Thinking of a doing a Fahaka setup.

[mrrobxc]

Hey guys,

On my search to continually try new setups, I stumbled upon these cool creatures. I've been clearing out some of my tanks as I prepare to start a family with a baby boy on the way and I'm thinking of opening up my 150 for a Fahaka.

My plan is to scape the tank with lace rock piled up along the ground with some large pieces of wood overhanging from one end to the other. There will be some live plants and some floating plants to give the tank some additional visual interest and color.

The lace rock will produce lots of little caves and a few larger ones along with a large shaded spot created by the wood.

I wanted to add some small west African cichlids like Jewel cichlids in there so they can hide in the smaller caves and dash about. Plus, I think the red color from them will liven up the tank and give my Fahaka something to chase.

Please let me know your opinions if you think this will work. Thanks!

 

[Empyreal]

I own a fahaka. Your jewel cichlids will dissappear

 

[Fat Homer]

I kind of agree with Empyreal, any tankmates with a Fahaka is a true gamble...

Some will tollerate tankmates to an extent, while others wont hestitate to kill anyone the minute they venture into their tank...

My old fahaka lived quite happily with 1 yellow lab chiclid (after he learnt his lession) but murdered plenty of other tankmates in the early days...

So i would say, if you have a spare tank, and are willing to watch your tank like a hawk you can try experimenting, but just know rhat chances are it most likely wont work out depending on ur puffers personality...

 

[mrrobxc]

Thanks guys. I'll get a few and see what happens. Lots of hiding places will be provided.

 

[Fat Homer]

^ lots of hiding places the puffer cant access but smaller fish can will definitely help, just make sure your puffer cant hurt itself though if it charges towards the fish in those hidden areas and you should be good to go...

I say this only because my girl used to get scratches on her body from sometimes trying to fit into areas she couldnt get into...

 

[Achilles1763]

It's worth a go depending on the age/size of the fahaka you get. My 14 inches lives happily in a large cichlid comm tank. I did a thread on this a few weeks ago if your interested in my version of this 'experiment'. Good luck

 

[mrrobxc]

It's worth a go depending on the age/size of the fahaka you get. My 14 inches lives happily in a large cichlid comm tank. I did a thread on this a few weeks ago if your interested in my version of this 'experiment'. Good luck

Thank you. I'm going to setup the tank today and move some stuff around. The Fahaka comes on Tuesday. I'll add the jewels later on down the road.

 

[mrrobxc]

Mine is going to be eight inches.

 

[Achilles1763]

Eight inches from when you get him!? That's a big fish for a new purchase.. He is probably wild caught so good luck, but don't get your heart set on tank mates..

 

[mrrobxc]

Eight inches from when you get him!? That's a big fish for a new purchase.. He is probably wild caught so good luck, but don't get your heart set on tank mates..

I figured so....ill try with a few cheap jewels and See.