Thinking about a Flowerhorn...

[jwitty]

Been starting to think about getting a Flowerhorn possibly soon and bring him with me to college in my house next term as a pet to have there. I’m new to cichlids in general so I don’t know much about them. I’ve been reading some online and just cruising the forums for more info. Some people say other stuff so I’d just like to get some basic info if possible. There’s a guy that breeds super red dragon flowerhorns and sells them for 20 each. I thought that seemed pretty fair seeing that they go anywhere from 10 to a couple hundred. Anyway, I’d just like some basic info on them like a good tank size for raising them, when it would be fully grown, what can be in the tank and what can’t (substrate, decorations, etc) and what they like for food, and whatever else I’d need to know. Thanks guys. Also would be cool to see some of your guys flowerhorns and tell me what kind they are I’d like to get more knowledge on them. Thanks

 

[Mr geophagus]

Little to no decorations. No sharp decorative, flower horns will hurt themselves on them. As for substrate, Bare bottom is best, but sand or gravel are fine too. You should feed slow sinking pellets and food sticks, as well as occasional live foods in the form of live fish. Neutral Ph. Kh and Gh of 3 - 4 ish. No tankmates in aquariums less than 120 gallons. Tank mates in proper size tanks include Oscars, jack dempseys, green terrors, Texas cichlids, and other large and equally robust tankmates. Just make sure to provide enough space, food, filtration, and coverage to decrease aggression. As for filtration, canisters work best.

 

[jwitty]

Little to no decorations. No sharp decorative, flower horns will hurt themselves on them. As for substrate, Bare bottom is best, but sand or gravel are fine too. You should feed slow sinking pellets and food sticks, as well as occasional live foods in the form of live fish. Neutral Ph. Kh and Gh of 3 - 4 ish. No tankmates in aquariums less than 120 gallons. Tank mates in proper size tanks include Oscars, jack dempseys, green terrors, Texas cichlids, and other large and equally robust tankmates. Just make sure to provide enough space, food, filtration, and coverage to decrease aggression. As for filtration, canisters work best.

Would a 75 gallon standard with a canister filter work good just for one Flowerhorn?

 

[Aquatic Aggression]

I always go for an aquaclear or fluval c4 in addition to canisters. The quicker less restricted hang on back filter will pick up more floating debris and make it look cleaner. They are easier to clean and it means you can clean your canister less.

 

[Tomt28]

 

[Tomt28]

View attachment 1362965

Do it.m you wont regret it.. water changes at the start are key and treat any new fish with kusuri wormer.. dont feed live fish and keep alone

 

[islandguy11]

Would a 75 gallon standard with a canister filter work good just for one Flowerhorn?

Yes a 75 gallon with an appropriately sized canister would be fine for 1 FH, though I'd also think about adding an internal filter or powerhead for added filtration/water flow (and/or likewise an air stone or two).

I'm sure you'll be busy with school/social life, but hopefully you'll still have time to do a weekly or max bi-weekly 30-50% water change, your FH will be healthier and happier; if you neglect his tank/water he'll surely develop some health problems like Hole in the Head, which you really, really want to avoid.

For diet just stick with a variety of quality cichlid pellets, like NLS, Northfin and Hikari (e.g. Blood Red Parrot, Bio-Gold and Cichlid staple) -- no need for 'special' Flowerhorn foods. Also avoid too much in the way of overly high protein foods and esp. never give live feeder fish.

That's my best advice in 2 minutes Best of luck!

 

[Nilsafeller]

Would a 75 gallon standard with a canister filter work good just for one Flowerhorn?

75 is perfect size for one... like the original reply by Mr geophagus except I wouldnt do feeder fish... worms would be good or crickets even... but a good staple pellet for the most part... 30% waterchange a week and DONT overfeed... hybrid are terrible for parasite and intestinal problems when overfed.... here a pic of monzie before he passed... hes a srd about 10 months old

 

[Mr geophagus]

R.I.P.

 

[jwitty]

Yes a 75 gallon with an appropriately sized canister would be fine for 1 FH, though I'd also think about adding an internal filter or powerhead for added filtration/water flow (and/or likewise an air stone or two).

I'm sure you'll be busy with school/social life, but hopefully you'll still have time to do a weekly or max bi-weekly 30-50% water change, your FH will be healthier and happier; if you neglect his tank/water he'll surely develop some health problems like Hole in the Head, which you really, really want to avoid.

For diet just stick with a variety of quality cichlid pellets, like NLS, Northfin and Hikari (e.g. Blood Red Parrot, Bio-Gold and Cichlid staple) -- no need for 'special' Flowerhorn foods. Also avoid too much in the way of overly high protein foods and esp. never give live feeder fish.

That's my best advice in 2 minutes Best of luck!

I should have enough time on weekends to change the water so that shouldn’t be a problem. I’m going to post pictures the breeder sent me. If anyone has any way of knowing if they are male or female let me know. Ill post a separate post for the pics...