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Archer fish in a pond?

Started by shaggy, Mar 14 2007 03:41 PM

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9 replies to this topic

#1 shaggy

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Posted 14 March 2007 - 03:41 PM

I noticed this was mentioned in another topic and didnt want to hyjack it so thought I'd better start my own to be safe

I have a 1.5x1.5m pond with nothing in it and was wondering if it would be ok to keep archers. Its not filtered but has water fall though i dont minded putting a filter in. Its not heated and has a few water plants. I know archers are from brackish water what effect will this have on my plants? Also what plants are ok for brackish water?

Thanks

Jason

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#2 Guest_pleco4me_*

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Posted 14 March 2007 - 04:30 PM

Hey jason,

Im always happy to help out with info on archer fish!

Ive never kept them in a pond, only in aquariums. Filtration will most likely be needed unless you want to do water changes every 2 days :? They will need a temperature of 22-26 dgrees, so yes heating will most likely be needed. I think a few 300W heater may do it, and ive seen a few 500W heaters in shops lately that may help. They will most likely not need to be fed heaps because they'll eat the insects that land on the plants and water surface. Maybe even a few branches sticking out of the water will be effective for creating their natural environment, so they can display their amazing habits of 'spitting' water...But this may be hard, because i would recommend using a cover glass of some sort for these jumping fish.

If you need any info, just ask.

Hope this helps.

Craig

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#3 shaggy

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Posted 15 March 2007 - 04:35 PM

Thanks for the info!

I'm not too keen on putting heaters in the pond so I might give the pond idea a miss. However I am planning to setup a tank 80.5x32.5x50cm would this be ok for one archer? It would be 25-30cm full of water with the rest left to display its shooting ability.

Jason

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#4 Guest_pleco4me_*

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Posted 15 March 2007 - 04:42 PM

No worries!

That size tank would be ok for a couple of small ones (always keep them in small groups), but when they reach the 10cm+ mark, theyll need a bigger tank.
Good luck!

Craig

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#5 shaggy

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Posted 15 March 2007 - 05:01 PM

Sweet...I am thinking of getting some 4-5cm possible 3 to 4 how quickly will they reach 10cm? What size tank will they need next?

Thanks

Jason

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#6 Guest_pleco4me_*

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Posted 17 March 2007 - 10:12 AM

mine grew from about 4cm to 12cm in about a year, and that was in a 4' tank. When they get to 10-12 cm, they need a 6 foot tank IMO, because theyre really active and need their own 'personal space.' I fed mine live insects and bloodworms everyday and they still seem to be slow growers. Good luck with them!

Craig

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#7 shaggy

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Posted 17 March 2007 - 10:47 AM

Thanks craig from all the info...one last question what is their expected life span?

I am picking up three small archers and a tub of crickets off steve tonight on the way back to perth from mandurah. First time I have been able to take my jetski out since some drunk yobs T'ed it while I was in a roundabout on Australia Day only to do a runner :x

Cheers
Jason

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#8 Guest_pleco4me_*

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Posted 17 March 2007 - 11:13 AM

Theyre expected life span would be pretty high... I'd guess around 5-10 years if cared for properly. Thanks

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#9 Tucunare

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Posted 17 March 2007 - 06:09 PM

hope you enjoy the archers mate

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#10 shaggy

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Posted 19 March 2007 - 09:53 AM

Thanks steve they are eating like pigs the only dampner was when I got home I discovered I had been broken into :cry: Thought it took me about an hour to realise

as I was so excited about my archers.