minimum tank size for megalodoras uranoscopus

[bigamefish, posts: 311]

Hello everybody i was just curious about what the minimum tank size would be? my lfs has a couple for $20.00

[MatsP]

The "how big a tank does this fish need" is a longstanding debate in fishkeeping, I have my thoughts on the matter. Other people do sometimes disagree - both arguing that my "rule" is too small, and that it is "too large".

So instead of me telling you "it needs <some size> tank", let's discuss the subject:
What do you think a 28" catfish needs?

What size tank does it need at a smaller size, and when do you think it needs to move on to a bigger tank?

--
Mats

[sidguppy, posts: 3827]

I kept my mouth shut for the last few weeks, but in doing so, I actually allowed you to waste a large number of fish

not any more

there's a ton of topics by you and despite ALL the great advice here you still go at fish keeping like a stamp collection; one of every kind
despite that several of the species you got are gregarious shoalers
next to that you still combine fish that should not be combined due to different needs for water, food and temperament
then there's a massive ich outbreak in all of your tanks
and now you want to add a tankbuster in an already too full tank that's way too small and probably still is infected with ich

STOP THE FISH KEEPING PLEASE

you've done enough damage to the hobby as it is

do something else. buy a mountainbike, go out there; collect stamps, whatever

but stop this cruelty to animals and stop wasting our time with asking for advice that you never accept

the pile of dead fish is quite large enough.

[bigamefish, posts: 311]

The ich has been cure. And did I say anywhere that I wanted to keep it? It was a simple question and know what else is kind of funny? That I haven't lost a fish since I started I haven't had a fish deteriorate in health or any thing!! Quite funny if I do say so my self. I will continue fish keeping wether you like it or not and I will continue to use the forum! So be as outraged as you want but ultimately your opinion means nothing to me.

[Viktor Jarikov, posts: 2282]

You know the rule of thumb 4xL by 2xL by 2xL = 12'x6'x4-6' for a 3' adult. Yet, I doubt they reach 3' TL in captivity - they will likely stop at 2' or so - and, also, it will take a long, long time. Well worth it though IMO - beautiful, personable, gentle fish.

SidGuppy writes he observed his Grannies (Pterodoras granulosus) to display migratory behavior - swimming against the current for months on end. Cannot confirm or deny but these are close cousins of Uranies. Mine never got to grow big enough to show or not show that, except a 2' Lithodoras dorsalis, who I never observed doing that in 2 years that I had him. Doesn't mean Sid is wrong, just another data point, is all.

[bigamefish, posts: 311]

Thank you viktor for the advice and not attacking me and telling me to stop keeping fish! You are a kind person! I look forward to my long life of fish keeping and at some point keeping this species

[MatsP]

Alex,

Your reply, that is utterly opposite of "how to win friends and influence people" [1], completely destroyed my attempt of "If you give a man a fish, it feeds him for a day, if you teach a man to fish, he'll have food for life" approach to the question - which is part of your complaint, that bigamefish is asking questions that he can figure out by himself by engaging brain before typing.

Now, bigamefish. Please don't add new fish to your tank for a few weeks. They have only just recovered from Ich. They will need some stability, with no new fish introduced. I would also suggest that you consider whether buying more fish OF THE SAME KIND wouldn't be better than the "stamp collecting" approach of "one of each". Keeping one of each of a large number of fish gives a similar impression to tiling your kitchen with free samples from the tile-shop - all different colours, sizes and shapes, which looks fun for two days, then starts to look a bit weird.

[1] You catch more flies with honey than vinegar is another expression that comes to mind. Try to be KIND, you may find you like it...

--
Mats

[bigamefish, posts: 311]

Oh I don't plan to add ANY more till I get a bigger tank! This was just a thought I had ! I looked like a neat fish that I might like to keep later on!

[Viktor Jarikov, posts: 2282]

I would also suggest that you consider whether buying more fish OF THE SAME KIND wouldn't be better than the "stamp collecting" approach of "one of each". Keeping one of each of a large number of fish gives a similar impression to tiling your kitchen with free samples from the tile-shop - all different colours, sizes and shapes, which looks fun for two days, then starts to look a bit weird.

Like art, taste cannot be a subject of an argument. It gets weird for you. Fine. There is nothing wrong with you. I never got tired of my "insanely" (by most definitions) diverse collections. Now if you'd like to educate the readers about conflicting requirements, I am, as always, all ears and eyes.

As I wrote there (viewtopic.php?f=4&t=35850): "Now, an expert can point out potential problems based on fishes' differing requirements. I always find such comments very edifying but so far, I side with those who say that vast majority of the common cats we keep are adaptable enough to be ok in almost any US/Canada water. One has to know, however, their water and which fish and what signs to keep an eye on.

Also, IME and IMO, 95%-99% of fish die in the care of an average fish-keeper from "accidents" (almost always has to do with spoiling the water - too much ammonia or other toxins, not enough oxygen; and sometimes bad tankmates, etc.) and not from a failure to adapt to the unfamiliar water parameters."

And with all due respect, the OP is not asking whether or not he can keep them. The question is short and focused. Keeping in mind that this is coming from someone (me) who's been caught OTT more than most.

[bigamefish, posts: 311]

I agree I love the interesting mix of fish! Always interesting things going on! Rarely fights! I love them ! May look weird to some but beautiful in my eyes! And considering that I haven't lost one fish since I started (knock on wood) must mean I'm doing something right!