Jack Dempsey

[Whiskerz]

Out of curiosity....
What is the minimum tank size for 1 Jack Dempsey (no other tank mates at all)? I have read on different websites that they need a minimum of 50 gallons and I also read they need atleast 35 gallons on other sites. So after all the confusion I decided to just come on here and ask.

Thanks in advanced

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

55 Would be a good size for one in my opinion, a fish that can get to the size of a 8-10" would be ok in a 55 I think, absoloute min would be 40 tho.
I know what you mean about the varying opinions on alot of the sites...I visited a few just to clarify a few things on JD's and it confused me more than I was before looking Good luck anyway Whiskerz

*-EDITED for saying 'I think' too many times -*

 

[Whiskerz]

lol thanks DA

So I suppose one couldn't live on it's own in a 38 gallon either? Well, it probably could if I got a bigger tank in the future. So, let's say I got one and put it in a 38 gallon (with plans for a bigger tank later on)....how fast do they grow?

I haven't got a Jack Dempsey yet just so you know I'm just reading up on them for now until I figure out what i'm doing exactly.

 

[petey Z]

get a 55 or up for a dempsey. I keep mine in a 55 and its fully grown and doing fine.

 

[moneywastedonfish]

just my opinion, but i think a 38 would be fine for at least sixmonths to a year. With plans of upgrading in the future i think you could go ahead and do it, as long as your serious about upgrading later. Be prepared to do a heap of water changes and get a good external filter.

 

[freddyk]

A 38 will do the job for a JD, even for life, but it leaves you with no room for anything else. Snore. In a 55 you can do a pair, and have a little fun in the tank.

 

[Whiskerz]

Great. Thanks guys

I do plan on getting a bigger tank later on. We really need to clean out our basement so I'll just ask my dad if I cleaned out the basement if I could get a bigger tank and put it down there. I think he would like the idea (and he wouldn't have to clean out the basement himself )


The filter I have on my 38 gallon is a Aquaclear 300 and its for up to 100 gallons, that would be fine with waterchanges twice a week, right? or no?

Edit - Do you guys think a Bristlenose plec would get along with a jack dempsey? or is that a no-go? I have one in my 38 but if they won't get along then I can move the plec to my 20 gallon.

 

[freddyk]

The filter I have on my 38 gallon is a Aquaclear 300 and its for up to 100 gallons, that would be fine with waterchanges twice a week, right? or no?

I'd imagine once per week would be fine, but only you can really tell as you go.

Do you guys think a Bristlenose plec would get along with a jack dempsey?

Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Whiskerz]

Ok. Thanks freddyk

 

[Turq]

You'll really fall in love with a JD. They have so much personality in a puppy doggish kind of way. You'll be fine with once a week water changes but twice a week would definatly be better. JDs are very messy eaters. You'll notice as they eat that alot of their food comes shooting out of their gills just to settle on the bottom. I recommend housing it in a 55g. He'll definatly become quite a character with that much room to himself.

 

[Whiskerz]

Thanks Turq I will be getting a 55 (or bigger) in the future

I saw a pic of your JD and he is BEAUTIFUL

 

[Turq]

Of course you'll post pics of yours too?

 

[bobwumba]

a 35 would be min but 55 is better

 

[Whiskerz]

Of course you'll post pics of yours too?

Of course


Thanks bobwumba

 

[spAcE mOnkEy]

just wondering, what are the dimensions of the tank?