Appropriate tank dimensions?
- Thread starter Buphy
- Start date
So what about most amphs, vieja sp alot of them can push 15 inch which would mean a 7.5 ft by 2.5 ft tank as a minimum, and I don't think 16 inch for a jag is that big given enough time, just not many get old enough to get that size.
Not sure what you asking... The formula works for fish no matter what size they are. The species does not matter for the most part. Now If someone has a midas in a 125 I would say thats pretty close to the minimum but I think they should at least have the 2ft width of a 180. I think its funny how the larger a fish gets the smaller a tank people want to keep them in. If I asked people could I keep a convict in a 10 gallon tank most people would say no it is too small. But I guarantee there are a number of people who would feel fine recommending a midas/oscar for a 75 or 90 "as long as the water is kept clean".
I agree that when it comes to tank size alot of people would say a midas could go in a 90 gal yet a convict needs a 75 gal and a jag needs a 180 gal it doesn't make sense, that's why I put about the weights of fish a midas is taller, wider and bigger than a jag just not as long yet apparently only needs half the tank size but I do think a midas will be fine in a 180 gal even though it's not 6 times the length or twice the width of a potential 15 inch fish
There are some examples too, where I think fish don't require a massive amount. Betta's for example, if kept in say 75g and up; I've noticed tend to stick to a small area of around 2 foot, in larger sizes they can sometimes shy away.
Of course, thats perhaps a controversial viewpoint, but ah well
Of course, thats perhaps a controversial viewpoint, but ah well
I think the activity level of the fish has to be taken into account when calculating the size of a tank. For example, our Chocolate cichlids are doing great in their 75 gallon tank. Some of the other faster moving South/Central American cichlids, which max out around the same size, might need another foot of length to reach their full potential.
There is no definitive answer.What one person deems acceptable another will not.
It is widely acceptable to keep birds in cages,to me that is just cruel.Am I right? Depends who you ask.
Bigger is always better for cichlids. Don't just settle for the recommendation of minimum tank size,go bigger,if you can't go bigger,choose a smaller cichlid.
It is widely acceptable to keep birds in cages,to me that is just cruel.Am I right? Depends who you ask.
Bigger is always better for cichlids. Don't just settle for the recommendation of minimum tank size,go bigger,if you can't go bigger,choose a smaller cichlid.
Ofc there's no definite answer, but I feel there's a different a between "minimum" tank size and "appropriate" tank size. And as to birds (for parrots), your bird should really only be caged when sleeping and when you are not present (when you're at work). Other times the bird should be out and active.
Think people say jags need more room because they are, correct me if I'm wrong, one of the few actual open water predators (for cichlids).
Im actually not sure if Jags are open water predators. I do agree that activity level of course plays a part. A 6in angelfish probably does not need as much room as a 6in haplichromis. However I do feel like there should be a line somewhere. A certain measurement so we can as a group say that size tank is too small without debate. That is why I think having a minimum tank size is important so if someone new to the hobby ask "what size tank do I need for 'x' fish" we can give a definite answer without too much debate.
I really like this statement. So often I see people use the excuse that not everyone can afford a 300+ tank for thier fish... which is true but there are plenty of smaller growing cichlids that are easy to house. Its not like someone is holding a gun to your head telling you to get an umbee or dovii. I remember some years ago before I left for school Umbee had become the trending fish which was a bit concerning to me because these were huge open water predators that I know most people could not house properly so they usually ended up in like 125/180's. Of course most people don't have theirs now(I don't think) but it is important IMO that people pick a fish that they can house properly. I am not a person that believes clean water can compensate for tank size. I think it can only go so far.
