what size tank for small altums?

Clayt, I checked out your web site. That's a nice setup you have in there.

Guys, do you find altums to be very skitish? The only time I see them is from a distance when I quietly put my head into the room. As soon as they see me, they take off like torpedos and take cover. Is this because they're wild? I hope they will come around. For now, the tank is on the floor and this might be contributing to the problem. Will be getting a stand this week, so should have them up on the stand by the weekend.

Will post some pics as soon as I do water changes and the water clears from the tannins and most importantly as soon as they come out of hiding.

falcon
 
I understand that the higher your tank is the better because your head moves slower than your feet when you are walking. you are less likely to spook your fish with it up on a stand.
 
Altums

I have 4 Altums in a 90g planted tank with some cardinals. They are very shy. However, they've learned to recognize me and are no longer overly shy, although quick movements send them swimming for cover.

The back of my tank is painted black which I think they like.

I had a tough time getting Altums that were in any kind of "ok" shape after shipment. The first two shipments arrived dead. The third, only one died. I found that I had to put them directly into my planted tank because they were stressing in the barren looking 30 gallon quarantine. After a couple of days of them barely eating, I dumped them in the 90 and they did fantastic. I've had them for several months now and they continue to perfectly. Wonderful fish. Good luck with yours.
 
does anyone know if it is possible to buy tank bred altums yet? i just hate the thought of taking them out of the wild, especially if there is a high mortality rate from doing such.
 
There is an article in the July 2002 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist about breeding Altums. Its a good read. In addition, if you go to the forum I mentioned above, in the wild section, there is a thread about Altums being bred and a link to a place where you can get some captive bred ones.
 
Yes, you can get altums now tank raised. I think fourth or fifth generation. They usually come from horst linke(sorry, not sure about the name and the spelling). If really interested I can dig up the link to give you some background on them and the who is selling them.

falcon
 
i found that website, thanks a lot.. glad to hear you can buy them tank raised now. i am not looking into getting any anytime soon, but i just hate capturing and bringing into captivity wild fish, unless it is for breeding more so that other people don't have to take wild ones out, or to guard them against extinction, or whatever. i just feel bad for the fish. especially these beautiful ones!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom