Choosing the right tank size for my future setup

[Finley]

I've got a pretty sweet mix of fish in my 25-gallon tank right now - 2-inch albino rainbow shark, some GloFish, a pleco, neon tetras, a baby angelfish that's around 3-6 months old, a mystery snail, some regular snails, ghost shrimp, and these three albinos that look kinda like baby sunshine peacocks but without the stripes or green - anyone know what they might be? Their fins have these dark, bronze-colored tips. They're all living together peacefully for now, but I'm planning to upgrade to a bigger tank in the next 3 months or less. I was hoping for some advice on what size tank I should get for them next. Oh, and I've also got a red claw crab - would he be okay in the new tank with the rest of the crew? I know he'll probably eat the snails and shrimp, but what about the fish?

[coltin]

Hi Finley, welcome to the forum.

Could you tell me more about the type of pleco you have? Some species grow quite large, up to 2 feet in length, which would require a massive tank, at least 8-10 feet long, if you have a common pleco that can reach that size.

Angelfish also need plenty of space, so for your adult angelfish, you'll want a tank that's at least 4 feet long, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches high. The bigger the better, really.

Those 3 albinos that look like sunshine peacocks - what type of fish are they exactly? If you're unsure, posting a picture would be a big help.

Also, I was wondering, have you checked the water parameters in your area? You can usually find this info on your water supply company's website or by giving them a call. If they can't help, just take a glass of tap water to your local pet store and ask them to test it for you. Make sure to write down the results, including the units they use, like ppm or dGH.

This info will help you figure out what type of fish will thrive in your water. For example, angelfish, discus, and most tetras and barbs prefer soft water, with a GH below 150ppm and a pH below 7.0. Livebearers, on the other hand, like medium hard water with a GH around 200-250ppm and a pH above 7.0. And if your water is very hard, you might want to consider African Rift Lake cichlids or use a water filter to soften it.

[Finley]

I'm having trouble posting pics since I'm on my Xbox right now, but I could send a pic of the fish through email or text if you're willing to share your contact info.

[Finley]

I'm still trying to figure out what size tank to get next, any suggestions on gallon size for the new tank?

[sSjey]

Knowing the type of plec you have would be super helpful. If it's one that grows big, we'll need to suggest a much larger tank. Same with the albino fish - if they're a type that needs different water conditions, like Rift Lake peacocks, they might need to be in a separate tank. Do you have access to another device, like a phone, to post some pics?

[graye]

Considering the mix you have, a larger tank is a must. Peacocks and angels won't get along, and both need space. The albino rainbow shark, though, that's a different story - it's a nighttime predator that can cause trouble for the rest. Depending on its temperament, it might just make life miserable for the other fish.

If I had to suggest a tank size, I'd say two 55-gallon tanks would be a good idea, especially if you plan to keep the 25-gallon one. However, common plecos can grow massive, which could lead to a host of problems. As for the crustaceans, I'm not too familiar with their needs, but I'm sure they'll require some special attention.

Keep in mind that peacocks and angels will need a bigger tank, and the shark's aggressive behavior might just make it necessary to separate them. Two 55-gallon tanks could provide the space and stability they need.

[Finley]

My albino rainbow shark isn't aggressive at all, he just gets a bit defensive of his mushroom home. When other fish try to enter, he just gives them a little nudge to keep them out.

[Finley]

Know they aren't Peacocks, just similar. No aggression from them since I got 'em.

[coltin]

Many juvenile cichlids, and even some rainbow sharks, start out pretty peaceful. But once they mature, that's when the territorial behavior kicks in.

We still need to figure out the exact species of your cichlids and plecos before we can give you more specific advice on tank size.

[fishing]

It's tough to pinpoint the ideal tank size for your setup down the line. You've got a lot of fish that are naturally aggressive and can grow quite large, all in a relatively small tank. Most of these fish need a minimum of a 55-gallon tank, but personally, I think a 75 or even a 100-gallon tank would be a safer bet. The albino fish you mentioned, assuming they're indeed the red-tailed sharks, tend to be very active and can get quite aggressive towards their own kind, so a bigger tank would definitely help minimize conflicts and injuries. What type of pleco do you have, by the way? Some species can grow enormous. Also, how many fish do you have in each of the schooling groups?