I was in the process of figuring out which size tank I want to upgrade to. My current tank is a 180gallon (6x2x2ft) tank which is built into the wall. This being said I was looking at the 270-280 gallon tanks that are 6x3wx2 tall..is this enough swimming space for them? I would convert the 180 display tank into a sump so the overall volume would be around 400 gallons. The max length that I could use in the space the tank is in would be an 8ft tank. And if I am going to have to take the wall apart then I could do a 8x3x3 tank which is 540 gallons again using the 180 as a sump I would put this setup at 700 gallons. I know its my decision to make financially but I was wondering from the experts here whether a 6x3x2 is enough space or should I just plan for the 8x3x3? Which if the 8x3x3 is the answer then can that also handle a Tem for life? Stock for like would be Two orinos One mono Maybe one TEM and two 11in plus oscars. Thanks for the help guys
270 gallon main tank large enough for Orino and Mono's?
- Thread starter pyro40t
- Start date
Of course the 8x3x3 would be better. Not suitable for a tem for life IMO tho. The 6x3x2 is also a good option for a few cichla....just not tems. But of course the bigger the better. if your gonna upgrade you might as well do it once and tear apart the wall and go 8x3x3. That extra 2ft in length opens up a lot more options as far as stocking and keeping your stock happy. Using the 180g as a sump is also a great idea!
personally i think that would be just fine. you said 3ft wide not high right? many won't agree with me on this one. while the tem could get huge it will take some time and depending on care may never reach the 24+" mark.
Yeah the one I have is already 13in and he is only 7 months old ...and it would be 6 long 3 wide and 2 high or just the 8x3x3...I was just seeing if the 6x3x2 wasbig enough before tearing the wall apart to fit the bigger tank vs just expanding the stand in the closet
As someone who just finished pricing out large tanks, I would suggest you stick to 24" or 30" tall instead of 36". I found quite a large price increase jumping to 36". If you're not planning on an arowana, you really probably don't need the extra height anyways. Good luck with your decision. I agree with the others...go 8X3X2.5 and don't look back.
you'll thank yourself later for getting the 24"-30" tall when it comes to cleaning. I hate trying to reach the bottom of my 36".. almost have to put a mask and snorkel on to reach it! 