Gar Newbie

**emptyhead** · 09-06-2009, 01:51 PM

I have the opportunity to pick up a 10" florida gar this weekend. It will be housed in a 4' 100g tank. It currently eats live and frozen food.

I have read some information on them, but would like to hear from some that have kept florida gars anything that may be helpful for me as I keep this fish.

**Lady Hobbs** · 09-06-2009, 01:54 PM

Welcome to AC.
I think the Gars are neat fish but the ones I've seen have all been in longer tanks. A 4 ft tank doesn't seem large enough to me but we'll leave this for the gar experts to answer.

**Demjor19** · 09-08-2009, 12:27 PM

A 4' tank is not large enough for a Florida gar for life. It will last him for possibly the next year to year and a half, but it should eventually be housed in something roughly 6x2.

**emptyhead** · 09-08-2009, 01:00 PM

The tank is actually 120g. 48x24x24.

I know a 6' tank would be better and I could move him if needed. He will be housed by himself in the 120. I may give it a go for now.

**Northernguy** · 09-08-2009, 01:04 PM

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!

Great looking fish,post some pics when you get it!

**Demjor19** · 09-08-2009, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by emptyhead

The tank is actually 120g. 48x24x24.

I know a 6' tank would be better and I could move him if needed. He will be housed by himself in the 120. I may give it a go for now.

A 4' tank is not ideal, but at least you do have a 2' wide tank. That helps alot. You could try it out, but be very careful with which tankmates you keep him with. Gar are very susceptible to being bullied and out competed for food.

**emptyhead** · 12-18-2009, 12:18 AM

I thought I would give an update. The gar is doing great. I will be adding 2 more Florida Gars over Christmas break and maybe a Lima Shovel Nose.

The 4' tank is working out very well. I have added some java fern and some drift wood. I may try some more live plants.

**Red** · 12-18-2009, 12:19 AM

Why are you adding more gar, that are going to get to big for tank?

**gm72** · 12-18-2009, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by emptyhead

I thought I would give an update. The gar is doing great. I will be adding 2 more Florida Gars over Christmas break and maybe a Lima Shovel Nose.

The 4' tank is working out very well. I have added some java fern and some drift wood. I may try some more live plants.

Well wait a minute. We have shared with you some opinions that clearly contradict your adding more fish, and you are talking about adding more fish that get quite large. You'll end up needing a massive tank for that stocking level. What are your plans for the next 8-12 months to ensure you don't fall into the mold of an irresponsible fish keeper?

**HorrorShowRot** · 12-21-2009, 08:17 PM

Don't do it... You need to get a bigger tank right now. Sure he looks small in there now but he will no doubt double his size in a year. And adding more will cause him and all the other fish to be stressed out causing disease/sickness killing your fish. Soo my bet would be use ur current tank as a grow out tank for the one and upgrade to a massive tank 200-300 gallons or more then you can get a good pred tank going.