Dilemna!

[Steffyboy]

Hi guys
 
Big problem!
I've got 2 Pangasius i've had since they were babies.
They're about 8-9" long now and growing.
The problem i have is whether to keep them as i've only got a 4ft tank at the moment and haven't got the money to upgrade to a bigger one yet.
I feel a little guilty now that my tank may not be large enough for them.
I know they enjoy being in my tank as i've set it up specifically for them really, with a hide away and other stuff but love them so much and find it hard to even think about giving them a bigger home with someone else.
 
Please help me guys...my head is up my (MOD EDIT)!!

 

[TallTree01]

I think you should rehome them as they'll be easier to rehome when they are small.

 

[DrRob]

To be honest, they need the space. Eventually they are going to suffer and these things can grow quickly once they get moving.
 
There is also the risk of hidden health problems from not being able to swim around the way they are meant to in a wide open space.
 
Sad to say, as is often the problem with big fish, they're personalities and they're hard to part with, but if you truly can't afford to get the right tank for them then start looking now for somewhere to home them, as bigger fish like this are often difficult to rehome somewhere where they will be as well looked after as you'd like them to be.

 

[Steffyboy]

I know and thanks for the great advice.
 
I knew they grew big when i purchased them but i thought i'd have at least a 6ft tank by now but due to unforseen circumstances, I'm stuck with my 4x2x2 for now.
 
I love them so much...their temperament is fantastic and such placid fish but i do worry when they get spooked and shoot all over the tank and hurt themselves and scare the other fish.
 
I think it's time to rehome them and maybe bring a little piece of mind to me and the fish.
 
Thanks guys once again.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I think it's time to rehome them and maybe bring a little piece of mind to me and the fish.

Well done for realising this and not trying to ignore the advice and let the fish suffer. Good luck with rehoming and then choosing the fish to replace them!

 

[TallTree01]

I know and thanks for the great advice.
 
I knew they grew big when i purchased them but i thought i'd have at least a 6ft tank by now but due to unforseen circumstances, I'm stuck with my 4x2x2 for now.
 
I love them so much...their temperament is fantastic and such placid fish but i do worry when they get spooked and shoot all over the tank and hurt themselves and scare the other fish.
 
I think it's time to rehome them and maybe bring a little piece of mind to me and the fish.
 
Thanks guys once again.

Congrats on this decision. You are now a real man.

 

[Steffyboy]

Ha ha ha!! Thanks guys.

 

[RCA]

..L ove them so much and find it hard to even think about giving them a bigger home with someone else.

 
To

them is to let them go.
 
I had a large Koi once and it was the same he was part of the family, hand fed and everything, but I knew it was in his best interests to move him on.  He went to an outside heated pond with loads of other Koi.  I thought he was large but compared to the others in the pond he was small.
 
Do not know a lot about these fish, but what about somewhere like "The Deep" in Hull?  This way you know they will get a good home and not end up outgrowing someone Else's tank?
 
It is a bit like "Free Willy"
 
Keep us posted on their journey and yours...

 

[MBOU]

You do realise that even a 6ft tank would never have been big enough for them don't you?
 
I agree, you are best off finding a home for them now whilst someone might be willing to take them off you... and good on you for even considering the welfare of your fish the hobby needs observant and caring fish keepers like yourself

 

[TallTree01]

I actually have no idea what a pangasius is in the first place. Still don't

 

[MBOU]

Most commonly heard of in Fish and Chip shops, sold as Pangasius (Pang) & Chips. Gives you an idea of the fact they might get big >.<
 
The most common species around are the small 'dwarf' pangasius that only get to about 2.5 - 3 foot so just tiddlers... just be glad the giant pangasius are so rarely seen!!
 
Also sold under the names of Shark Catfish, Iridescent Sharks, Iridescent Shark Catfish, Iridescent Catfish and so on, generally sold a 1-2" looking incredibly cute by independent shops who don't know better and certain larger chain shops who should know better!  

 

[TallTree01]

Heard of the ID sharks so dilemana solved, thanks MBOU.

 

[Steffyboy]

Fish rehomed and safe and sound!
Amonia levels in the tank sky high so 40% change and solution added.
Going to replace them with 2 baby red tiger oscars in a week.
Happy days...thanks guys!

 

[RCA]

Aw bless you and them, where did they go?
Baby Oscars, we need pics 

 

 

[TallTree01]

I don't think a four foot is big enough for 2 oscars. 1 is like the very maximum with maybe a Pleco or something.