Free 60 Gallon

[dixaisy930]

I haven't been on this forum for awhile, but I have returned because I am in serious need of advice and help.

In a few hours, a 60 gallon tank (4 ft long, 3 ft high, and 24 inches deep about...no specific measurements yet) is going to be brought to me by a neighbor that got it FREE from a garage sale. Assuming there and no leaks (but I could seal those, if they are minor right?), this tank will be going in my living room. My problem...I've never had anything bigger than a 10 gallon (one extreme to the other, huh? lol). It comes with an oak stand, but since it'll be so heavy once is has water in it, will there be any problems with the floor? Could it be too heavy for the floor to support it?

How long will it take to get the water ready for fish if I use some filter media and substrate from my ten gallon? Also, is there such a thing as a fish being too small for a tank?

Last but not least, I need some fish suggestions!! My fish thought was CICHLID TANK!! but I'd like to move some of my fish from my ten gallon to the new 60 gallon, so that probably wouldn't work. Temperment wise, I don't want anything extremely aggressive, and size wise...anything that can go in a 60 gallon...it just can't be able to eat anything the size of a molly.

Your guidance and help is much appreciated!!!

 

[BigSteve]

♂ Wow! lucky you. The only thing my neighbors ever give me
is trouble. I would love to have that tank and stand.
In any case, I would think your floor would be able to withstand the weight of
that tank and stand. We're looking at about 700 lbs I believe. It would help to
the style of your house (i.e. ranch, bi-level, etc), age, and if tank is going to be
on a ground or upper floor. I wouldn't put it on an upper floor, but a ground
floor in most homes should be OK.
I think you could have alot of fun with that tank. Just set it up, decorate it, and get some fish for cycling. Yes, throw in some gravel from your other tank. That tank is
big enough for cichlids, but that's your decision. Alot of cichlids are aggressive and some don't even get along with any other cichlids. Yet I know alot of people like them.
If it was me it would be a tank with different tetras (they're not all small... some get to
2/12 and 3 inches in length, and would be quite visible even in a tank that size), maybe
some rainbowfish (like boesami), of course some catfish, some of the more peaceful barbs, golden apple snails... I mean, there's really alot of options with a tank that size. I envy you!
Good luck!

 

[dixaisy930]

I guess it would be a bi-level...there's a basement, but it would be on the main floor...will this be alright?

I'll probably be moving my banjo catfish, white-cheeked goby, american flagfish, molly, and dwarf frog into the new tank.

 

[BigSteve]

♂ A spot on the main floor should be able to support 700 lbs.
As far as your fish I would only put them in the new tank right away if they
are hardy enough to withstand the cycling. Don't know much about the fish
you mentioned. This new tank must cycle... you know... ammonia and nitrites
and all that. I assume you don't want to kill your fish. Just be patient.

 

[dixaisy930]

No, I'd really like to kill off all of my fish.... KIDDING.

No, of course I don't want to kill my fish...I'm just curious as how much the boost in the beneficial bacteria would help along the cycle.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tmlhaus]

You can also add Cycle to your tank to help it along. I got a 55 gallon cheap and am always having fun adding fish to it. I just bought some rummynose tetras, they school very tightly. Next I'll be trading in those emperors...they don't school at all. Have fun adding all those fish!