The Next Step for my Osphronemus

[SourAngelfish]

Hi all, here is the new 180 gallon that will be housing my 16-17 inch giant gourami. I’ve never been a fan of bare tanks and provided this nice/thin piece of wood that will allow the gourami to completely mask herself if she wishes to do so. I have had some smaller fish with her and plan to possibly add some garra/CAE to keep the rocks cleaned/additional action.

would love to hear any and all thoughts! This tank will be housing her for the next 2-4 years depending on how much she grows. I keep her on a very minimal protein diet which has given me consistent yet slowed growth without actively stunting the fish through impeded water quality or space.

 

[SourAngelfish]

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Hi all, here is the new 180 gallon that will be housing my 16-17 inch giant gourami. I’ve never been a fan of bare tanks and provided this nice/thin piece of wood that will allow the gourami to completely mask herself if she wishes to do so. I have had some smaller fish with her and plan to possibly add some garra/CAE to keep the rocks cleaned/additional action.

would love to hear any and all thoughts! This tank will be housing her for the next 2-4 years depending on how much she grows. I keep her on a very minimal protein diet which has given me consistent yet slowed growth without actively stunting the fish through impeded water quality or space.

Also worth noting the tank isn’t 100% finished as it still has a second canister rated for 250 gal tank and two 75 gal rated sponge filters to be added. I need as much biofiltration as possible. Thankfully in the 150 gal with half the amount of filtration, I could consistently keep nitrate below 40ppm

 

[SourAngelfish]

we’re in!

 

[jjohnwm]

Beautiful fish; I love these guys. One of my all-time favourites.

I have only owned one and that was back in the 80's and 90's. He was a plain grey version, very docile and non-aggressive towards anything except other Osphronemus, which he absolutely would not tolerate. He would not bother even the smallest tankmates, and he would not be pushed around by even the largest and most aggressive ones. But...he had a thing for sponge filters; they were one of his favourite foods.

Not saying yours will be the same way, these fish are all individuals with completely different aggression levels, behaviours and appetites. Just mentioning it as something to be on the lookout for. Mine was single-handedly responsible for convincing me to construct my very first sump, so in retrospect his weird taste in foods was a blessing in disguise.

 

[SourAngelfish]

Beautiful fish; I love these guys. One of my all-time favourites.

I have only owned one and that was back in the 80's and 90's. He was a plain grey version, very docile and non-aggressive towards anything except other Osphronemus, which he absolutely would not tolerate. He would not bother even the smallest tankmates, and he would not be pushed around by even the largest and most aggressive ones. But...he had a thing for sponge filters; they were one of his favourite foods.

Not saying yours will be the same way, these fish are all individuals with completely different aggression levels, behaviours and appetites. Just mentioning it as something to be on the lookout for. Mine was single-handedly responsible for convincing me to construct my very first sump, so in retrospect his weird taste in foods was a blessing in disguise.

Thank you, mine is extremely selective on what can and can't live with it. It has eaten several fish and spared others. Mine has eaten half a sponge filter funny enough, and then quit.

 

[SourAngelfish]

Tank is going well. Already steadily holding around 10ppm nitrate and 0amm/0nitrite

Currently quarantining some crossocheilus and garra rufa to add to the tank. I have lots of hiding spots in the huge mounds of rocks and I’d love to see some activity within them. I’m content if they get eaten somehow though

 

[SourAngelfish]

 

[jjohnwm]

Good thing you have that foam wrapped around the filter intake...wouldn't want that little thing to get sucked up through the coarse strainer...

 

[SourAngelfish]

This setup could not be going better. All of the algae eaters along with the community of small gouramis are doing excellent.

 

[12 Volt Man]

awesome!!