30 gal hex

[DarthPookie]

I recently acquired a tall 30 gal hex. I was thinking about putting cichlids in it, but due to lack of surface area understand my options are limited. each side of the hex is 10"; there is about 20" between opposite corners. I was considering a pair of angelfish, but was wondering what else I might be able to put in there that will get to be a decent size? My LFS asked me if I would be willing to adopt some newborn JDs but I doubt I could hold them for very long in this size tank and would wind up selling them. I would be satisfied with one, two, or three fish....just looking for a mid-sized or large cichlid that would do well.

Thanks!

[Jayhawk]

I'd only put one angelfish in a tank that size, but only if it's at least 17" tall (that's an unusual tank size).

Another idea would be a pair of Neolamprologus brichardi (get to 4") with a nice tall piece of holey rock in the middle of the ank. Brichardi will hang out at all levels if the rock is tall enough. Also, Julidochromis dickfeldi, ornatus or transcriptus will hang close to a tall rock, so they would work. The julis are only 2.5 to 3", but look like SW fish, will swim like their bellies are attached to a rock (if there is an overhang, they will swim upside down to get over it).

However, most cichlids need length not height in a tank, and your tank is not very long.

Eric

[dbcb314]

Weird tank...

You could put one in for sure, MAYBE 2 (I can't picture this tank in my head so idk).

Then maybe some bottom dwellers like cory's and then something that would stay exclusively at the top (like a hatchet fish maybe)

[DarthPookie]

I'd only put one angelfish in a tank that size, but only if it's at least 17" tall (that's an unusual tank size).


Using an aquarium volume calculator, I estimate the height of the tank is about 26"-27" (I am not able to measure the height right now). But I measured the sides and they are 10" each. I know the volume is 30 gals as I have it full of water right now and used a 5 gal bucket to fill it...so I kept entering numbers for the height until I got something that read 30 gals while keeping the width of one side at 10". The height sounds pretty close as I have it on the floor in my garage and the top comes a little more than halfway between my knees and waist, and I am 6'0" tall.

It is a very strange size, I have not seen anything like it which is one reason why I wanted to do something with it. I was planning on putting a power filter rated for 50 gallons on it to have a more powerful pump and extend the intake close to the bottom, so I would obtain better circulation.

[Jayhawk]

It's definitely a conversation piece type of tank.

I'd seriously consider Tanganyikan cichlids in there. I think you could get a pair or two of N. brevis in shells for the bottom, and maybe 4 of the dwarf julies I listed above to hover on, over, and in a holey rock pieces that's tall and comes up near the surface (check garden and hardware stores for them - they're commonly used in landscaping). I think that would be awesome.

Or, a single angel and a pair of dwarf cichlids likes Bolivian rams or curviceps or A. borelli for the bottom level...with maybe some hatchet fish up top...that would be sweet, too.

A pair of angels may be OK in there, but it would definitely depend upon how the two got along. You could always start with two and remove one if need be.

Eric

[DarthPookie]

It's definitely a conversation piece type of tank.


Or, a single angel and a pair of dwarf cichlids likes Bolivian rams or curviceps or A. borelli for the bottom level...with maybe some hatchet fish up top...that would be sweet, too.

Eric

Now that's an idea...I like rams, and the single angel would satisfy my desire for something with a bit of size to it. The aggressive look and coloration of the rams would make a nice counterbalance to the more delicate look of an angel.

Anybody with any other ideas? If I do this I will take pics and post them.

[severum mama]

I know exactly what kind of tank you are talking about. I really don't think you should put 2 angels in there. Since the fish will lack the horizontal swimming space that they would have in a 30 gal. rectangular tank, IMO you will need to compensate for that by choosing your fish carefully, and stocking lighter than you would in a standard 30. Look for fish that occupy different levels in the tank- Jayhawk's suggestion for an angel, a pair of rams (GBRs would work better, as they are smaller and less territorial than Bolivians) and a small school of hatchets sounds awesome!

[star_rider]

keep in mind one problem with hex tall tanks..low surface to volume ratio..= poor air exchange

stock the tank lightly. while it is tall enough for angels it has a small footprint..meaning low swimming area.

[jm1212]

if you want a pair of rams and a single angel, add a school of lemon or red eye tetras to finish it up.

[Nolapete]

I'm with Jayhawk on this one. I was thinking a group of brichardi before I read what he wrote, but a group of julies would even be more interesting. Either would work.