Trophs !!! Maybe???

[LordBarron7692]

I have seen considerable threads on the forum for trophs and have asked all kinds of questions about them have read numerous articles some really good some really bad but I think I am ready to give it a shot I mean it can't possible be any harder than juvi discus in a planted tank and that is working out so why not give trophs a swing. anyways I'm thinking of going with the 55 instead of the 90 due to space and no stand for the 90. so the many questions that I have.

1. How many can I put in a 55?
2. I see that most people keep theirs in a sandy substrate does it matter what sand you use?
3. can other dither fish be added and if so what?
4. does and "tank decoration" have to rock or can drift wood be used?

Thanks for any and all advise

[TexSun]

1. Pack 'em in there. Filtration is the key! The more filtration the better.
2. Most people use Leslies pool filter sand. Its cheap & looks good
3. Cyps? Not sure someone else will have to chime in. I have some Yo-yo loaches with my Troph
4. DW can be used. I believe rock is more natural to them though. A combination of the two looks great IMO

[moganman]

Keep in mind that with a 55, the fish will grow slower. If they are already adults it wouldn't be as noticeable. The substrate is more than cosmetics. You want something that the fish can sift through without it being too abrasive or heavy. A lot of substrates are good. LFS is good like Rob said. Cyps can be kept with trophs but they grow slower than trophs and they will jump if you don't have lids on the tank. Most important things with keeping trophs is, clean water which comes from adequate filtration and water changes, and food.

[LordBarron7692]

ok cool so as far as food goes its gonna be green stuffs like lettuce and algae things of that nature right? as far as filtration goes I was thinking a HOB and a canister but that is subject to change and what are Cyps?

[SunnyHouTX]

Feed NLS cichlid pellets and Ken's tropheus lovers flake.

Define HOB and canister? What do you have?

Cyps = cyprichromis

[LordBarron7692]

Feed NLS cichlid pellets and Ken's tropheus lovers flake.

Define HOB and canister? What do you have?

Cyps = cyprichromis

well HOB will be Aqueon quiet flow 55/75 and the canister is the fluval 305

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Trophs !!! Maybe???

That's on the low side. I recommend two AC110.

[TexSun]

I'm running a wetdry, 2217 & 2215 on a 30long. thinking about upgrading the 2215 to another 2217. or maybe go to a single 2250. you can never have enough filtration.

[LordBarron7692]

That's on the low side. I recommend two AC110.

ok and still go with canister or scrape that idea and just go with the two AC110's?

[moganman]

You can get away with that Aqueon 55/75. My friend raised a group of 15 Ikola in a 65 gallon with that filter and water was always clean. I wouldn't do it though but that filter is a beast.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Trophs !!! Maybe???

ok and still go with canister or scrape that idea and just go with the two AC110's?

Just two ac110 will be fine, but you can sub one with the Fluval.

You can scrape by with a UGF if you have/want to, but crazy filtration has been found to be the generally accepted way to go, especially when you power feed.

[LordBarron7692]

ok a few more questions how many should I start out with?
How big will the get? rough estimate would be nice
how often do you all do water changes hopefully I can put them on the same schedule as the discus which is around 30% every other day

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Trophs !!! Maybe???

Get at least 20. You are gonna lose a few for one reason our another as they grow up and set their hierarchy. I believe they max out around 6" but that takes several years in 6ft+ tanks.

WC should be fine. I do 75% once a week so your schedule is actually very good.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Trophs !!! Maybe???

That being said, more the merrier.

Oh and you can have driftwood on the tank, but I'd make sure the ph doesn't drop much below 7.5 or so

[LordBarron7692]

ok so sand for substrate some rocks for decoration plenty of filtration good food and a regular water changing schedule is that it? That doesn't seem any harder than keeping discus or any other fish for that matter. should I stick with one type?