Am I worrying too much about 6" width?

[Desert Bus]

I was planning on moving my 3 Senegals up to a 40gallon breeder because of the 18" width, as opposed to the 12" from a 55.

I may have a chance to pick up a 55 with some (probably crap) supplies really cheaply.

The only Bichirs I was aiming to get are P. senegalus, P. retropinnis, and P. delhezi. Possibly a Erpethoichthys calabaricus.

From what I can tell none of these, aside from the Rope, should get over 15".

Will a 12" wide tank be ok for them, or should I hold out for something with a bit more width to it? Would the Rope be ok in a standard 55 gallon?

 

[congofeet]

With bichirs and the like I prefer a tank with more bottom dwelling space since that is where they hang out all the time. So any tank that maximizes bottom space would be better in my opinion. Right now I have a del, and two sens in an 80 and they love it.

 

[Desert Bus]

So you vote hold out for a wider tank. Thanks for the quick response. Now to see what anyone else has to say.

 

[Tom500]

i would say hold out for something with more width to it. Polypterus spend most of their time at the bottom, although they occasionally swim up and down like a crazy fish lol. So give them atleast 1.5x their body length eg a 12" P. delhezi or P. senegalus would require a tank with 18" width to be comfortable.
GL with it polypterus are among my favourite fish, really interesting!

 

[Glasman]

Why not try to find a good deal on a 75? Then you get the length of the 55 and width of the 40 breeder.

 

[vaine111]

Why not try to find a good deal on a 75? Then you get the length of the 55 and width of the 40 breeder.

I was going to post about holding out for a 75g too. Then you can expand to more options.
Why stop there... get a 90!!

 

[Desert Bus]

Holding out for the 75 does seem like the best option, and i should be able to afford it next month and have enough heaters to run it. I can have a friend through together a stand and filtration can be skimpy thanks to initially low stocking and lots of WC's.

I think i'll look around today and see if there are any good holiday package deals, or at the very least price out a tank + lids.

 

[jworth]

Holding out for the 75 does seem like the best option, and i should be able to afford it next month and have enough heaters to run it. I can have a friend through together a stand and filtration can be skimpy thanks to initially low stocking and lots of WC's.

I think i'll look around today and see if there are any good holiday package deals, or at the very least price out a tank + lids.

and if you are near indianapolis, I can build you a nice stand for real cheap shoot me a pm.

 

[spwd]

Like vaine says why stop there just get the biggest one you can.
Is there not any classifieds to look at and get a bargain?
And do not skimp on filtration,its what keeps your fish alive so why risk it.

Good luck in finding a bigger tank

cheers steve

 

[Desert Bus]

and if you are near indianapolis, I can build you a nice stand for real cheap shoot me a pm.

A couple hours away, but I know a couple of good carpenters and ironworkers. Thanks though!