Nandopsis Hatiensis-Sponge Filter?

The HOB filter on my 75 gallon Nandopsis Haitensis tank isn't working too great. He is just a 2" juvie right now, but could I switch him over to a sponge filter and will it be destroyed as he gets older? Not sure how aggressive these finned kids are in regards to destroying filters.

If not, I can add another HOB, but I prefer a sponge filter if he will behave.

I know many people don't keep this species, but any help would be appreciated.

 

Where'd you get your hands on one of those!? I want one! I had some a while back. As long as you keep him by himself your cichlid should be fine. Black Nasties only tear tings apart when they are breeding. Even then I doubt they'd do anything to a sponge filter. I kept my Flowerhorns with sponge filters. You will want more filtration on your tank as he grows though! They are big waste producers. They also get huge! ;D I hope this helps.


On a side note, at such a small size be careful not to feed too much protein. Young fish get bloat very easily.

 

Thanks, Rogue! I ordered him through WetSpot tropical fish. His shipping prices are astronomical, but he tends to carry species that others don't. I have wanted a black nasty for around 2 years so I couldn't pass him up. LOL!

 

Lucky! I would have snatched him up if I'd seen him before you LOL. Is the 75 gallon your final tank for the little guy?

 

Yep, he will be a wet pet in his own 75 gallon tank

 

Good morning,

Congrats on the fish BB! I wasn't familiar with the species so I did a search for it. Beautiful!

I hope you do not mind, but here is a link to the species for others to see:


Did I miss your photos? hoto:

Ken

 

Yep, he will be a wet pet in his own 75 gallon tank

Awesome! I hope he doesn't out grow it! Some of mine got bigger than 16"

 

I have no experience with that species but I did have an Oscar at one point that could not stand anything that bubbled.

 

He better not outgrow it. The only tank I have larger than a 75 gallon is a 90g. Maybe I should hope he turns out to be female. LOL!

I will post pics after I re-aquascape his tank. Right now he has blue gravel and I think he would be more comfortable in a natural looking tank. He has been here for around a month and is still pretty shy. Hoping he comes out more for photos once his home is "toned down". LOL!

 

Hehe I bet he will look better without the blue gravel. I had mine with black and white mixed sand with large dark grey rocks in the tank. They love caves but they have to me indestructible lol.

 

Right on good choice BB.
it should be fine. Good luck!


Brian