Help with Setup and ID

ExoticAquatics · 06-09-2012, 08:49 PM

This is my sixty gallon wide aquarium, its currently my only setup as im cramped into a college dorm for the next year. The tank measure 36" long, 18" wide and 24" tall. For filtration i have four HOB filters; one marineland 70, aquaclear 70, and two 15g whisper just for backup. I also have a powerhead in the upper left corner for circulation. The water is at 82f, ph around 7.5 and all other levels are are good to go. I perform %40 water changes twice a week, sometimes more.

The aquarium, in my opinion is overstocked. I recently rescued a 14-16 inch common pleco that had spent its whole life in a 29 gallon aquarium. I know my aquarium is obviously too small for this pleco, but i could not leave him in that tank, i couldnt even see him through the water it was that bad. No LFS or friends will take him in, but surely this guy will last until February when i can upgrade..? I mean he was in much worse condition. Thats my first question.

I also have a 4.5 inch "kamfa flowerhorn" i purchased as a mistaken red texas from petsmart. Everyone is telling me its kamfa but what ever species of hybrid this is; its a stunning fish. Shes grown an inch in the month ive had her. I love her neon blue/aqua body color, blood red eyes and black fins with red trim. The fish (he or she) is developing a lump, or KOK as you say that ive noticed growing. Does anyone have any idea what this fish really is? Im just hoping it keeps the color, the fish i named Snooki has one hell of a personality, shes the smartest of all the cichlids ive owned. Any info would be great, im interested in the potential size, life span and information on the coloring and breeding of the fish. Im feeding her hikari carnivore pellets and live earthworms, should i be doing anything else? This is obviously my first hybrid or flowerhorn. Im well aware that they grow very large and will kill everything in their aquarium in time but im hoping my large pleco will be alright, she doesnt mess with the pleco much anymore.

In addition, i also have a 1-2 inch pair of convict cichlids. These fish were in their own 20 gallon until it shattered during moving a rock in the aquarium a couple weeks ago but the flowerhorn never really bothers them. Im sure she will in time but ive heard sometimes if they grow up together it may work out but who knows, opinions? Is there any possibility that my convicts would breed in my aquarium? I have very little decor so the pleco has as much room as possible but the back left of the aquarium is covered in lots of rocks,driftwood and plants and is where the convicts like to flirt and "hangout".

All fish are in great health and are always begging for food, so far no fights have broken out. Im just looking for an outside view, ive been in the hobby for 12 years and i know this setup is a mess but do you guys think i could possibly make this work until February when ill be moving out of the dorms and purchasing a 150 gallon? And as far as the setup, or design of the aquarium is it okay or "natural" for the fish i have? Any opinions, advice, or help with my questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Jacob

Sorry for the sloppy pics, the fish will never sit still!

Maine_Fish · 06-10-2012, 04:23 AM

I can't identify that blue fish for you, but I must say that it's beautiful.

As for whether or not your setup will be OK until February...I imagine you'll get varying opinions on that.

Rescuing that large pleco from the 29 gallon tank was commendable, as far as I'm concerned. Obviously, the 150 you plan to get would be much better than the 60 he's currently in. But, my opinion is that as long as you keep your water clean, parameters in check, and keep a close eye on his health, you'd probably be OK waiting for the bigger tank. There may be those who would disagree with me.

I'm currently in a similar situation. I stumbled upon somebody looking to unload a group of 15 medium/large angel fish, 2 green severums, and 2 red sererums. The severums are about 4-6 inches long. This guy had all these fish in a 40 gallon breeder tank. He had recently moved, and had no heater or filter running. He stated that he'd already lost a few of them. The best I could do was put them in a 75 gallon setup. Yes, it's overstocked. But, it's much better than where they were before. My long term plan is to either get a larger tank, or break up the group. In my opinion, a better home is...well...better, even if it's not perfect. There's a picture of them below:

As for the convicts' temperament, they're quite unpredictable from what I've heard. If it was me, I'd probably add something to the tank to create more barriers/territories/hiding spaces. In the end, you'll just have to watch for aggression, and act accordingly if it occurs. Will they breed? If you have a mated pair, it's very likely...they breed like rabbits.

Good luck!

**lohachata** · 06-10-2012, 09:28 AM

you know maine ; for being crammed in a 40 breeder those are some beautiful fish.

Maine_Fish · 06-10-2012, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by lohachata

you know maine ; for being crammed in a 40 breeder those are some beautiful fish.

Please forgive me for hijacking this thread.

I know...I just couldn't turn them down. This guy let the fish, tank, glass top, T5 light, gravel, filters, etc. all go for just $100. The red severums are worth around that much just by themselves, I imagine. They make for a spectacular display. I'm fairly certain the red severums are a pair. One idea I'm entertaining is to devote the 75 gallon just to them, and see if I can get them to spawn. Of course, that means I'd have to find a place for the angels. My wife has already given me the "no more tanks" speech...but she loves the angels. So maybe...