your tank. As for any other tank mates I found their aggression levels to only allow 1 fish per tank. FHs produce alot of bio waste so another filter would help your setup also.
If you want more info I can provide you with addresses to FH sites if you would like. I am not sure about the rules on this forum about links to other forums so I am at AGflowerhorn at hotmail

 

[danz]

You in for it

Some feedback:
Any idea on size and strain of flowerhorn your going to go with?

You starting off with a good tank size but whats the overall dimensions? longer/deeper > taller

If this is the only fish you may be ok with that filter but flowerhorns respond better to high quality water so might want to add an HOB to the mix to be safe. Also if your going with a KAMFA (parrotxflowerhorn) add coral chips to the fluval.

Flowerhorns are monsters and since they like warmer water they get right up on the heater and burn them selves so see if you can find or build a cover for the heater.


1) Depends on the fish but sometimes you can get away with black as long as there is other color in the tank and light substrate. You best bet is a multicolor background like you get at the LFS but get one with a black back so you can check to see how the fish responds. I would no use driftwood as this can bring down your pH and most FH respond better to higher pH. If you get a young fh keep the decorations to a minimum, the more place they can hide the more they will. By keeping an fairly open tank with a plastic plant or 2 for them to hide will help them warm up to you and be more friendly.

2) Depends on the fish but if you get the FH young and keep him with a pleco (get a common or other cheap one, no zebras here) and prob wont have may issues with the fish just make sure if the FH wakes up on the wrong side of the tank the pleco has a hiding place. With the wattage of your lights algae is something you need to think about.

3) On my tanks I like a combo of 50/50 lights and a pink freshwater bulb, the setup you have is very much overkill but if you have it use it. How many bulbs are in that config?

4) I know MFK is just getting going on hybrids but there are some forums out there dedicated to these fish. Its good to share knowledge so if you do learn from these forums please share with MFK members

www.flowerhorncraze.com - I am the admin so of course have to put first
www.flowerhornrusforum.com - A group of cool cats

Hope that answered some of your questions, and welcome to the last fish you will ever own!

 

[AGflowerhorn]

Yeah, please disregard whatever I said. I know who Danz is and he knows much more then I do. A great flowerhorn is one of the most beautiful sights in the aquatic world. He is right about the last fish you will ever own. And also the sites he posted are priceless for knowledge on FHs. I wish you good luck with the adventure of a first time FH owner.

 

[Natalie]

I would recommend more filtration for that size tank. I have a Fluval 405 and it's a pretty weak filter, especially for that volume. I know it says it's rated for 75g but with most cichlids you should strive for your gph filtration to be 10-times the tank volume. So for a 75g tank you should want at least 750 gph of total filtration.

If you already have your 405, then I'd say you could add a large HOB filter and be done. If not, I'd suggest getting a Fluval FX5 from ebay-- you can buy them for $180 and that includes shipping. I can PM the user name of the seller I've bought two perfect FX5's from (and he's in California so you'd get it quickly too). I'm in Alabama and it still arrived 2 days after I won the auction!

 

[dsubaru]

Thx for the reply's everyone....

I'm not sure on what type of FH I'll be getting. In Sacramento there are a couple places that have pretty good stock. I'm still learning about the different strains available.

Some have more pearls while others have more of a flowerline right? At this point I'm not really into the gold FH strains.

I already scratched the driftwood idea after doing some more reading. And I have plans on placing crushed coral in one of the baskets on the Fluval.

I also have a Emporer 280 at home that I'll use as a secondary filtration source.

I've already considered a different light fixture for less wattage. I'm likely going to get a GlO-T5 fixture which has a 54watt bulb. I'll see if I can find a colormax bulb to place inside the fixture.

I'll get a piece of PVC or something to guard My FH from Heater burns.

Regarding the background I'm thinking that I'll paint the back black or blue and the bottom definatly black and use Monterey sand as the substrate. similiar to what is shown below.

Also I hear that they respond to mirrors well. I was condering placing a couple mirrors under the tank for the flowerhorn to check himself out through the glass bottom. Woudl this be advisable?

 

[dsubaru]

btw the tank is 48" long 18" deep and 24" tall.

 

[danz]

If you up in that area and are willing to drive a little check with Julie from www.flowerhornsfrombeyond.com ,she always has good stuff in at great prices. I grow outs blue (back and bottom) and throw in some rocks, coral and lava rock to play with. As far as mirrors go, if you have a fish that has the possibility for a water KOK then I would add a mirror hanging in the tank, but all you need is 1.

 

[dsubaru]

Danz.. thx for the information...

as mentioned before I was toying with the idea of going for a coralife fixture or a Hagen Glo T5 fixture.

I like the overall design of the coralife fixture. The one I'm considering has two 65w 50/50 bulbs.

The T5 fixture comes with either 1 54w bulb or 2 54 bulbs. but I dont like the design as much.

which would you recommend?

 

[danz]

I would go with a 2 bulbs configuration so you can play with the bulbs to find the best combo to bring out the color in the fish. If the fish you have has a blue pearl base the 50/50 will bring it out and the pink freshwater bulb bring out the reds in the fish and its stunning. I use the coralife T5s on my 125g with a black back and I dont like the stock bulb configuration.