My (soon to be) overstocked 55g...

[jasonmac978]

What's happening MFKers?

So I think that this is my second post, and I think I have a bit of a quandry. I have been wanting a fish tank for quite some time, but for one reason or another I have never made the leap. About a month and a half ago I inherited a 55g with 3 Blood Parrots 3-6" in total length and a common pleco about 5". Since then I have added a Firemouth 2", Blue Acara 3", "Petsmart Three-Spot Cichlid"/Low-Grade Flowerhorn 2.5-3", Jack Dempsey 2.5-3", and a Silver Sahrk Catfish 1.5" (which I did not realize wants brackish to marine conditions, and can grow to 24", the lady at the LFS said it would grow to about 6", and was being kept in a FW tank). I am planning on upgrading the tank within the next year, to a 125-180g tank. I know everyone will say, "no way, you will need a 300g tank", but that is not realistic. I know I may have been a little overzealous in my stocking, what can I say I have been bitten by the bug. How long do I have before my upgrade will be mandatory. I am going to be moving within the next year and I kind of wanted to wait. Any input will be great. Oh yes, filtration is good, water and pH are normal.

Thanks,
JM978

 

[jasonmac978]

....and I will post some pics as soon as I figure out how to upload them. Anyone have any advice on that?

Thanks,
JM978

 

[MCHRKiller]

I think if you got ATLEAST a 125G tank and kept the 55G you would be, alright. Your FH will depending on gender obtain around 12" and be much more aggressive than the other fish in your tank....in the long run it would be best to keep it in the 55G alone with maybe a tough species of pleco. I would return the catfish...as you know its brackish and its just not going to do well, altho 24" is really an overated size for the fish...I have NEVER seen one larger than 14" in the home aquarium.

With that you would be left with 3*BPs, Common Pleco(they do grow upwards of 18" and will require the larger tank) FireMouth, Blue Acara, and Jack Dempsey. I have seen BPs hit around a ft...they are massive, Firemouths get around 4", Blue Acars around 4" and the JackD up to around 9". That IMO is acceptable for a tank of atleast 125G with a good filtration system and waterchanging schedule.

What is your filtration on your current aquarium? What are your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels? I would personally see about maybe using your tax return to invest in a tank around that size....because these fish are going to outgrow that 55G in the next couple of months and why buy an intermediate tank?

 

[jasonmac978]

Thanks MCHRKiller. I am currently using a Marineland Emperor Bio-Wheel 280 that came with the tank. I just ordered the 400gph version online from Big Al's. I will be using both until I can upgrade to the bigger tank. As for the other specs(ammonia, nitrates, nitrites), I do not have a kit. Can you recommend one? As of right now, I only have been checking pH (neutral), and I have been keeping the temp around 78*. I do 40-50% water changes weekly, as I can't stand the look of a dirty tank, and for other obvious reasons. My local fish store has an old 150g that they are selling for $150. I guess it needs to be re-sealed. It is drilled and ready to go otherwise, so I may try and score that. Thanks again.

JM978

 

[MCHRKiller]

I use the Quick Dip test strips as I hate messing with the vials and so on...theyve never led me wrong so far Sounds like you have a good plan as far as filtration and WCs go...Im sure youll do fine. Do use caution in buying used tanks expecially those that have sat dry for some time. I got my 150G from my LFS with an oak cabinet, glass canopies and 2 strip lights for 500bucks. Sometimes used bargains arnt such bargains, Ive got a few gems and a few pain in the ass used tanks. Good Luck Are you planning a W/D system for your larger tank?

 

[Cdog]

If you're planning on buying a used tank, make sure and scrape all the old silicone out and reseal it very well! I know its a pain but worth it when you set it back up. Leaks are not fun to deal with especially with a large tank! Wet/dry filter with bigger tank. Good luck.