Imperator Tank Size

[roni]

I did a search and a few threads came up but wanted to check to see if there were any other opinions.

I'm planning an upgrade to either a 300 (72 x 36 x 27) or 400 (96x36x27). I'd like to get a juvenile imperator and have him/her be in the tank indefinitely without thinking that it was too cramped. My concern is that the 300 will be too small for an adult.

Any thoughts?

 

[rholguin]

I'm by no means an expert but I have seen those fish in public aquariums and they get pretty darn big. I would say a 400 would be better long term.

 

[snorvich]

The 400 would be slightly better. I have one in a 350 gallon. Not cramped but could be better.

 

[roni]

that's kind of what i'm worried about. The problem is to go to 400 gets much more $$$ if I stay in glass and I'm not sure I want the extra maintenance of an acrylic tank.

Steve, any video of your tank?

 

[roni]

The 400 would be slightly better. I have one in a 350 gallon. Not cramped but could be better.

Also, Steve, what are the dimensions of your tank?

One of the guys (Gary Majchrzak who has kept one for a long time in a 6 ft tank has commented that footprint is probably more important then sheer gallonage).

Also, assuming I got a juvenile, how long would he take to grow out to 6-7". If it's 5-6 years, I'd probably be able to move him into a bigger tank if need be.

 

[JaneG]

+1 on the 400. I think, although it seems a little more expensive now, you'll be kicking yourself later if you go with the 300. As with all fishes, more is always better. Good luck! :wave:

 

[snorvich]

+1 on the 400. I think, although it seems a little more expensive now, you'll be kicking yourself later if you go with the 300. As with all fishes, more is always better. Good luck! :wave:

Steven's increasing law of marginal utility:

If some is good, more is better

with apologies to any economists reading this.

 

[Orcrone]

Steven's increasing law of marginal utility:

If some is good, more is better

with apologies to any economists reading this.

Sounds like Congress's view on the deficit!!!

 

[Monkeyfish]

Also, assuming I got a juvenile, how long would he take to grow out to 6-7". If it's 5-6 years, I'd probably be able to move him into a bigger tank if need be.

I had an Emperor Angel when I first purchased my 180 (it looked so big when I first bought it:eek1. I purchased a 2.5 inch juvenile and in about 20 months the fish grew to be 10 inches long. I re-homed it and will not buy anymore large angels.

 

[geaux xman]

What do you give your fish, steroids??

in an aquarium, 2.5" to 10" in 20months??

 

[jjk_reef00]

Mine grew from 3" to about 8" in 2 years. Go with the 400, it is well worth the extra money

 

[roni]

Unfortunately, it's looking like the 400 may not be able to fit the spot my wife has allowed me

I think that means no imperator for me, which is a shame but probably better long term.