2 Silver Dollars in a 20g tank

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I keep a relatively simple 20g tank - usually about 10 fish, tetras,
danios, drawf gouramis, etc. About a month ago I picked up 2 silver
dollars. The lady at the fish store didn't say much about them other
than they were gentile and would "get bigger".

No kidding. They've already doubled in size, and from what I read they
are going to get pretty big. Concern 1 - Too big for a 20g tank?

My other concern is that they spend 99% of their time hinding in the
plastic plants. I don't mind not seeing them, but I'm worried they are
"unhappy". (Forgive the anthropomorphism - yes, I realize these are
fish). From what I read, they do better in larger groups. Any chance a
20g tank can support not only 2 Silver Dollars, but maybe a few more?
Alas, a bigger tank is out of the question for now.

Any thoughts much appreaciated,
Sal

[Billy]

> wrote in message
ups.com...
>I keep a relatively simple 20g tank - usually about 10 fish, tetras,
> danios, drawf gouramis, etc. About a month ago I picked up 2 silver
> dollars. The lady at the fish store didn't say much about them
> other
> than they were gentile and would "get bigger".
>
> No kidding. They've already doubled in size, and from what I read
> they
> are going to get pretty big. Concern 1 - Too big for a 20g tank?

Silver Dollar's are fabulous fish. Sadly, they will be too big for a
20 gallon in time. You may have to trade them in for some smaller
fish. Perhaps this is a good time to look into a local aquarist's
club. If you leave them in that tank, they will become stressed,
making them prone to disease and infection. As for the second part,
I've had a few of them, and they weren't all that active either......

b

[Richard Sexton]

>No kidding. They've already doubled in size, and from what I read they
>are going to get pretty big. Concern 1 - Too big for a 20g tank?

A little. 5.5" according to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metynnis_argenteus

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[jim]

> wrote in message
ups.com...
>I keep a relatively simple 20g tank - usually about 10 fish, tetras,
> danios, drawf gouramis, etc. About a month ago I picked up 2 silver
> dollars. The lady at the fish store didn't say much about them other
> than they were gentile and would "get bigger".
>
> No kidding. They've already doubled in size, and from what I read they
> are going to get pretty big. Concern 1 - Too big for a 20g tank?
>
> My other concern is that they spend 99% of their time hinding in the
> plastic plants. I don't mind not seeing them, but I'm worried they are
> "unhappy". (Forgive the anthropomorphism - yes, I realize these are
> fish). From what I read, they do better in larger groups. Any chance a
> 20g tank can support not only 2 Silver Dollars, but maybe a few more?
> Alas, a bigger tank is out of the question for now.
>
> Any thoughts much appreaciated,
> Sal
>

Yes, 20G is WAY too small a tank for the silver dollars. This is not only
because of their individual size, but because they need a group and a lot of
room to feel comfortable. They are so easily frightened even with ideal
conditions. Your 2 Silver Dollars are never coming out because they are
scared and uncomfortable. I have 4 in a 90G and this is borderline too
small, although mine are out all the time. I would like to get a 6 ft long
125 or 150 for them. They are active and beautiful fish when given the
right conditions.

[JG]

Silver Dollars should be kept in a school of at least 5-6 fishes. I'd
recommend a 130 gallon tank for them.
> wrote in message
ups.com...
>I keep a relatively simple 20g tank - usually about 10 fish, tetras,
> danios, drawf gouramis, etc. About a month ago I picked up 2 silver
> dollars. The lady at the fish store didn't say much about them other
> than they were gentile and would "get bigger".
>
> No kidding. They've already doubled in size, and from what I read they
> are going to get pretty big. Concern 1 - Too big for a 20g tank?
>
> My other concern is that they spend 99% of their time hinding in the
> plastic plants. I don't mind not seeing them, but I'm worried they are
> "unhappy". (Forgive the anthropomorphism - yes, I realize these are
> fish). From what I read, they do better in larger groups. Any chance a
> 20g tank can support not only 2 Silver Dollars, but maybe a few more?
> Alas, a bigger tank is out of the question for now.
>
> Any thoughts much appreaciated,
> Sal
>

[dc]

wrote in news:1137463326.483885.91670
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> I keep a relatively simple 20g tank - usually about 10 fish, tetras,
> danios, drawf gouramis, etc. About a month ago I picked up 2 silver
> dollars. The lady at the fish store didn't say much about them other
> than they were gentile and would "get bigger".

Silver dollars are large tetras. A healthy and well cared for mature
silver dollar can get as large as a dinner plate. Putting two of them nose
to tail would probably be nearly the length your 20 gallon tank. They
don't just get bigger, they get really quite a lot bigger. They make good
tank mates for large oscars.

Your dollars are probably stressed and hiding in your aquarium because
there is only a pair of them in there and because it is such a small
environment compared to their ideal.