Would this tank work well with Large Cichlids?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Q

Quickstrike

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
May 2, 2005
40
3
38
"Very large aquarium tank has a curved front. Wider in center, tapered on ends. Overall dimensions are 80 inches long, 22.5 inches wide in the center and 15.5 inches wide on both ends. Tank is 29 inches high. Overall height, when sitting on stand is 58.5 inches."

So it is longer than a 180 Gal by 8 inches, Taller by 5 Inches, but the 15.5" widening to 22.5" in the center kind of has me worried.

How much of a problem would this be if I had fish like Red Devil's and Black Belt Cichlids - maybe even larger?

Is 15.5" width at the ends too small, compared to a 180 gallons 24"? Because I think most fish like to swim the length of the aquarium before turning instead of turning around in the center when the width is 22.5".

I've wanted a 180 gallon sized aquarium for the longest time now. This beats a 180 gallons in length and height, just the width that might be a problem.

Also, when I think large aquariums, I think wet/dry setups with a sump.

This aquarium has no plumbing. Just comes with a Fluval FX5. So I was thinking of adding a Fluval FX6 or an Eheim cannister right away to assist the FX5 in filtering.

How many gallons would you call this tank?
If I put the tank width as 22.5" in a gallon calculator it tells me 226 Gallons.. if I use 15.5 inches it says 155 Gallons. So if the difference between 226 gallons and 155 gallons is = 71 gallons.
71 / 2 = 35.5.. 155 gallons + 35.5 = ~190 gallons.. Does that make sense?

So, I guess this is a toss-up.. it is a matter of the width being OK. If it is, I'll buy this tank probably.. if not, I will go with the more common 180 gallon with 24" width.
 
http://www.fishtanksandponds.co.uk/calculators/bowfrontvolcalc.html

According to that calculator you have 182.54 realistic gallons. That is not too bad for cichilids just are not really able to go monster due to the 15" ends. I had an oscar in a 72 gallon bowfront, the ends were 13" and at about 11" he was having issues turning around at the ends of the tank. So I sold it and went with a traditional 75g that was 18" throughout. So if you was to go with this 'show tank' then I would keep fish that get to be about a foot in length or else they can have problems near the ends of the tank.
 
DMD123 said:
http://www.fishtanksandponds.co.uk/calculators/bowfrontvolcalc.html

According to that calculator you have 182.54 realistic gallons. That is not too bad for cichilids just are not really able to go monster due to the 15" ends. I had an oscar in a 72 gallon bowfront, the ends were 13" and at about 11" he was having issues turning around at the ends of the tank. So I sold it and went with a traditional 75g that was 18" throughout. So if you was to go with this 'show tank' then I would keep fish that get to be about a foot in length or else they can have problems near the ends of the tank.
Click to expand...

Damnit. That sucks.

Yeah, I was looking at Oscars as a possible tankmate too.

Arrgh. It is longer and taller than traditional 180, why did they have to skimp on the width?! lol

So, most larger fish would be happier in a traditional 6x2x2 180 Gallon?

I made an appointment to check it out.. it is a couple hours drive from where I live.. I so wanted to buy it.... So, what is the max length fish that would be OK with 15.5" width? and as I was thinking, most fish turn around at the ends, not in the my spacious middle section?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Achilles1763
Im just saying I think you can do it but do not get a red devil with oscars the red devil will tear them apart! The black belt and oscar could get along I would do something like this how about 1 oscar 1 black belt cichlid 1 featherfin catfish and a big shoal of silver dollars maybe 8
 
joshua752 said:
Im just saying I think you can do it but do not get a red devil with oscars the red devil will tear them apart! The black belt and oscar could get along I would do something like this how about 1 oscar 1 black belt cichlid 1 featherfin catfish and a big shoal of silver dollars maybe 8
Click to expand...

Good point. I had a list of more aggressive cichlids that would get along together. I'll see if I can find it on my PC.

Like I wrote before, my eyes lit up when I saw 80" length and 26" height.. just dunno if I should wait for another 180 gallon to show up with its 24" width
 
I really like the Midas/Red Devil/Flowerhorn cichlids.. so one of those I want for sure.. and then a few other cichlids - I always like the Black Belt and Buttikoferi.. as well as a raphel cat.
 
I would not get a buttikoferi to big. I would get a modes and a black belt cichlid! With a striped Raphael catfish and 6 or 7 silver dollars that would be good I think!
 
joshua752 said:
I would not get a buttikoferi to big. I would get a modes and a black belt cichlid! With a striped Raphael catfish and 6 or 7 silver dollars that would be good I think!
Click to expand...

What is a modes?

and the Butti would work with 24" Width 180, I would imagine?

Arrgh.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom