How big should my next tank be

[mellowserra]

I'm ready to set up the new tank, I'm wondering what size I should go with. Setting up a larger tank later won't be a problem, so I definitely don't want to get something too huge now.

I know I will need a 180+ later, but I think that is going to be quite a while, right now he's barely 6 inches. I've had him over 2 months and he's put on girth and maybe an inch in length. From what I have read throughout these forums, it appears that his growth will be quite slow.

I am thinking about a 33 USgal long (48Lx13Wx12H). The tank is going to be heavily planted, the only plans for a tankmate will be some kind of pleco.

Do you think this will suffice, or should I go with something wider (maybe a 40gal 36x18x16)? It would be nice to hear from others who have a Mastacembelus armatus. Thanks.

 

[Paul_MTS]

what size tank is he in at the moment?

all i can suggest is go as big as you can now.

IME they grow quite quickly. i bought mine when it was literally earthworm size at about 2-3" that was in November and he's tad over a foot long with 3/4" girth and will swallow a complete lance fish.

he's currently in my 100g but soon I'm going to attempt to catch him and move him into my 210g.

 

[mellowserra]

Good luck catching your eel...that is certainly something to consider when upgrading to a larger tank.

Mine is in a tank now that is going to be too small very soon (20x10x18) . He doesn't stay completely out of view as he mostly lurks about the bottom throughout the vegetation, so I am less worried about gallons and concerned more with the amount of area I can utilize in the bottom half of the tank.

A 50gal (36x18x18) is looking good to me, I want something with a width of at least 18 inches. The next size up is a 75, I'm afraid if I put him in something that big he'd be "lost" for months.

 

[Paul_MTS]

yeh that size 50 shoudl be fine for quite a while.

mine still looks kind of lost in my 100g but he's now at a state where he won't hget eaten in the 210g so needs to move to keep growing well.

 

[mellowserra]

Thanks. I plan on lots of plants and hiding places too, with only a pleco he should be pretty happy. Then when he needs moved eventually I'll have a nice empty tank to get more fish

 

[Paul_MTS]

you might aswell stock the tank.

my tyre track is in my SA cichlid community, he sits in a pice of wood most of the day then comes out for the food, cihclids don't even batter a fin at him!!

 

[trimacdevilconvict]

my tyretrack is in my ca cichlid tank but is being move to my oddball tank as my jag dont like him very much prob cos he is 3ft