VATF: How long would it last?

[Madou]

Hello guys

I spent way too much time on these boards because of my Odoes, and I came to envy the frenzy around doradoes and ATFs.

But ATFs seem like very demanding fishes, not that I mind too much, but I am not sure how much I would like keeping one, so here is my question:

How long could a 8 cm (3") VATF live in a 180 (With Odoes about its size) before requiring bigger quarters?
I have the 250g available, I just want to be sure I enjoy the fish before deciding whether to dedicate the big tank to it, or rehouse/resell/give away.

And ultimately, can it last a week with moderate current before I add two powerheads? I need them regardless, but I figure it'd give me an incentive to actually go and get them xD

 

[SandNukka15]

A vatf cant live in a 180 gallon for long with or without odoe pikes ..... ive had mine for about 7-8 months and has gone from....4 to at least 10-11 inches in a 270......most people dont realize that atf need more room/current then majority of fish......

 

[Madou]

So you would recon that in 6 months, it would get up to 10 inches?
And I assume 10 inches is too big to be in a 180?

I was under the impression that a FATF was suitable to live in a 180 for life (according to the care guide), so I was hoping to have at least a year time with a VATF in a 180.

I am not one to torture a fish in a tank that is too small for them. I am "this" close to clicking the "order" button, and receive it on Friday, but I can't bring myself to do so if I know that a 10" fish would feel entangled in a 180. The 250 would probably be more adequate, but I will only empty its population for the "right fish" which I have yet to determine.

 

[moe214]

I'd advise against getting the fish personally.. Depending on its growth, some e pertinence slower growth than others, will determine how long you can keep it, but by 10" I'd say itd be time for an upgrade. Also Odoes like slow calm water, not current

 

[Madou]

Thanks guys, good compiled info between the two of you, I think I can safely say that it would be a terrible idea unless I am to devote the 250. Which is unlikely, since i'm a big Channa lover...

I'm way too fond of my Odoes to mess around with their surrounding and make them uncomfortable!

Perhaps one day.

 

[greenerinks]

Just my two cents, I think doradoes need way more space than ATFs.. ATFs hover in place and occasionally scrap with each other if housing multiple but they definitely are more demanding than doradoes. However the dorado will actually utilize every inch of the tank patrolling at all times. I've kept my ATF's in my 220g without too many issues and my largest ones are 15-18" which has pretty much hit its peak as my and is only a tad over 25" width. Each specimen grows at a different pace btw. My current large Gatf has grown an astonishing rate over an inch per month.. Faster than even the dorado which is hard to believe.

 

[moe214]

Dorados are definitely more active and still very fast swimmers. I couldn't compare the two with speed. But having read a lot on both, atf are more skittish and don't know the boundaries of their tanks as well. Everyone's experience is different though.

 

[sunnysjourney]

You know, ATFs are surprisingly inactive if you have a strong power head in your tank. My ATFs just chill and cruise the current in front of the power heads for hours at a time... So if you have a 6 X 2 X 2 and a strong power head I think you can have your 3 incher in there till he hits 15"...

 

[Red Aimara]

Just put my Odoe into the ATF main tank - had grown him from 4 to 7 inches about 6 weeks.



The other ATFs and a solo one on the GATF:





About 13 inches average the ATF and 5 of them inside there. I would say go for it first if you can find good ones.

When the time comes you can always upgrade.

 

[Madou]

When the time comes you can always upgrade.

No can do!
I don't buy fish for whom I am not certain to be able to provide.
Best I would do would be to get a fish for a tank I don't own but that is already ordered

I'd love a Dorado, always have wanted one, but I am under the impression that anything under 250g is out of the question like the ATF. That and the fact I kind of like mixing, and we all know some of them can be a real pain in the rear with tankmates!