Blue Channel Cats

[ChiefXP]

I just added 3 (making a total of 4) Blue Channel Catfish to my 29 G tank. I also added 3 Small Sized Jack Dempsies.
So my question is, what are the chances of adding more fish, or anything, some suggestions of what fish I could add, possibly African Cichlids.

I am running a AC150, Penn-Plax 150 or 250 Watt heater (can't remember which).

[PumaWard]

You're tank is going to be way overstocked as is. JD's get 10'' and channel cats (i'm not positive) get 24''+. I would suggest returning the cats and getting a bigger tank, 75g+.

JD's and Africans are incompatible (unless you're talking about west africans like jewels) as far as size and water perameters. You're heater is also way too big... which isn't a big deal unless it malfunctions and stays on... your fish will be cooked in no time.


HTH

[ChiefXP]

As of right now I can't afford a larger tank like you said. But with my luck the fish will slowly die off like my other set up I had going. I had a electric yellow of around 2". Oscar which was 4-5" Jack Dempsy around 5" and a Black Convict Male about 3-4".

By the time any of these fish reach that size I'll beable to accomodate them with a larger tank, probably 75-120g. That would be fantastic, for the mean time, this will have to work.

[125gJoe]

Just wondering, are the channel catfish the kind people fish for and eat? :scratch:

[ChiefXP]

If you want to eat one of these, then yes. (http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0416&view_records=1)

[snakeskinner]

I don't know about the "blue channel catfish" but I found most listed as channel catfish on the internet are the same I catch native here in Oklahoma. At least the scientific name is the same. I thought this would be an odd fish for aquariums though since they like more live food than dead although they will eat both. Chief, If your other tank was set up the same way this one is, you're killing them off by being overstocked. If you're bound and determined to keep them all until you get a larger tank, I'd suggest making sure your filtration is at least up to par if not way over filtered and doubling up on your water changes. I think I'd do 25% twice a week to keep up with those fish. I think the catfish and the dempseys can be a bit messy but I've never had them. As far as the africans, I don't know about compatibility but you definitely don't have the room. Did you cycle this tank or did you just set it up? Kyle

[125gJoe]

Yes..
As the link pointed out, minimum tank size is 350 gallons...

[Bigdan]

Without even mentioning the overcrowding in that tank, that AC 150 isn't big enough to filter that tank. That's a filter that would be good for a 10 gal and no more than that.

An AC 300 would be the least for a 29 gal.

[125gJoe]

Just for size value...
Some catfish really do get big!

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL332/715239/1510346/46631551.jpg

[snakeskinner]

what kind of cat is that? colored like a flathead, shaped like a bluecat. They just caught a 121lb bluecatfish on rod and reel out of Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border. It's a world record fish and they still have it alive in an aquarium. Kyle

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by snakeskinner
what kind of cat is that? .... Kyle I'm not sure, my brother sent me the pic. He didn't mention what kind of catfish..

[dethjam316]

Originally posted by Bigdan
Without even mentioning the overcrowding in that tank, that AC 150 isn't big enough to filter that tank. That's a filter that would be good for a 10 gal and no more than that.

An AC 300 would be the least for a 29 gal. well, your first statement is true, but i disagree with that second statement. an AC150 on a 10g tank would equal 15g/hr turnover. if you have strong, aggressive fish, or ones that require excessive current, it would work, but otherwise, i think it's a bit much...an AC 300 would be a little more than 10g/hr, which is probably optimal.

in any event, channel cats get way too large for even a sixfoot tank, and i'm not positive, but i would think they get antisocial as they mature. most species of largish catfish tend to school/schoal as juveniles, but aggressive towards conspecifics as they age. so adding more catfish that already get too big wasn't a good idea, basically. i suggest you take them back, as well. a 75/120 would not accomdate them. plus, they'll eat ANYTHING you keep with them.