Will a Vieja argentea work here?

[joel.uejio]

Hi Folks,

Think I already know the answer here, but thought I would post for some feedback. I set up a new tank and added a V. argentea based on some (apparently) less-than-accurate info on adult size. Here are specs on the tank:

~55g (but shorter and wider than standard - 48"x15"x17")
AC70 + XP3 for filtration
New 2" V. argentea, 4" male salvini, 2" firemouth, 3x upside-down catfish

So, basically wondering if this will work out long-term...? If not should I exchange the V.a. right now, or grow him out and then sell down the road...?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[VRWC]

more than likely, the salvini will beat up the argentea, but only because of size. I have an argentea and he is about 4" and hold his own to grammodes and more.

Is the tank too small for the argentea long term? yes. They get at least 10" inches, sometimes bigger.

 

[fishguts]

i would get rid of the other fish and keep the argentae until he outgrows the tank then sell him or upgrade your tank size. if your not into single specimen then rid of the argentae and keep your other stock.

 

[joel.uejio]

Thanks for the replies. Even though he's not very exciting, I've had the sal for a few months now and he's grown on me, so I think I'll keep him and the fm, return the argentea, and try something different....

Actually, the LFS also had a 4" Texas (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) -- looks like those also are in the 10" range, but as a maximum size, not minimum....would one of those work?

 

[RedH2O]

A pair of Salvini would be nice. IMO with a tank that size, I would go with a species tank. Try to get something to pair up. Trying to mix fish like that in a tank that small will soon become a problem. Texas cichlids can be wicked.

Check out the breeding dress of the salvini, they have amazing colors male and female. It will be less stressful on you when you don't have to worry about constantly seperating fish. Its really interesting to watch them grow up babies.

 

[fitznacio]

I would say everything would work except for the 2" V. argentea, 4" male salvini.

 

[VRWC]

Thanks for the replies. Even though he's not very exciting, I've had the sal for a few months now and he's grown on me, so I think I'll keep him and the fm, return the argentea, and try something different....

Actually, the LFS also had a 4" Texas (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) -- looks like those also are in the 10" range, but as a maximum size, not minimum....would one of those work?

Yes, Id try the texas. They have bigger teeth and mouth than an Argentea and will be less likely to succumb to punishment as easily. Keep in mind that all these fish at full size will be a bit much for this tank...but that being said, you can keep them all around until you decide which you like best or at least what will work for you. Its different for everyone and with every fish. Youll know right away what will and wont work. Good Luck.

 

[fitznacio]

Add a jack dempsy or a lyonsi and call it a day &/or add six giant danios for dithers and as long as you don't have any mated pairs they should keep you entertained for a while. It may be on the crowded side but the tank would not look bare either.

 

[joel.uejio]

Lots done! Even as your replies were coming in, I was out doing stuff...here's an update:

1. Returned Vieja
2. Picked up the Texas (which LFS person told me was female)
3. Removed Sal from tank and re-decorated
4. Added back Texas, then Sal
5. They lip-locked for a bit, but then it looked like the Texas figured out she was over matched, so she began running and hiding
6. Sal sort of lazily went after Texas, with the little FM in tow to "help out" (like how a bully has a little weaselly squirt that acts tough b/c he's friends with the bully)
7. (I took a nap)
8. Saw Sal still bothering Texas, but not too roughly
9. Added some orphaned rainbowfish I had in another tank (1x boesemani, 3x red) to act as target fish
10. Added 3 more new red bows

At this point, FM is chasing the bows around and Sal is still chasing the Texas....No one looks like they're getting *too* roughed up though...so hopefully things will work out!

Below are some pics -- would definitely appreciate any more comments or suggestions!

 

[VRWC]

tank looks great, lots of dithers and looks like lots of hiding places. Just keep an eye on everything and they should get used to each other within a few days....but a really great setup!

The "texas" looks like a carpintis, but hard to tell with blurry pics.

If its still chaotic after a few days and you really want to keep the salvini, get a divider and put the salvini in like 1/3 of the tank for a week or 2 and let the "texas" get comfortable. If that doesnt work, get a smaller salvini, if its a fish you want to keep. A smaller salvini will make the "texas" boss and it would be a better scenario to have the "texas" boss than the salvini. They dont tend to have the same aggression level as salvinis. Dont get me wrong, "texas" can be mean, but the salvini can be downright violent.