45G Stocking questions.

[Cropsy]

Hello,
I recently cycled a brand new tank, a 45g. I have 4 platies and 1 common pleco, with a fire eel on order.

I know how large common plecos get, the questions I have are about 2 fish A) How long can I grow my pleco out in this tank and B) How long can I keep a fire eel in this tank before moving him to a larger tank.

I know from reading and researching both fish need large tanks, and I am getting one in say about a year or two, I'm thinking a 200g.

My fish store tried to tell me a fire eel can just live in a 45G which, I do NOT agree with, seems small for such a large creature.

So how long can I grow both of those fish out in this tank? I did scavenge a 55 long out of the trash and plan to reseal it and replace the broken brace and I know my eel would do better in that because it has more room on the bottom.

I will also add I am new to keeping fish, I had a tank when I was 10 but that hardly counts I would say. I got all my chemicals and test kits so no worries there, I just really don't want to hurt these wonderful fish.

-Cropsy

 

[kno4te]

It varies but in general it's a slow grower. 6-8 inches for a year then once at 10-12 inches. It'll slow down.

I'd say maybe if it's a real slow grower 1-1.5 years. It'll get really thick too. They will easily hit the 20-22inch mark inmost aquariums and even bigger with enough space.