What size aquarium do I need for this Stock???

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Well, lets just say butti's are known for ripping the lips off of red devils. They are known for killing dovii's, taking off gill plates, and their mouths are used for ripping tough algae in Africa. So that mouth is very strong and can seriously kill.
Here is a nasty video of a butti and a red devil. Watch the whole video.
[video=youtube;IV_Rmm08Y64]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV_Rmm08Y64[/video]
Even if you raise them, they are called hornet tilapia's for a reason. They look cute when young but will bite you in the ass when its older. Don't ever trust Buttah's.

The Butti in the video is mean but he didn't seem vicious!
 
The Butti in the video is mean but he didn't seem vicious!
Remember that is one butti you are judging. There are many other ones out there. I am just giving you an example. Look how big this tank is, and there is one fish in there for a reason lol.
[video=youtube;9z5ev3yZNQ0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z5ev3yZNQ0&feature=related[/video]
One more thing, did I mention they get huge? I'm not stopping you from setting up that tank with what fish you want. I am just warning you. You could probably get a female buttikoferi. Just pick one out that is very peaceful NOT MEAN.
 
*sigh I guess I'll have to pass on the Butti. But one day I'll have a tank big enough to house one and tank mates.
 
I saw the Butti and Synspilum in your other thread concerning your 55 gallon tank. They look good and I hope they can work in your future tank plans. You have several fish that will grow 12" or more. That would be another concern in terms of space. A 200 gal is big but adult fish can make that seem very small when too many are kept together with tank decorations. The Butti and Blackbelt are usually the most aggressive of the fish that you have listed. But I think a lot will depend on individual temperament. I would at least ditch the stingray from your plans.
 
I was considering keeping a Butti when I setup my 300, and I decided against it after following some of the other members advice. Super mean and pretty damn big fish at adult size. If I had to stock your stock list, i would probably use a 450 and put on my referee suit.
Lose the Butti and ray and a 200-240 could work, but as stated above, individual temperament will dictate a lot.
 
If you do get the ray I recommend you try to avoid the plecos, it can work but i dont think its worth taking a chance.
 
I got a 4" ish Butti once to keep with large cichlids like Oscar and others that were already in the tank. Went back to the lfs less then a week later and I ended up with very badly banged up fishes. Butti was chasing them mercelessly non stop. Biggest mistake from my part which i will never repeat again. That was my experience the choice is yours :)
 
You already have a butti? "pass the butti''? In your albums you have one

I know. I won't add the Butti to my new aquarium plans. I'll sell it or place it in a nother tank but that's neither here nor there because it's only an inch right now.

I saw the Butti and Synspilum in your other thread concerning your 55 gallon tank. They look good and I hope they can work in your future tank plans. You have several fish that will grow 12" or more. That would be another concern in terms of space. A 200 gal is big but adult fish can make that seem very small when too many are kept together with tank decorations. The Butti and Blackbelt are usually the most aggressive of the fish that you have listed. But I think a lot will depend on individual temperament. I would at least ditch the stingray from your plans.

Thanks for the compliment. I think I'm gonna reduce the number of fish I want in my new aquarium.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com