Larger Tank Possible [some Missing Posts In Thread]

Hi all

After some views on a possible new tank. I quite like angelfish but my current tanks are only 80cm long. I understand from research in various places that angelfish need 100cm and height. For example the Fluval Roma 200 has been recommended to me.

So firstly does the 100cm thing sound right? And secondly what other larger fish might go in a tank that size, apart from angelfish?

Cheers

Dave

Angelfish are actually loosely shoaling fish and should be kept in groups. But there are downsides to this. Firstly it needs a very large tank, and then there's the risk of two pairing up and spawning, in which case the remaining three or four angels become targets.
One can be kept alone, but this is not the nature of this species.

Pearl gouramis  After years looking at this fish, I finally have some as of this morning. They are one of the most peaceful gourami species, you just need a tank with low water flow, and non-nippy, sedate tank mates.

@barneyadi The tank would work in your alcove, but visually you would get a great view and more access to the tank in front of the chimney breast. It would get some good natural light from the window as well, but not too much.

So there is one opinion for you 

The wall opposite the window, about 12ft away, is 10ft long and goes into the alcove. Could that possibly get too much light from window?

If the window is north facing the room should be fine to take a tank almost anywhere. If you go in through the course of the day you should be able to see if there is any direct light hitting the walls at "tank height". Some might be nervous of putting a tank in an alcove due to access issues but if you are planning on an internal filter(?) I would not say this was an issue. It more when you have hoses running down the side and/or back.  If you can get a tank to fit that space I imagine it will look great.

Just thought I would update here but as you can see from other link, I have ordered a Fluval Roma 200. Now to decide what fish to put in it. Was quite surprised with using community creator that I could fit 54 guppies or neon tetras or 40 cherry barbs and still only be 80% full.

This might be a controversial opinion, article but it makes an interesting read:
Why Goldfish Tank Size Isn't as Important as You Think

Yes, that website is well-known as it comes across as though it knows what it's talking about but its advice is seriously dubious and the arguments not cogent and actually contrary to all the evidence - in fact, a perfect example of how newbies thinking of getting a goldfish could so easily get confused as they don't have the background knowledge to decipher good quality from poor quality sources of info on the internet. I'd love to have another goldfish (although would feel unfaithful to my dearly departed ones ), this time kept the correct way, but couldn't possibly try to convince myself on the basis of that website when I now know otherwise on the basis of much better quality sources.
A main reason a lot of fish don't reach the size mentioned is because they aren't in optimum conditions - only when kept in such does it become clearer what size they ought to be reaching. One issue I feel uneasy about is the size of my x-ray tetras - they are the 4/5cm expected size, and in the minimum recommended sized tank, but stature/body do not resemble some I've seen recently which have clearly lived in larger tanks and so I have probably inadvertently been stunting their growth.

Don't forget that guppies need harder water than the other fish you mention. I can't remember if we've talked about your tap water hardness, but if it's soft you'll need to 'harden' the water for guppies, and keep only hard water fish with them.

I think the key to distinguishing 'bona fide' and dodgy info (or opinions) on the internet is how they address the science or evidence - stunting is documented in the literature. Fishbase and Seriously Fish are known to be based on the science and evidence in aquaculture (or equivalent). Sites like INJAF have evidence-informed opinions whereas sites like puregoldfish have evidence-dismissing opinions (as you'll see from the mention of keeping goldfish in a 3-gallon tank and various other clearly unethical comments) and a whole host of other sites no doubt have random opinions plucked out of the air.

In terms of fish-in cycles and keeping fish outside their required hardness range, in both cases it can cause long-term stress to the fish (eg osmotic stress) so they may survive but be more likely to succumb to illness or premature death. With fish-in cycles, monitoring water quality a couple of times per day to ensure no ammonia or nitrite presence, and addressing accordingly, is key.

Barbs - cherries and 5-bands tend to be more peaceful. This might be useful: https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/bring-on-the-barbs/

Quote from: barneyadi on January 26, 2020, 07:06:55 PM

i do have salt to put into tank however a lfs I was talking too who has never given me bad advice says his water is similar to mine (a little soft) and he has guppies and has no problems. I might still add the salt as just an extra layer of protection. Thinking of getting platies and swordtails to go with guppies. I think best to get 2 or 3 different types of barbs for other tank, as not sure who they might get on with.

What kind of salt do you mean?
Aquarium salt is just sodium chloride and won't make the water harder. You need something like Rift Lake salts which contain the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium).
The other chap's guppies may look as though they are doing OK but they will be suffering from calcium depletion and won't live as longs as they should.

Guppies, platies and swordtails all need hard water to do well. If kept in a tank with just them it is quite easy to make the water hard enough for them.

Hi @Sue i got told to use something called JBL Aquadur. Just got to work out dosage before I start.