Synspilum tank size

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Bigtdotcom

Bigtdotcom

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Oct 8, 2009
426
57
61
Gold Coast
What size thank is reccomended for adult breeding pair of Syns with no tank mates? I currently have a female that is about 9 inch + and recently seen a nice male for sale in my general area and he is about 12inch. Im temped to get him and attempt to pair them. Just wondering what the suggested tank size would be?
 
When I want have a breeding pair of cichlids, I usually get a 8 to 10 juvies, raise them up in a tank the size I mention above, and allow them to choose mates among the group. For smaller cichlids 2 pair might work in a 6ft tank. Vieja seem to require more space, so once the pair coalesces, I usually remove the others to a tank right next to the pairs tank, so they can see each other, this seems to help solidify the pair bond.
I have occasionally been able to match a male and a female by just putting them together, but its usually about a 50/50 chance one will be killed.
 
I've bred that size in a 55 gallon, but you need to watch them you could have a fatality. I seperated them with eggcrate and then released them to spawn. It's not ideal though, the width is too narrow a 75 would be better or as above a six foot tank
 
I'm doing a 180. I'm debating on syns or some other type. I'd say you want 2ft width instead of 18. I've seen some stout syns
 
I realize I didn't give a direct answer in my previous post, and agree with the others that a 6 ft by 18" tank would be best (Height not so important), and even then, you should either be ready with a divider, or another tank for (probably) the male if things so south.
For the fry (if you want to raise a number of them) as they grow, another small 3 tanks or so, to separate the largest from the medium, and smaller fry. Without the separate spaces, the largest, usually kill and eat the smaller. It would also be a good idea to start the separate fry tanks right away, and get a good crop of algae growing in each, with plenty to graze on, the fry are not as apt to kill each other.
 
  • Like
Reactions: butchie
I am getting back into CA cichlids currently and I am doing what you do or suggested duanes. I've got a bunch of young ones I'm growing out. The fish in my icon was the male of the pair I bred in the 55. That just so happened to work out, but watching them they were either going to spawn or kill each other or both lol. I had pretty limited tank space at the time but I did have a 4x3' cubeish tank to move them to I just didnt want them killing everyone else in there while spawning. It's hard to just have a tank or 2 and spawn big cichlids in my experience. You need tanks to move fish around in to deal with agression, and also like duanes said you need something to grow fry in. I use rubbermaid type containers with sponge filters, IDK the gallonage but I would guess they hold in the low 20 gallons. Typically you are feeding the crap out of the fry and doing heavy water changes. I like the heavy algae growth suggestion, I hadnt thought of that
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom