Tank Size

[Victarion]

I think this is the correct subsection for this, but I am open to having overlooked something..

I am very well behaved, and have read most of the "beginners section", and plan to follow all appropriate advice (cycling, taking time and so forth). New to tropical fish, but have had coldwater fish for years following an ocean science degree.

The only query I have is regarding tanksize. After some research among types, what we are favouring is roughly the following:

Corydoras (or other similar sized catfish) presumably 3-5 of (as this seems to be the suggested shoal size)

Some or more shrimps: cherry and related species/ and or amano shrimps

Possibly some small number of tetras/ guppies or fish that won't harass/eat previous two, but all we definately want are the former.

What sort of tanksize would accommodate this? we aren't looking for a massive tank (second floor of a ooooold house) but I understand the logic behind larger water sizes damping temperature variations. danke!

 

[fluttermoth]

to the forum, Victarion.

I always recommend a three foot/100l tank for beginners. It's big enough to be stable and can house a good selection of fish species, but without being so big that you get overwhelmed and find water changes hard work

 

[dannybgoode]

The biggest you can afford and feel comfortable with. Personally I think a 210l (55gal) 4' tank is a good place to start. Large enough to give plenty of stocking options but not so daft as to overwhelm.

Whilst it will weigh a fair amount (c. 250kg with substrate, rocks, water etc) your floor should still cope but always try and put the tank so it goes across the floor joists not in line with...

Cheers

Danny B

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I agree with Fluttermouth, 100L is a great size to start with.
I started with a 30L tank and internal filter... and trust me when i say my now 110L with external filter was ALOT easier and more straightforward to set-up, monitor and maintain.
Good luck with it all, you've found the right forum for it

Terry.

 

[LucyB]

I have to agree with Fluttermoth aswell, I have a 110 litre and it is not hard work at all! I actually find it harder work maintaining my smaller tanks. They tend to get dirty quickly

 

[thereverendturtle]

I also agree with fluttermouth. Something with a base of 30-36" x 12" is a good size beginners aquarium.

 

[sadguppy]

Whatever size you get, you'll end up wanting more fish than you can fit so I would advise going for the biggest you can afford/fit to start with. I had a 65l to start but upgraded to a 200l after only a few months. The work is not that much more but the variety of stocking options is much wider, and once you get to grips with the basics it is big enough for cichlids, interesting aquascapes, biotopes, a couple of rare plecs, a full marine set up... Whatever you have decided takes your fancy.

 

[Victarion]

Thanks a bunch! I'm a touch intimidated by the sheer size as my previous tank was a 60l and 30gal is quite a step up! but if the size increase means its easier to damp changes, then it makes sense.