My First Tig

[niteshift]

So i went to Animal House today thinking maybe some new fish,and i found my first Tig. I will be picking him up tomorrow, and i have a few questions for some of the experienced keepers. Will a 6" shovelnose be fine in a 55g to start or should he go right to my 80g, is a planted tank ok do they need caves, what sort of substrate is best. And what sort of tankmates will he be fine with with a clarias catfish or a similar sized splendid snakehead and shortnosed gar.... Thank You ... ... David Oh and yes pics are coming when he gets home... So excited.

[GodCelt]

Hi my tiger shovel nose grew from 4 inchs to over 16 in the first year so bigger tank is better no point in plants or big rocks they are very skititsh and will run into them and destroy plants fast as for tank mates most fish are fine as long as they are the same size as the tig anything else will eventually be swallowed remember these fish grow fast and big in wild pushing 5 feet but in captivity over three feet is not common but I have seen a few so they will get that big.. hiding places are a must but remember they get skittish and most do not settle down and will bash into the tank ofter...Most will only take live fish for food but a few can be put onto big shrimp or shrimp pellets I have had luck with both but it was not fun doing so they like live more, and when establishing him it is always best to give him what he like first.. As for gravel any wil be fine I have used a lot of differant types .. as for Clarious I have not had luck mixing found the Clarious would spend alot of time nipping him.. just some things I have learned you can also message King - el he knows as much as well might have a few more tips..
as for tanks remember like with most big fish width and length is more important then height so a fish that will deff push 36 inchs will need a tank twice that width when full grown and with optimal your tiger catfish should be 12 inchs before this time next year so in 2 years will out grow your 80 in 2 years .. when I kept mine they were kept in a indoor pool and they did much better then when I had them in my custom made tank....

[niteshift]

Thank's for the advise, I have gone ahead and put the shovelnose in the 55 and removed a fair amount of the plants leaving an open space almost 2 thirds the floor with a hollow log for him , placing the remaining plants along the glass at the ends and back of the tank. So far he seems to be settling in and getting along fine took his first worm 24 hrs later he even made himself available for a few pics. He and his tankmates will be moving to the 80 once i have made room but that's another thread for another section. Enjoy the pics all and thank's again for the help and advise ... ... David