Keeping monster fish is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it comes with its unique set of challenges—especially when you’re managing a large aquarium. From my personal experience with a massive 210-gallon (800L) tank, I’ve learned some tough lessons that I want to share with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist thinking about upgrading to a monster fish setup, these five insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your aquatic giants thrive.
As someone who has gone through the process firsthand, I’ll walk you through the key considerations that I wish I had known before diving into the world of monster fish. Let’s explore how to choose the right substrate, budget wisely for your fish and equipment, plan for maintenance, and understand filtration needs—all crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful large tank.
Table of Contents
- 1. Choosing the Right Substrate from the Start
- 2. Budgeting for Fish: The Hidden Cost of Overstocking Monster Fish Tanks
- 3. Equipment Costs Skyrocket with Tank Size
- 4. Maintenance: Prepare for the Workload of Big Water Changes
- 5. Filtration: Understanding Your Big Tank’s Needs
- Conclusion: Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Choosing the Right Substrate from the Start
One of the very first mistakes I made with my 210-gallon tank was not carefully selecting the substrate. Initially, I chose a substrate that didn’t quite fit the needs of the fish I wanted to keep or the overall aesthetic I was aiming for. The result? I had to completely remove and replace it later on, which is a huge headache in a tank of that size.
If you’ve ever had to rip out substrate from a large aquarium, you know how labor-intensive and stressful it can be. It’s not just about lifting the substrate out; it’s about disturbing the entire tank ecosystem, stressing the fish, and dealing with the mess. Unfortunately, this wasn’t just a one-time lesson for me—I found myself making similar substrate changes in other tanks later on.
To avoid this, take the time upfront to research substrate types that support your fish species' natural behaviour and water chemistry needs. For example, African cichlids prefer a rocky, sandy substrate that mimics their natural lake bottoms, while other species might require planted substrates or finer sand. Picking the right substrate from the start saves you from costly and time-consuming changes down the road.
2. Budgeting for Fish: The Hidden Cost of Overstocking Monster Fish Tanks
When I first stocked my tank with African cichlids, I underestimated the cost involved in properly overstocking the aquarium. African cichlids are aggressive and territorial, and to keep them happy and healthy, you need to overstock the tank to balance their behaviour. This means buying many fish, not just a handful.
Each fish can cost anywhere from $30 to $80, which quickly adds up when you’re aiming for a properly overstocked environment. Without knowing this in advance, I was caught off guard by the financial commitment required. Overstocking isn’t just about crowding the tank; it’s a strategic approach to managing fish aggression and ensuring a stable community.
Before you start buying monster fish, research the recommended stocking levels for your chosen species and calculate the total investment needed. Remember, the cost of fish can often be the largest part of your budget, even more than the tank or equipment itself.
3. Equipment Costs Skyrocket with Tank Size
Another factor that many hobbyists overlook when moving to a monster fish tank is how the price of equipment increases dramatically with tank size. For example, lighting a six-foot aquarium is much more expensive than lighting a smaller tank like a 20 or 40-gallon.
High-quality lighting is essential for fish health, plant growth (if you have live plants), and overall tank aesthetics. But a six-foot light fixture is not only pricier but also harder to find and install. This principle extends to other equipment too—heaters, filters, pumps, and water conditioners all come at a premium when sized for a large tank.
It’s critical to factor this into your planning and budget early on. Don’t just think about the tank itself or the fish; think about the entire ecosystem and the equipment that supports it. Investing in reliable, efficient equipment will save you headaches and money in the long run.
4. Maintenance: Prepare for the Workload of Big Water Changes
Maintenance is where many monster fish owners get overwhelmed. I’m known for doing large, frequent water changes to maintain water quality, but when I started with my big tank, I didn’t anticipate just how physically demanding it would be.
Initially, I was lugging buckets back and forth manually—breaking my back trying to keep up with the maintenance schedule. It’s old-school, exhausting work that’s not sustainable for the long term. Eventually, I learned to use a water pump and large totes, which made the process more efficient and less physically taxing.
If you’re planning on keeping monster fish, set up systems that make maintenance manageable. Consider investing in a quality water pump, hoses, and storage containers designed for large volumes. Setting up an efficient water change routine will keep your tank healthy and save your back!
5. Filtration: Understanding Your Big Tank’s Needs
Big tanks require big filtration, but this is often where hobbyists feel intimidated. When I started, I was very hesitant about canister filters, even though I knew they were the best option at the time. Canisters can be complex and require regular maintenance, which was daunting.
Looking back, if I had more information, I might have chosen a sump filtration system instead. Sumps generally offer easier maintenance and better customization for large tanks, making them a great choice for monster fish setups.
Filtration is the heart of your aquarium’s ecosystem. Without proper filtration, water quality deteriorates quickly, putting your fish at risk. Research different filtration options and choose one that fits your tank size, fish load, and your comfort level with maintenance.
Conclusion: Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Keeping monster fish is a thrilling hobby, but it demands careful planning and investment. From choosing the right substrate to budgeting for fish and equipment, to setting up efficient maintenance and filtration systems, every step matters. My experience with a 210-gallon tank taught me valuable lessons that I hope will help you avoid the same pitfalls.
Remember, monster fish require monster commitment—not just financially, but in time and effort. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can create a stunning, healthy aquatic environment that will bring joy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I choose the best substrate for a monster fish tank?
Consider the natural habitat and behaviour of your fish species. For example, African cichlids prefer sandy or rocky substrates that mimic their lake environments. Research substrate types that support water chemistry needs and the biological environment you want to maintain.
Why is overstocking necessary for African cichlids?
African cichlids are territorial and aggressive. Overstocking helps distribute aggression and reduce stress by preventing any single fish from dominating the tank. This requires purchasing more fish than you might initially expect, so budget accordingly.
What equipment costs should I expect for a large aquarium?
Equipment costs increase with tank size. Larger tanks require bigger, more powerful lights, heaters, filters, and pumps, all of which cost more than equipment for smaller tanks. Plan your budget to include these necessary expenses upfront.
How can I make maintenance easier for a big tank?
Invest in tools like water pumps, large totes for water storage, and efficient hoses. These tools reduce the physical effort required for large water changes and help maintain water quality without straining yourself.
What filtration system is best for monster fish tanks?
Both canister filters and sump systems are effective, but sumps generally offer easier maintenance and more customization for large tanks. Choose based on your comfort level with maintenance and the specific needs of your aquarium.
This article was inspired from the video 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Keeping Monster Fish | With Kaveman Aquatics | Drop a like and subscribe to show your support!
