LiveAquaria.com Inaccuracies

[Roan Art]

Decided to post this in a new thread as I think it is rather important. Many people use LiveAquaria's data to determine whether or not a fish is suitable for their tank. They are not 100% accurate, as most know.

While researching their rainbow fish entries, I came across quite a few things that made me raise my eyebrows. Rainbows are schooling fish and most get quite large (3-6"). The majority of the fish were rated as "min tank size 20 gallons". That is not near big enough for six 2.5" fish! So I emailed them and this is the response I got:

"Thank you for your email. We have forwarded your concerns to those in charge of our information online. Please note that the minimum tank size is for one fish, and will generally not be sufficient for a school. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may cause."

I have no idea why they would specify that the fish are schooling fish and then give a min tank size for one. :huh:

So, PLEASE, before you buy fish on line or anywhere, ask HERE first. If we don't know or there are too many differences of opinion, we'll provide links where you can compare your data and make an informed and educated decision.

Roan

 

[RanchuRick]

I have 7 Boeseman's in a 72G - a beautiful sight. They are a roaming fish. I would say at least a 36" wide, 48" would be better.

 

[Beeker]

Roan, I've noticed that too. Also, their compatability chart is quite vague and a little inaccurate as well. Thank you for posting this thread.

 

[Roan Art]

I have 7 Boeseman's in a 72G - a beautiful sight. They are a roaming fish. I would say at least a 36" wide, 48" would be better.

Oh, they are beautiful, aren't they? Sigh. Love them

I have five in a 36g bowfront and there is just not enough room. I need to add more females as well.

The bowfront is 30x15x21 and I like that 15" depth. I *was* going to upgrade to 55gs, but today my husband and I went to get pricing on a 120g sw tank for him and I took a good look at the 55gs. They are SO narrow! Only 13" deep. I don't think that's wide enough for a school of Boesemanis at all.

Heck with that! Anyhow I decided to bite the bullet and go for 75E tanks instead.

So instead of 48x13x20, I'm going with 48x18x20 for my rainbows.

Roan

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

On a similar note, I wrote to Hagan asking about their aquarium kits for planted tanks--they advised me that 20 watts of light was required to grow plants in a 10 gallon, then proceeded to recommend a 15 watt aquarium kit (because that's all they sell). When I asked them about the discrepancy, they responded with a complicated mathematical theory about displacement of water, decorations, gravel, etc.

I agree about comparing data. Whether here on the forum, or 'out there' on the internet or in the local fish store, I think it's safest to try to get several opinions using a variety of sources, then weigh up all advice carefully.