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Author Topic: What size tank should i get??  (Read 1140 times)
teetsymomo
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What size tank should i get??
« on: November 30, 2010, 07:52:34 PM »
I'm having a dilemma Huh Huh Huh Huh on what size tank to get. Right now I'm thinking between a 40 and 75 gallon. Right now I only have my two babies, but eventually, I'd like to get one or two more. I have plenty of wall space in my dining room to hold them, but I'm somewhat torn. Realistically there's not much of a price difference between the tank sizes, but I really don't want more than I'll actually need. What do you think?
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2010, 07:58:28 PM »
I personally think that this hobby is totally addicting and you should get the biggest that you have room for and can afford!!! Grin
You will get the 40 and then you might want 2 more fish but then in a few months your in the petshop and you see a gorgeous fish you just have to have!!! Cheesy  If you go with the 75 gallon then you can add another fish! Wink or two or 3 !!!
Bigger tank is easier to take care of too IMO!
I love my 75 gallon tank.  AND if you really splurge and get the canister filter , you will love that too! Grin
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Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2010, 11:29:50 AM »
I agree with Minde! Grin
My 83 gallon isn't big enough for me by far it seems... I'm already planning on another 50-75 gallon setup with a new bunch of fancies Wink

Really, if you have the space and the money for it, go for the biggest you can get! Smiley
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Katarine
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2010, 04:14:11 PM »
Depends on what your limits are. If you are an avid fish keeper, I agree with Minde and Nossie. However, if you are just starting out, start with a smaller tank - 75 gal perhaps. Like Minde said, get the largest you can afford and have room for, and you wont have to worry about upgrading.

I learned this the hard way. I started with a 20 gal and now I have no room for more fishes....

Sad Sad
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Hanna
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2010, 05:11:56 PM »
I agree, the biggest one you can afford and you've got room for... Wink
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2010, 06:32:35 PM »
Yeah definitely get the bigger tank Smiley
I have had my 40 gallon for a little less than a year and already I am saving up for a bigger setup!
Trust me you will become more and more addicted and want even more fish!
And even if you don't decide you want extra fish, your current goldies will still appreciate the extra space.

Do any of you use or know of a good canister filter? Because I would like to get one but have no idea which one to get Huh
I also want to try and spend less than $200 on it if possible Grin
Oh and it is for my 40 gallon.
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teetsymomo
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2010, 06:38:10 PM »
Thank you so much for the advise. Yeah, I'm leaning towards the 75 gallon. I found a really sweet deal with the tank and stand at petsmart,  but then I found it for $100 less on another website. Has anyone every ordered anything from PetSolutions? I don't like to order items from companies on line that no one has ever reviewed.
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2010, 06:48:11 PM »
Here is a review. I think this is the website you are talking about
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teetsymomo
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2010, 06:59:17 PM »
Okay, never mind the petsoulutions. My eyes are bad. I thought the tank I was looking at was $129.99. It's $1,299.99. These people must be smoking crack, because petsmart has the whole system with stand for $299.99
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2010, 07:01:53 PM »
Hahaha.
Thats a big difference...!
$299 is still really good. How big is the tank? Does it come with everything you need like lights, filter etc...?
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2010, 07:19:51 PM »
wow thats a great deal!!!
I got my 75 gallon second hand but it came with everything including the filter for $100. Smiley
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teetsymomo
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2010, 08:24:17 PM »
It's a 60 gallon with stand. People haven't been all excited about the filters, but that's a easy remedy to fix.

 (Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)

This 60 gallon aquarium features a large front panel to maximize the viewing area. The traditional Mission style and clean lines of the aquarium stand will be a welcome addition to your home or office with generous cabinet space to store your fish food and other supplies. The included fluorescent lighting visually enhances both your fish and décor. Ideal for tropical or marine applications.

Kit includes: 60 gallon aquarium, fluorescent light hood, matching aquarium stand (fish and décor sold separately)

Made in the USA.

Dimensions: 48-1/4"L x 12-3/4"W x 57-3/4"H
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2010, 10:38:49 PM »
Wow! That's Lovely! Smiley
Marineland makes good products.
I have their versa glass tops and the LED light hoods are fantastic!!
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Katarine
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #13 on: December 01, 2010, 10:44:47 PM »
Whats this about Marineland?

Are we talking about the theme park or an actual company???
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #14 on: December 01, 2010, 11:48:18 PM »
Kat,
Didn't you click on the link she put in her message?
It's a gorgeous tank and stand set by Marineland. Grin
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Katarine
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #15 on: December 02, 2010, 12:00:03 AM »
...

...


...Didnt see the link,......


-clicks link-


OH WOW. That is an amazing tank Cheesy want. now. XD
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Hanna
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2010, 12:01:24 AM »
It is a gorgeous tank and a VERY good price, too Wink
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2010, 12:50:42 AM »
Ok, I recommend the Fluval canister filter to answer your question, abbie which I totally missed.
Even if you bought it brand new it would be less than $200.
You might want to check on craigs list or ebay.
A used one comes up once in awhile.
I like the Fluval by Hagen because it is super quiet and easy to us and it keeps the water crystal clear.
I use the 304 on my 75 gallon but you may be able to go with the next smaller.
The 204? is a little later model.  they have since come out with the 205-305 series.  The parts are replaceable for the 204's-and 304's and you can upgrade some parts of the 205-305 models onto the 204's and 304's.
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pappy-fish81
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #18 on: December 02, 2010, 02:05:14 AM »
My personal opinion I'd go for the 75 gallon, the bigger the better. Wink
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #19 on: December 02, 2010, 03:56:51 AM »
@Mindemae thanks for that.
I will do some more research but Fluval canister filters seem pretty reasonably priced compared to other brands. I can get a 205 for $135 online.
Do you ever find it necessary to replace the filter media like the foam and carbon? or do you just wash it?
Because I have found with my current hang on filter that they say to buy a new foam pad every 2 months, but I have been using the same one for a year and I just rinse it under warm water every month or so.
Also what do you connect to the end of the hose when the water returns to the tank? Does it come with like a spray bar or something?
Last question lol. When I add the canister filter to the tank will this be overkill? Since I will be running two filters at the same time for a while until the bacteria builds up in the canister. Currently I am only using an aqua clear HOB filter rated up to 190 litres.
Erghh sorry for all the questions I just want to make sure i make the right decision Smiley
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Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #20 on: December 02, 2010, 09:32:50 AM »
Abbie: I've got a pretty good filter as well, it cost me about 130€ when I bought it Cheesy It's called Eheim Classic 2217, so far I cleaned the filter pads only once after I set it up Smiley It's been like... 3-4 months Smiley It's pretty much an awesome filter Cheesy
There's a kind of spray bar at the end of the hose, yes Smiley

And... overkill is good most of the time, but how big is your tank?
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Mindemae
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #21 on: December 02, 2010, 05:29:33 PM »
Hey Abbie,
Do you ever find it necessary to replace the filter media like the foam and carbon? or do you just wash it?  The foam sponges can last for about 10 years or if you want to replace then you can replace 2 at a time. (My 304 takes 4 so I replaced 2 and then 2 months later replaced the other 2)
Also what do you connect to the end of the hose when the water returns to the tank? Does it come with like a spray bar or something?  It comes with a return nozzle but you can upgrade it to a spray bar (I didn't bother)
Last question lol. When I add the canister filter to the tank will this be overkill?  No way! It will be an asset.  Like Nossie said for goldfish, more filtration is better.  ALSO, I have an over the back power filter by Aqueon on my 75 gallon besides the fluval canister.  They both run over 300 gallons per hour.  It's perfect for me because my tank is a bit overcrowded with 10 pond fish in it for the winter.  But they both do a great job together.  The fluval I clean once a month and the aqueon, once a week and replce filters on that once a month.  On the fluval I alternate and replace the carbon bags that are pre-filled once a month but since it takes 2 I replace 1 only once a month.Also, I use  in the bottom tray pre-filled nitrate absorbing media and alternate and replace 1 per month also.
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #22 on: December 02, 2010, 09:24:52 PM »
My tank is 40 gallons (3 foot) But when I get a new tank in a few months for the goldfish it will be converted into an african cichild tank.
Thanks guys for your replies Smiley
I think I am going to end up going for the eheim 2215. I will keep running my aqua clear hob for a while until the filter establishes and then if I think I have enough filtration without it I will remove it.
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Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #23 on: December 03, 2010, 11:05:54 AM »
Please, please, please post photos of the cichlids when you get them!! Grin
I am so jealous already Smiley By the way, if you haven't decided yet, go for Malawi cichlids, they have more beautiful colors Wink
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #24 on: December 03, 2010, 06:19:10 PM »
I will XD
I won't be getting them for a few months though Sad
Yup thats what I am getting! These little guys to be exact (Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)
I am doing a species tank since 40 gallons isn't really big enough to have many different types due to their aggression and all.
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Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #25 on: December 04, 2010, 04:50:30 AM »
Some species are fine to combine in pairs Smiley It's all about research Wink
But actually, it might be safer for you to keep only one species, because it is pretty small for cichlids Smiley
And in that case... I noticed that these have a bad temperament as well.. maybe you'd like to consider getting some more peaceful one? Wouldn't be nice if they'd go kill eachother...
Here are a few suitable species: Labidochromis sp. Lupingo, Labidochromis caeruleus, Fenestratus (These have yellow stripes on their bodies), Cyrtocara moorii (THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!), Pseudotropheus socolofi, Copadichromis borleyi and Auloncara baenschi.

Tell me if you want more info on these Cheesy
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #26 on: December 04, 2010, 08:25:16 AM »
I was going to do a tank with pseudos acei and yellow labs but asked around on some forums and they said it might be better doing a species tank as my tanks small.
I like Pseudotropheus saulosi mainly because the females are yellow and the males are blue.
Its only really the males that are aggressive so what you have to do is keep a higher ratio of females to males so that the males aren't fighting over the same female. Also so that the females aren't continuously harassed.
So I would probably do 2 males to 8 females...or something along those lines.
Even though this species is pretty aggressive I kind of like that lol, as I have read because of their aggression they are one of the most interesting cichlids to watch.
Deaths shouldn't occur if you introduce the males at the same time and proivide plenty of caves for them...and females Wink

Tehe Cyrtocara moorii have a cute podgy looking face and lips Smiley But they need a bigger tank Sad
I just love the setups people do with cichlids with rocks and sand. Its pretty simple yet it looks so amazing...and natural!
You should totally save up for a cichlid tank Nossie Wink Which cichlids would you like to own one day?




« Last Edit: December 04, 2010, 08:27:57 AM by Abbiesaurus » Logged
Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #27 on: December 04, 2010, 03:33:20 PM »
Oh, I didn't think too much in detail yet about which species exactly when it comes to the African ones Smiley DEFINITELY some Malawi cichlids though Smiley I was thinking about some Yellow Peacocks actually and maybe some Malawi blue dolphins? Both are rather peaceful so I believe that they'd work well in a tank together! Besides, they're also yellow and blue Wink Another one I was considering was the Fenestratus, they have blue heads and white/black striped body! They would make a wonderful mix of colors and shapes!

Besides, I would want to offer them a pretty big tank... at least 400-500L and pretty long, so that they'd have plenty of space Smiley
It might stay as a little fantasy though... I have no idea where I'd find the money OR the fish xD But I'd check with the pet shops what they could order if it'd ever come down to it Smiley

It sounds like you've done your research on these cichlids you want to have! Cheesy I think that's what would make you easily capable of caring for them and giving them a good home Smiley
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Abbiesaurus
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #28 on: December 04, 2010, 06:07:16 PM »
Malawis are definitely the best looking cichlids imo xD
I was considering using the bigger tank I will be getting to house the cichlids and leaving the goldies in their current tank...but I think I will let the goldies have the bigger one Smiley
Yeah length is very important when choosing a tank for cichlids. In a 150 litre 3 foot and a 200 litre 3 foot you would only be able to keep a very similar number of fish.

I actually found some cichlids at my LFS - they were so tiny Smiley
Not the species I want to keep though. I will have to get them online or from a private seller. There is this one private seller selling them for $5 each if you buy 10 or more! SO I hope that guy is still selling when its time for me to buy them. Otherwise it will be like $15 per fish from elsewhere :/

I have been doing a lot of research because I want to make this work. I don't want to end up having to sell them or give them away due to their aggression Sad
You will have your cichlid tank one day Nossie Cheesy
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Nossie
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Re: What size tank should i get??
« Reply #29 on: December 05, 2010, 03:39:51 AM »
Yep! Those, and some Amazon ones Smiley Discus, Convict cichlids and Angelfish are pretty! (But I don't want any others than Oscars and/or Pearl Cichlids xD)

Alright, sounds like you've got it all planned out! Smiley By the way, there are special salts sold for cichlid setups, since Malawis want their water really hard and alkaline, you may want to check that out as well Smiley

I do hope that guy will still have those cichlids when it comes down to it! You could always go ask or something? Smiley
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