I currently have a 56G tank that I am growing out a firemouth, EBA and green terror in. The green terror is less than an inch so no concern for a bit but I know it is getting a new home. I am fighting the battle of size though. 75 is cheap to come by, 300 to 350 dollars. 90 is around 650, and 120 850. These are tank and stand from local stores. The prices change a lot so my question is what would I gain by getting the larger? I feel like 90 is the best compromise but I would like to move the fire mouth with the green terror thus why I want to make sure the tank is large enough. Does the stocking change from 75 to 90 to 120 (all 4 foot)?
75, 90, 120 Stocking?
- Thread starter Sleepymas
- Start date
Always go with the largest you can fit. Larger tanks are more stable and the extra room gives you so many more options without adding too much to the work load.
Yes, it is the 4x2x2, it will fit but it is the second floor so I am working on structural strength research also. It will be in a room above my garage on an exterior wall corner. The one issue is the wall it is over is the door opening so I worry it might be weaker than other spots. Also, my joists run front to back so I will only be hitting 1 with the 18 tanks and 2 with the 24 tank. I would love to go the other direction so I hit 3 either way but that is just not an option due to windows. I know maybe I could find a better spot but my wife said no to main floor and I do not have a basement, this room is my office so I am in it all day and would really enjoy seeing the fish all day. I have had the 56 there for 6 months and so far so good but that is a big step up in weight. The house was built in 2015 so pretty new and will probably work but I want to be safe and not sorry.
If I wanted to keep another cichlid say a JD with the GT would that 120 make that more possible to be a success or does the depth not change things much for stocking? I want to say I will be happy with just a GT but a 2 inch fish alone in 120 gallons of water is pretty boring, I know they get larger though so that is what I am planning for not the size today.
If I wanted to keep another cichlid say a JD with the GT would that 120 make that more possible to be a success or does the depth not change things much for stocking? I want to say I will be happy with just a GT but a 2 inch fish alone in 120 gallons of water is pretty boring, I know they get larger though so that is what I am planning for not the size today.
I’d be more concerned with the chill from the garage door then the structural integrity but not sure where you are based
I wouldn't worry too much about the structural integrity for a 120 unless your house was incredibly poorly made. On an exterior wall you should be fine with that load. I've had larger tanks on the second floor of a 100 year old house with no issue. Of course every house is different, but I have yet to read on MFK about a 120 falling through someone's floor.
On the stocking, I would go for the 120 if possible. But here's another thought- Petco sells 75's for under 100$ during their dollar per gallon sale, which is every two months. You might be better off getting two 75's, giving the GT one, and getting the firemouth some firemouth buddies for the other 75. Use the money you save on the tank to get your filters etc.
And if the room is never below 80 anyway, I'd unplug heaters personally. No need for them, and worst case if one got stuck in on position, you could overheat the fish. But no negative to not having one.
On the stocking, I would go for the 120 if possible. But here's another thought- Petco sells 75's for under 100$ during their dollar per gallon sale, which is every two months. You might be better off getting two 75's, giving the GT one, and getting the firemouth some firemouth buddies for the other 75. Use the money you save on the tank to get your filters etc.
And if the room is never below 80 anyway, I'd unplug heaters personally. No need for them, and worst case if one got stuck in on position, you could overheat the fish. But no negative to not having one.
Thanks for the feedback I was thinking the same when I realized the pricing. I am not sure I can fit two 75s in here though. I already have to move the 56 to make room for the 75/90/120. I would prefer what you said though, have 2 and then split the fish up. Maybe I can figure out a way to do that and save money. I will do some measurements as I really like that idea.
As for the heater, I only keep it because when I go on work trips the computers all get turned off and the room does drop into the 70s. I also live in hurricane territory so I lose power for days on end at times and I can't control the temp of the room then. I can control tank temp with a backup battery or small generator.
I was thinking about a jack Dempsey also, the two 75s might make that a lot easier and not have to worry about green terror and it fighting.
As for the heater, I only keep it because when I go on work trips the computers all get turned off and the room does drop into the 70s. I also live in hurricane territory so I lose power for days on end at times and I can't control the temp of the room then. I can control tank temp with a backup battery or small generator.
I was thinking about a jack Dempsey also, the two 75s might make that a lot easier and not have to worry about green terror and it fighting.
Yeah man mixing these fish in a single four-foot tank is gonna be a headache most likely. It's do-able in a 120 if the fish want to play nice. In a 75 or 90 I feel like the GT and FM might work out but the JD as well would be pushing it.
If space is an issue, 40 breeder is a foot shorter and would be fine (in my opinion, some may feel differently) for the firemouth with some dithers. Possibly a pair of the FM's if they get along well. Or just keep the 56 and find a new spot for the 75, put GT in 75 and use the 56 for the FM's. Best option of the bunch probably (aside from 2 75's)
If space is an issue, 40 breeder is a foot shorter and would be fine (in my opinion, some may feel differently) for the firemouth with some dithers. Possibly a pair of the FM's if they get along well. Or just keep the 56 and find a new spot for the 75, put GT in 75 and use the 56 for the FM's. Best option of the bunch probably (aside from 2 75's)