New to the game, advice needed.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I agree with everything stated above. That tank is a torture chamber for your chosen fish. Take back the fish until you can purchase an appropriate sized tank. Use the time without them to research the fish that you are considering. Every tank isn't designed for every fish.
 
I could put you into a coffin, yea it would be comfy, but you probably wouldn't be able to turn or anything. Think that would get old quick? And on top of that you would be able to eat nothing but chili, hardcore chili that churns your bowels somethin fierce and you can't get out. That's what you have going on with so many heavy bioload fish. Think of them in that situation.

That sums it up very well. The cost of that tank is unbelievable also, 1000 dollars for a 17gal tank? Ridiculous
 
Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately I agree about the tank being a pain in the ass, but it was a gift.

Ok fish going back this weekend what should I get then? And how many? Because it's so damn long it looks bare unless there are quite a few fish in it.

Once again thanks for the help.
 
Hlee019;4522926; said:
You are doing the right thing. My best guess would be to put in lots and lots of guppies or tiger barbs?

I agree. You're doing the right thing, good for you! Look around at your local store and see what they have to offer in the way of small schooling fish. If you want the tank to look "full", then about 15-20 male guppies is a fantastic idea. They are so beautiful. Also, you can add interest to the tank by adding some fake or live plants.
 
Otherone;4523354; said:
If I did the math right - 7'x.375'x1.5' the total tank volume is appox 29 1/3 gal.

Yeah it came out differently for me too but the tank manufacturer's website said the capacity was 65 L, or 17 G.
 
Mainevent;4522921; said:
Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately I agree about the tank being a pain in the ass, but it was a gift.

Ok fish going back this weekend what should I get then? And how many? Because it's so damn long it looks bare unless there are quite a few fish in it.

Once again thanks for the help.

Wow I'm proud of you. You're doing the right thing. How about making an ad to trade that tank for something that will work better? Someone might be looking for this kind of aquarium and then you could buy a cichlid worthy one.
 
When I get back from my US trip I'm going to get a big tank. My girl friend loves the one up on the wall so I might keep that stocked with the fish you have mentioned for her, then get a big boy for me.

To have 3-4 fish of the 3 species I'm taking back to the LFS what size would I need. Is bigger better? Is there such a thing as too big?
 
No such thing as too big, of course with space allowing. And no matter how big you go, you'll wish you had gone larger. Try to go with a least 300g or larger if possible. If you can't get one that big, common sizes here in the US that we can get good deals on are 265g (7'L x 2'W x 2.5'T) or 240g long (8'L x 2'W x 2'T), which make great cichlid tanks. I bought a 265g and wish I had gone with a least a 30" wide tank because then I could have the option for an Arowana one day.
 
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