Minimum Tank Size for my fish?

[groovitudedude]

In the long run, what is the minimum tank size for my fish for life? I'm already well aware that my tinfoils, balas, and other fish will not live healthily in a 100G for life, so I want to get a tank that will make them happy. However, I am rather stretched for money, and I'm not sure if my house can properly hold a ]V[ tank. Anyway, please feel free to offer any suggestions, constructive criticism, and other comments.

Stocking list:
2-3 Tinfoil Barbs
5 Bala Sharks
5-7 Clown Loaches
1 Pink Convict
1 Leporinus
1 Fire Eel
1 Common Pleco
1 Albino CAE
1 Senegal Bichir

 

[Teddude]

300+

 

[BushFishRox]

you could probly get away with a 150gal long (72x18x29) but a 180 would be better...

 

[groovitudedude]

I was personally thinking a 240G (8x2x2), but that's just me. You guys know more about these fish than I do.

 

[12 Volt Man]

if I recall from AC, your tinfoils are the lemon finned variety like I have, which get twice as big as normal red tinfoils. this must be taken into account too

as big as possible

 

[Bawb2u]

If you have to ask about a minimum size, you have fish that are too big for your situation.
It sounds harsh but if you can't get tanks that are adequately sized then you need to re-adjust your fish keeping priorities. Think of it, what's the minimum sized room you could live in? Far too many people get caught up in the aspect of big/cool fish without thinking of the ethical point of keeping them.

 

[BushFishRox]

I was personally thinking a 240G (8x2x2), but that's just me. You guys know more about these fish than I do.

ya go for the 240, you just said you were on a budget and didnt think your house could handle a monster tank so I recommended the smaller tanks...

 

[groovitudedude]

if I recall from AC, your tinfoils are the lemon finned variety like I have, which get twice as big as normal red tinfoils. this must be taken into account too

as big as possible

Actually, they are red-tailed.

If you have to ask about a minimum size, you have fish that are too big for your situation.
It sounds harsh but if you can't get tanks that are adequately sized then you need to re-adjust your fish keeping priorities. Think of it, what's the minimum sized room you could live in? Far too many people get caught up in the aspect of big/cool fish without thinking of the ethical point of keeping them.

Umm.... I think it's a legit question. And I'm trying to get an adequately sized tank. That's why I'm asking, I'm trying to do research. Is that a problem? I don't want to get a 180G if they'll need a 240, or something else. I'm just doing my research, and if you don't want to contribute, you don't have to.

 

[groovitudedude]

ya go for the 240, you just said you were on a budget and didnt think your house could handle a monster tank so I recommended the smaller tanks...

And 240G isn't what I would consider a "smaller tank", considering it will weigh well over a ton. I just want my fish to be happy and not stunted.

Thanks everybody!

 

[12 Volt Man]

What pics did you post on AC?

because the tank shots you posted on AC showed lemon finned barbs (the ones that get 20 inches), not red tailed tinfoil barbs?

and some balas and a leporinus.

that was your tank?

or did you get rid of the lemon fin barbs and got some normal red tinfoils?

if you did, that will help with a lot of space.

since 3 20 inch lemon finned barbs would need a 220 just by themselves, never mind everything else.

good luck and keep us updated (with pics!)