My upgrade is coming...your advise is requested.

[eatingleg4peanut]

In January I am getting my first big tanks (big by my standards), one I am set on is a 125G (72"x18"x23") and I originally was set on a 150G(60"x24"x24") for the other but recently a 180G(72"x24"x25") has been in my head. I know bigger is always better but being that there is a significant price difference between a 150G and 180G, if you could let me know if a 150g is fine or if I should definately get a 180G. I know that most will say "if you have the money and space get the 180" but If the 150 is sufficient I'd rather keep a few extra bucks in my pocket.

Current Grow Out tanks:

55G Growout #1:

1 BGK (about 5")
1 Senegal Bichir (4")
4 Tinfoil Barbs (6")
1 Striped Raphael Cat (2.5")
1 Pictus Cat (3.5")
1 African Featherfin Cat (4")

55G Growout #2:

1 Female Jack Dempsey (4")
1 Green Terror (3")
1 Pearl Cichlid (3")
1 Tiger Oscar (4.5")
1 Acei cichlid (2")
1 Firemouth Cichlid (2.5")

55G #3:

1 8" Male Jack Dempsey

I've had my Male Jack for 2yrs and he is the main reason I'm wanting these big tanks, so I need advise as to which tankmates to choose for him. I will also have 2 of the 55's still running when I set my new tanks up (I promised 1 to my nephew), so I can keep some in there if need be. Here is my idea set up...

125:

1 Male Jack
1 Female Jack
1 Pearl Cichlid
1 Green Terror
1 Senegal Bichir
1 Pictus Cat
1 Striped Raphael Cat

150:
1 BGK
4 Tinfoil Barbs
1 Tiger Oscar
1 African Featherfin Cat

1 55: (they are partners in crime)
1 Acei Cichlid
1 Firemouth
Thinking of adding a small school of tiger barbs

Things I would like to know/have your help with:
-do I NEED to get the 180 or is 150 ok?
-is my stocking idea ok?
-Should I put my bichir in the cichlid tank of keep him with his BFF BGK?
-your input on how to stock these tanks with my current fish
-and when I set these tanks up, can I simply add the gravel, filter and decor from my 55's like I have done in the past when setting up tanks, or will it not work since the tanks are much bigger (but same bioload)
-What is the best way to introduce my male jack, whos been by himself for about a year now?

 

[Chicklette]

-do I NEED to get the 180 or is 150 ok?
Personally I think with the fish you have, yes, you need a 180 gallon.

-is my stocking idea ok?
Yes, your stocking is fine as long and they are getting along.

-Should I put my bichir in the cichlid tank of keep him with his BFF BGK?
Not sure about BFF.

-and when I set these tanks up, can I simply add the gravel, filter and decor from my 55's like I have done in the past when setting up tanks, or will it not work since the tanks are much bigger (but same bioload)
It will work, any media from you other tank will help, also grab some gravel from your other tanks and put it in a stocking and place it in the bottom of your tank for a while.

-What is the best way to introduce my male jack, whos been by himself for about a year now?

Let the other fish get settled in and then add the JD.

 

[eatingleg4peanut]

thanks, and BFF = Best Friends Forever: Meaning they get along very well together and spend alot of time together.

Also how long is "awhile" in the past I've done it and added fish right to the tank (dechlorinated water first of course), I'm thinking when I make the switch, filling up the new tanks 3/4 full, dechlorinating the water, let sit for about an hour, transfer over the gravel, filters ect...wait about an hour than tranferring the fish (assuming I can get the temp on the money with their existing tank, which I'm usually pretty good at).

 

[Rayne]

I'd say go as big as you can afford, then go a little bigger.
I'm planning on assembling a large tank soon hopefully and I was originally looking at a 180G 6'x'2'2'. Now I have my eye on a 300G 8'x30"x2'!

 

[xRage10]

I think just the fact that you have the oscar makes you need to go to a 180. If the oscar were out of the equation and you replaced it with something else of similar or smaller size, a 150 might have been possible.

Stocking is fine as long as you replace the 150 with the 180.

The bichir should be fine with the cichlids, but I'm not guaranteeing anything. Either it's your call or just wait for more advice on it.

Last 2 have already been stated well. Always nice to not waste old gravel/filters/etc. and will be fine to bring over to your other tank. Introduce the JD after the others are already settled in.

 

[DMD123]

I have a 120g tank that is 60" with a Midas cichlid. He claims the entire length of the tank at times. I wish I would have went with the 72" tank instead. Might give the other fish a bit more breathing room and a way to escape his wrath.

If you plan on cichlids the 72" x 24" footprint is almost a necessity.