Thorichthys group size?

[Buphy]

Doing alittle poking around for a friend. He's enjoyed seeing my tank stuff and wanting to have a go at it. I've heard that thorichthys sp like being in small groups and are fun to watch that way some I was wondering what an appropriate size group would be? Particularly meeki, both if others are different, then them too. Next question after that is what is an appropriate tank size for said group? Yes, bigger is always better, and I'm not asking for "minimum" tank size. An example the difference would be a 75 being "minimum" size for an Oscar where as a 125 would be an "appropriate" tank size. Anyways, look forward to y'all's thoughts!

P.S. He'd also want some swords and other small dither fish if you feel that majorly effects the appropriate tank size.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

A 75 would be perfect for around 15 thorichthys. with or without the livebearers.
It's best if the female out number the males.
In a 75 four male meeki and 11 females would be great.
I had 6 meeki in a 7 footer once and they constantly chased one another.I added another 14 meeki and they got on great.
The best way to house thorichthys is as many as you can without cramping them.
I have 11 helleri in a 4foot and they do fine.

 

[ehh]

A 75 would be perfect for around 15 thorichthys. with or without the livebearers.
It's best if the female out number the males.
In a 75 four male meeki and 11 females would be great.
I had 6 meeki in a 7 footer once and they constantly chased one another.I added another 14 meeki and they got on great.
The best way to house thorichthys is as many as you can without cramping them.
I have 11 helleri in a 4foot and they do fine.

View attachment 1153659

you dont think 15 is too much of a bioload for a 75?

 

[Buphy]

If you run a large sponge filter with a canister or a good HOB filter like an AC 110 it'd be reasonable bio load wise I'd imagine. Though the shear number what boggles me... Imagining 15 6" meeki in a 75... I understand the reasoning though.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Thorichthys are very prone to bloat and as such should be fed a diet not to high in protein. they also should only be fed every other day.
Under this regime they produce little waste.
Good filters are essential as are large weekly water changes of 40% volume per week.
Thorichthys only need very small breeding territories and pairs will spawn just a few inches apart.
The only thorichthys in my experience that may cause trouble is maculipinnis.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I understand your concerns regarding stocking and I would not keep any other c/a this way.
Thorichthys positively thrive in large groups.

 

[smitty03281964]

A group of 5 or 6 in a 75 would be my max. That number always seem to work for me in cutting down aggression.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Remember it's only the males that will reach 6inch the females little more than 3.
The problem with only having 6 is if one male becomes dominant it's hard times for the sub dominant.
If the numbers are higher then aggression is diluted.

 

[Buphy]

Remember it's only the males that will reach 6inch the females little more than 3.
The problem with only having 6 is if one male becomes dominant it's hard times for the sub dominant.
If the numbers are higher then aggression is diluted.

Didn't realize there was such a large disparity in size for male and female meeki, that's neat.

 

[smitty03281964]

6 has pretty much always worked for me.