Suggestions on Tank Size

[flcowgirl]

I have an already established 15 gal tank. It is currently stocked with 1 Bala, 1 Common Pleco, 3 Black Skirted Tetras, 2 Catfish (I can't remember what kind ) and 1 Rainbow shark.

I know that it sounds like it is way overstocked, but all of the larger breeds are juveniles, so I don't have a problem...yet. Some of the fish are definitely growing, so I think that I might buy hubby a new tank for Father's day. I need to know what tank size would be appropriate for the fish that I have. I am not really looking to add anymore yet, but that might be a consideration in the future.

I also need suggestions for equipment. I have a good filter and heater, but I am sure that I would need to buy bigger ones to fit the bigger tank.

Please help!! I am relatively new to this hobby and need suggestions.

 

[oxymoron]

It all depends on the unknown catfish, if they stay small you could get a 55 gallon, if they get very large a 75 gallon might not be big enough. Some catfish get several feet long.

Depends on where you look, but...

Bala Shark - 10-12"
Common Pleco - 12-18"
Tetras - 2"x3 = 6"
Rainbow Shark - 6-8"

That is 34-44" right there. If your catfish are otos or cories, then a 55 gallon will be plenty.

I'd find out what kind of catfish you have before you make your decision.

 

[talloulou]

When thinking about buying a tank.......I would figure out the largest amount you have to spend, and the biggest space you have to put it, and then get the biggest tank you can. I think you can never have a big enough tank. You always want bigger. So you might as well get the biggest you can place in your house and afford from the get go. LOL

 

[flcowgirl]

I do remember that the Catfish were not supposed to get bigger than they were when I bought them. I knew that some of the others were going to get huge, so I didn't want all those big fish in there together.

I forgot that I have two dwarf Gourami.

I think that I will get a 75 gal. I know that I have the room somewhere if I rearrange the furniture a little.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[megladonsharky]

If you have room and the $$ 125 s can be close to the $$ of a 75

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I was going to point out that if you had the money for a 55 gal, a 75 gal wouldn't be much more. If you are going to upgrade to a 55+ tank, get a canister filter instead of a hob. They are well worth the money.

 

[RoK]

If you did not have the bala shark, you could have gone with a 55 gal. The problem is an adult bala needs lots of room and a 55 would just not be enough. A bala at full size would probably have trouble just turning around in a 12" wide tank. I don't think a 75 is even enough. I'm pretty sure I'm either going to have to bring mine to a store, give it to someone who has a bigger tank, or upgrade to a tank of 90 gallons or larger before it gets too big. :|

 

[Toirtis]

I would go 75, or even 90, which I think is a great home aquarium size.