Boesemani Rainbowfish

[itonlyrains]

I've read quite a few threads on this and other forums about how much space is required for Boesemanis and I think my 150L(40G) is not quite enough. But I really like them and would like to confirm a few things before ruling them out. My tank is stocked low and its actually 180L, but 150L is the actual amount of water I've put in. The dimensions are 92cm(length) X 44cm(height of actual water level starting from substrate) X 32-42cm(variable depth). So questions I'd like to clarify are:

- How long does it take for a Boesemani to grow to a size that would be too much for my tank? I'm not planning to keep tropical set up forever and want to convert to marine in 1-1.5 years...
- Can I keep less than 6 of them (say 4) or they would be not too happy?
- Can I keep only males or their colour will not develop without females?
- How long does it take for colour to develop after one bring them from the shop? I've read it may take up to a year for colour to develop fully, so by then I'd be ready to change tropical set up anyway...

Thanks!

 

[itonlyrains]

No one?

 

[mishmash]

I've read quite a few threads on this and other forums about how much space is required for Boesemanis and I think my 150L(40G) is not quite enough. But I really like them and would like to confirm a few things before ruling them out. My tank is stocked low and its actually 180L, but 150L is the actual amount of water I've put in. The dimensions are 92cm(length) X 44cm(height of actual water level starting from substrate) X 32-42cm(variable depth). So questions I'd like to clarify are:

- How long does it take for a Boesemani to grow to a size that would be too much for my tank? I'm not planning to keep tropical set up forever and want to convert to marine in 1-1.5 years...
I was told they can grow to 3/4 size within 6 months. I was also told a minimum of 4ft length was best for them.
- Can I keep less than 6 of them (say 4) or they would be not too happy?
They always look better in bigger groups but I have seen fewer in a tank with no apparent problems. That was in a 4ft tank though.
- Can I keep only males or their colour will not develop without females?
You can, but I believe they colour up more with females in the tank, like most fish.
- How long does it take for colour to develop after one bring them from the shop? I've read it may take up to a year for colour to develop fully, so by then I'd be ready to change tropical set up anyway...
Depends on water quality, how well the fish are fed, and how happy they are etc. A whole host of factors would affect this. Some never do colour up that much.


I reckon you would be better off with dwarf neon rainbowfish.

Thanks!

 

[itonlyrains]

Thanks for the reply!
Had a look at a dwarf rainbow - not as impressive as boesemani. May be I should go with bigger number of small schooling fish instead

 

[mishmash]

Thanks for the reply!
Had a look at a dwarf rainbow - not as impressive as boesemani. May be I should go with bigger number of small schooling fish instead

They never look much in shop tanks or on most internet pics. I have seen them in peoples tanks though and the definition between the body and the red on them is great and also their bodies take on a deeper colour as they mature. There are some impressive tetras around that you might consider...

 

[twodoctors]

I keep mine in a 100cm tank. You can see their colour in my avatar. I bought them before I read about needing 4' tank etc, but they are doing fine. Very nice colour (before I tank leaked and had to put them in a 110L box).

Adrian

 

[mishmash]

I keep mine in a 100cm tank. You can see their colour in my avatar. I bought them before I read about needing 4' tank etc, but they are doing fine. Very nice colour (before I tank leaked and had to put them in a 110L box).

Adrian

Are yours fully grown yet though ?

 

[twodoctors]

I keep mine in a 100cm tank. You can see their colour in my avatar. I bought them before I read about needing 4' tank etc, but they are doing fine. Very nice colour (before I tank leaked and had to put them in a 110L box).

Adrian

Are yours fully grown yet though ?

To be very honest, I don't know. They are quite big I guess about 3.5-4" (to mouth to tail). Had them for a year and certainly a lot bigger than when I first got them. I can only tell you that they are not stressed in my tank. Certainly better colour than when they were in the dealer's tank. If I manage to move some of my fishes on I will get a few more.

Adrian

 

[mishmash]

I keep mine in a 100cm tank. You can see their colour in my avatar. I bought them before I read about needing 4' tank etc, but they are doing fine. Very nice colour (before I tank leaked and had to put them in a 110L box).

Adrian

Are yours fully grown yet though ?

To be very honest, I don't know. They are quite big I guess about 3.5-4" (to mouth to tail). Had them for a year and certainly a lot bigger than when I first got them. I can only tell you that they are not stressed in my tank. Certainly better colour than when they were in the dealer's tank. If I manage to move some of my fishes on I will get a few more.

Adrian

Cool do you have any big pictures of them ? From your signature pic they are looking great. 3.5 to 4" is just over half size. They can get to 6" I am informed by the manager at M.A. Hickstead. And they get quite 'deep' in body too. But hey, if they are not stressed then all good. What works for some won't work for all but I always like a success story. I may consider some rainbowfish for mine. Some of the varieties only get to the size your Boesmani's are so that would work ok in my tank.