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Grass Pike Aquarium Size

Started by Guest_esoxandlepomislover_* , Sep 08 2007 08:54 PM

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33 replies to this topic

#21 Guest_teleost_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:10 PM

In the meantime, I would love to see pics of those posh 12 inch grass vermi-pike out there.

I never take my camera in the water with me and sure don't like putting 12" pickerel in my bucket. Few fish jump with greater vigor and few have a greater appetite for my photo subjects than grass pickerel :ohmy:

If I sample a big boy near the car, I'll be sure and snap a picture and you're always welcome to sample our vibrant pickerel population if you happen to be in the area.

#22 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:16 PM

I am not interested in a 55 gallon. So, to answer your question, NO, I wouldn't take the trade.

The 30 gallon I have is posh. I have had it for over a decade, so I really like it. In addition, I really like the individual fish theme.....

I do think the 55 gallon would give you more fish options...but in all honesty, I think MY grass pike is best served as a solo aqaurium fish.

I am sold on the 30 gallon.

It is just my bias...nothing more. In addition, I am more concerned about becoming experienced at live plant tending. And gosh...my plants are growing like weeds right now...I love it.

M.

#23 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:32 PM

teleost....

Not having a field camera is like not having a net or a seine...

I purchased the pentax OPTIO W30.....It's water proof so I can take worry-free photos from anywhere in the water....

The macro function is INSANE!!! Extremely high quality (semi-pro). The other consideration is the olympus, but you will soon learn that the video quality of the pentax is superior!!!!

That is right...video in the field is another desireable feature too.

The camera really takes great under water macro photos as well...this one was about 2 inches from my pike's face...

M.

#24 Guest_iturnrocks_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:35 PM

Heres a good comparison. The minimum enclosure size for a human is a 4x6 cell.

Is your fish happy? or in prison?

Or happy to be in prison getting free meals.

Im just arguing for the sake of arguing. Your tank looks really nice. I know nothing about grass pike.

Edit: Sweet camera. I wish I had known about that when I bought my last one. Looks like I need to start saving up again.

#25 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:36 PM

Esox...

Your tank and fish are absolutely beautiful.

If I am reading correctly, the tank has the same area as a standard 55-gallon? It has always been my opinion that area is more important than volume.

I'd bet that between the plants and your semi-weekly water changes, your nitrates are just fine. Before we moved, our planted tanks (up to 55 gal) never had detectable nitrates, and I almost never did water changes. Even had to fertilize the heavy-feeding plants every now and then (with a little piece of Miracle-Gro spike jammed into the substrate near the roots).

It looks to me like everything is right on in that tank!

#26 Guest_drewish_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 12:52 PM

It looks like a 30 not a 30l, which is 36"x12"x16". I'm keeping mine in a 38g that is the same footprint as mine is about the same size as yours. I'm moving mine to a 75g (48"x18"x21") within the next week though.

That said, I would not recommend a 30g for the life of a Esox americanus but it can be used as a stepping tank.

Esox, it is not good practice to suggest to beginners that a fish known to get to 12" be kept in a 30g. I think that is what everyone here is trying to convey.

BTW, nice looking setup. I'm pretty envious. I don't have the time to be able to do that and manage my other million tanks though.

#27 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 01:01 PM

Gosh, this goes against all my better judgement...

Sandtiger, you win....you broke me down...

Anyways, in addition to feeding the monster...I am adding N and P to the tank as well for plant fert...

It is interesting, even MARDEL labels the levels of NH3 into a clinical range....

WASSUP!!!

M.

#28 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 01:16 PM

I can't argue the "happiness" and "content" portion of the argument. If you think my pike is in jail, then he is in jail. I can tell you the behavior of this pike is exceptional. No indicators of stress, or in other words, no plans of a "jail-break" are pending.

One could argue taking any native and placing it someone's tank is evil and inhumane. Afterall, wouldn't the fish rather be free rather in someone's tank.

I will just stand by the fact that fish are not humans.

M.

#29 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 01:28 PM

The tank size is 35X11X17. I thought that was a 30 Long.

The OPTIO W30 is the bomb, and I recommend it without any reservation.

Drewish...I only have one tank. Between work, the kids, the wife....it is all I have time for. So my efforts are concentrated.

Thanks for all the discussion. It has been a productive forum. And, Drewish is correct...perhaps not for the novice/beginner aquarium tender. At the sametime, you don't have to be an expert either. I am certainly not a pro.

I will see if he out-grows the tank. So I will heed your advice.

M.

#30 Guest_Skipjack_*

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Posted 10 September 2007 - 06:19 PM

We can all talk about outcomes. This fish does not look cramped to me, and looks very healthy. I am sure that if he begins to outgrow, that you will accomodate for that. Keep doing what you are doing, and upgrade as needed. With that amount of plants, and regular water changes, I am sure your pickerel is quite satisfied.

#31 Guest_keepnatives_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 12:03 AM

The color on your fish is unbelievable. But then again I've noticed that quite often a fish will get great color just before they..... Hey, Irate are you channeling through me?

#32 Guest_scottefontay_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 05:57 AM

The color on your fish is unbelievable. But then again I've noticed that quite often a fish will get great color just before they..... Hey, Irate are you channeling through me?

Mike, that one you gave me this summer is about the same size, maybe a touch smaller. He is in a planted 28 gallon bowfront rightnow (basically 30 high). For the time being he seems content. He is bound for a 55 gallon probably beyspring. He does get near that color when he is all worked up, though not quite as breathe taking. next time he is all dark I will try to snap a shot. He is usually hiding waiting for food when he's dark like that though, sulking in the vegetation and shadows looking sneaky.

#33 Guest_Irate Mormon_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 09:49 PM

Hey, Irate are you channeling through me?

No, I'm busy making predictions on another thread...

#34 Guest_esoxandlepomislover_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 10:22 PM

For some reason, the Irish Hills Strain of Grass Pike are spectacular. Trust me, he came that way. However, there is a place where they even look better. I affectionately call them the Washtenaw Strain.

M.