tanks size???

[lucylou]

A several months ago I bought a 55 gallon tank. I thought it was huge. I went to the lfs and bought some fish. Well so far so good--1 fish death a male convict. Well, I think my tank will have to many fish in it when they mature. Right now they are still fairly small. I was wondering what size tank you think I will need to let my fish live happily since I really like all of them. They are all getting along fine now.

Current fish:
1 severum
2 blood parrot (one is only about an inch)
1 firemouth
1 convict (female)
1 pictus catfish
2 silver dollars (I would like to get more once I get a bigger tank)

I have already started saving up for a larger tank. Also can you suggest what kind of filter would be best for the tank size. (I am looking for something quiet and not that costly to run--also something easy to take care of would be a plus)

Thanks for all your help.

[tanker]

I think your next size up would be either a 100 gal or the 120. I have a 120 for my salt water. If you do get the 60" long one (there are some that are 48"X24"X24").

Your tank is fairly crowded now,

[lucylou]

Thanks for the reply. It doesn't look to crowded right now because the fish are still small, but I know they are going to grow and need a larger tank.

Any filter suggestions. I was thinking 2 HOB. not sure what kind yet; I will have to look into that. How many times should the water be turned over on a 125 gallon tank?

[lucylou]

Thanks for the reply, Tanker.

I guess everybody agrees with around 120 gallons?

[PumaWard]

Yes, 120g would be the next step.

[TKOS]

2 filters is a great idea, placed on either end of the tank to provide good current and redundancy. 2 HOB's will work fine, 1 HOB and a canister will also work and give you lots of options. With large messier fish aim for 8-10 times water turn over per hour. That should be a bit of overkill but won't hurt anything.

[lucylou]

When you say next step; you don't mean I will have to upgrade again do you?

thanks for the replies

[Candycat21]

Hey There,

IMO since you're planning on adding more silver dollars...or at least you would like to :) I would go for no less than a 180 gal. You shouldn't have to worry about upgrading again, but def go with the larger tank suggestion if you have the funds for it.
As for filters, I agree with what's been said already...either 2 HOB's or 1 HOB and 1 canister with a total of 8-10 times water turn over. As for brands, I've always used Aquaclear and never had a problem with them. On my 46 I have an Aquaclear 70 and the Penguin 350.
On my 250 I have a Rena XP3 canister and 2 Aquaclear 110's

[tlaug]

Fish keeping is addictive once you start getting bigger tanks you want even bigger tanks. Before long you have filled up a good size room with tanks. like the following:
1 125g
1 110g
1 90g
4 55g
1 35
1 32

I STARTED WITH A 10G :OT: