Size of tank for a RTC

[MBH]

Hi and hello I'm new here
Can anyone tell me what size tank is recommended as minimum for a Red Tailed Catfish. I know they can grow huge so I am aware the tank will be huge but any ideas regarding a minimum would be appreciated.
Any views from owners of large Red Tail Cats especially appreciated, ta in advance MBH

 

[Oddball]

Welcome to MFK!!!

In all honesty, a 500 gal is probably too small, in the long run, for a RTC to live in for life. I had my 2+footer in a 450 and could already see it's tank was grossly undersized as compared to it's potential. But, stand by for an eyeful since opinions on RTC housing vary widely.

 

[MBH]

Thanks for your input. What size was your 450 ie length, width and height. Feet, inches or cm's are all fine.

 

[cichlaguapote]

IMO huge. I don't want to say the number in my head cause most will have a heart attack.

 

[Oddball]

I'd have to run over to the hatchery to verify the size. But, it's 35F outside so, I'll guess my 450s are 80" in diameter and 25-26" tall.

 

[Boydo]

I had one a few years ago and it out grew my 280 in about 8 months, and ate anything that would fit in his mouth. These awesome fish are truley best for city aquariums, where I have seen them over 4 feet in lengh. As for a minimum size a 1000 gal may do, but 2000 gal would be more on target, this is if you plan on keeping one for it's life.

 

[Bgonz]

I had one a few years ago and it out grew my 280 in about 8 months,

I must have bad city water or something.

I've kept a RTC for almost 8 years in a 180 gallon 6'x24"x24" tank.He was over 32" long when he died due to a power outage, but he was healthy as a horse, and could easily turn around. I understand the conditions were not ideal, but they are very dueable. I would suggest buying the largest tank you can afford and maintain. Everyone seems to think RTC's will grow to 4+ feet in a home aquarium, but my experience tells me differently. I have yet to grow one larger than 3' and he was in a 2500 gallon indoor pond for 5 years.

JMO's


I guess it has to do with my city water



bob

 

[Sunpoe]

16'x4'x3' would probably be my min.

 

[ethnics]

mines gonna live in a 8x2.5x2.5 and i guess we'll see how long it takes and how big it gets before he seems to big.

 

[Bderick67]

Aquarium tank for a RTC? Well I think you'd be looking at something around 1200 gallons. Probably a pond would do him better than a tank. I wouldn't atempt to keep one myself, but they are marvelous fish indeed.