Opinions on Tank Dimensions
- Thread starter Bderick67
- Start date
I agree that both tanks are too small, particularly a 30x30" where the fish are over 1/3 the length of the tank. Something like a 5x2 footprint would be a step in the right direction, although I know how ridiculous saying something like that sounds on a forum where the bare minimum is usually too much to ask for.
Honestly I would leave them where they are if it's working. You could try it I suppose, and it might work, but I could see your male being more persistent when pursuing the female. I always like that extra length when it comes to cichlids.
Bderick67;4036891; said:
It's just my personal opinion. I'm keeping a colony of 6-7" fish in a 6x2x2.. Wouldn't you love to see some slightly more natural behaviour in a larger tank?
japes;4038218; said:
Your assuming a larger tank would lead to "slightly more natural" behavior. IME, as I've had this pair over 3 years, there is no difference in their behavior no matter what the size of the 5 tanks they have been kept in. Most their life has been spent in a 6x2x2, but also kept in a 150g 96x18x22", 150g 72x18x27", 120g 60x18x26" and the current 75g tank.
You need to realize that tank size has little to do with the fish and their natural behavior. The decor is for you and not the fish as they really couldn't care less if the tank looks natural of has a big shipwreck with pirate figures. Your have them living is a small glass box feeding them processed food, blasting them with artificial light and if they are lucky they get some fresh clean water once or twice a week. So IMO at best your just hoping for a little "naturual behavior".
Personaly i think 30x30 would be better that way the female can retreat towards the center of the tankthe almost double depth to me gives more freedom thats just my opinionBderick67;4038759; said:
those fish dont need a huge tank yes it is nice if u do have them in 1 dont get me wrong but a longer foot print is better than wider allday that will get her out of the line of sight better and thats the key something like drift wood in the middle or caves i breed doviis and umbees and belive me longer the tank the better lol
Just wondering at what point would the increase in width would benefit the decrease in length. Can anyone argue that a 48x18 would be better then a 36x36 footprint? Obviously the 36x36 is a much bigger tank, but would the decrease in length still be too bad?
Unfortunately I'll won't be able to experiment with the 30x30 as the price was way to steep for a new tank. Finding one used is highly unlikely.
Unfortunately I'll won't be able to experiment with the 30x30 as the price was way to steep for a new tank. Finding one used is highly unlikely.
