Got My New Tank!

[Jexnell]

Appreciate all the feedback! There’s only 2 large cichlids being the GT and the JD. The Firemouths don’t get very large from what I read, so I was thinking this was safe…..? I’ll obviously keep a close eye on it, it’s right by my desk where I work all day so will be easy to see. I guess I’d rehome one of the larger ones if it ends up not working out. I love the mix though so really hope it does!

Firemouth are really misrepresented. They can reach 10in in length if given the opportunity. Most just don't give them the chance, keep them for a short time in an overcrowded situation. They are relatively slow growing as compared to other fish.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Appreciate all the feedback! There’s only 2 large cichlids being the GT and the JD. The Firemouths don’t get very large from what I read, so I was thinking this was safe…..? I’ll obviously keep a close eye on it, it’s right by my desk where I work all day so will be easy to see. I guess I’d rehome one of the larger ones if it ends up not working out. I love the mix though so really hope it does! I believe my GT is a female based on the above pictures.

I hope it works, there’s nothing wrong with trying as long as you have some kind of back up plan.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Firemouth are really misrepresented. They can reach 10in in length if given the opportunity. Most just don't give them the chance, keep them for a short time in an overcrowded situation. They are relatively slow growing as compared to other fish.

I’ve seen a firemouth about 10”. It was actually in a predator hap tank at a fish store and appeared to be the tank boss with about 30 haps that were 10-14” in a 300g

 

[Jexnell]

I had a group of like 9 of them in a 125 for a while. They display very unique behavior when in a more natural setting. The males all set up a territory and stay there. The females then traveled in a pack from male territory to male territory checking him out and his place. It's was quite fascinating to watch.


Firemouth are quite like tetras, they like to be in big packs of the same species to feel comfortable, and display natural behavior. I fear only having the two they will more so just be punching bags for the GT and JD and they squabble over territory.

 

[Kustrud]

Got it! All good to know. I guess maybe I’m underestimating the size possibility of my GT….I’m just not thinking of it as a large fish because it’s growing so slow lol! Do females get smaller than males?

I got him/her over a year ago, and it’s still only about 3” long. Definitely grown and gotten thicker, but I’ve read of GT’s growing 6-7” in the first year.

If it’s a female maybe this would be a positive for this stocking….?

 

[Joshuakahan]

I had a group of like 9 of them in a 125 for a while. They display very unique behavior when in a more natural setting. The males all set up a territory and stay there. The females then traveled in a pack from male territory to male territory checking him out and his place. It's was quite fascinating to watch.
View attachment 1540279View attachment 1540280View attachment 1540281View attachment 1540282View attachment 1540283View attachment 1540284

Firemouth are quite like tetras, they like to be in big packs of the same species to feel comfortable, and display natural behavior. I fear only having the two they will more so just be punching bags for the GT and JD and they squabble over territory.

Now I’m gonna obsess on getting a group of FMs lol

 

[Kustrud]

If I were to switch to a canister filter and I aim my outputs so that they are underwater (want them to stir up the bottom) and not breaking the surface.....will my single sponge filter be disrupting the surface enough for oxygen? Keep in mind I'd be going from 2 Aquaclear 110's to the FX4.

It will be nice to get my tank 4" closer to the wall....

 

[Joshuakahan]

If I were to switch to a canister filter and I aim my outputs so that they are underwater (want them to stir up the bottom) and not breaking the surface.....will my single sponge filter be disrupting the surface enough for oxygen? Keep in mind I'd be going from 2 Aquaclear 110's to the FX4.

It will be nice to get my tank 4" closer to the wall....

If the pump is powerful enough it should, you could always add a cheap wave maker if needed

 

[Kustrud]

Everyone’s thriving….so far

 

[Kustrud]

If the pump is powerful enough it should, you could always add a cheap wave maker if needed

Trying to avoid wave maker if possible. Any idea what size pump you’d recommend? Those are cheap, so easy upgrade.