what next?

[falcompsx]

Hey people. I have a 3 gallon tank right now that seems to be doing quite well. 2 guppies, and 1 neon tetra, and a blue snail, some fake plants for decor and they all seem to be doing quite well.

I got this small tank because i wasn't sure if i was going to get into it very much or not, but i have enjoyed having and taking care of it so I'm considering something larger to get a couple more, and maybe larger fish. I've been told for most freshwater tropical fish the general rule is no more than 1" of fish for 1 gallon of water. Is this a good rule to go by? Also, due to space constraints i may end up with a tall tank as opposed to a wider tank of the same capacity. Any suggestions of tanks to get or what fish might do better in a tall tank vs a wide tank if that matters? thanks.

[falcompsx]

here is a picture of what i have now.

[Kuli_Loach]

Very nice tank. Yes, the rule is 1" of fish per gallon. For a tall tank, taller fish such as angels and silver dollars like to go up and down more. Tall tank's make wicked saltwater tanks seeing as you can make a beautiful reef tank. A 55 gallon can hold about anything you want almost. I would either get a 30 or a 55 so you don't have to worry as much about the 1" rule.

[falcompsx]

a 30 or 55 would be great, but unfortunately i'm limited by space and will be probably looking for something around 15-25 gallons max...

[falcompsx]

I was actually looking at this tank if i can find a stand and room for it.
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has anyone here had any experience with it?

[Kuli_Loach]

Most cubic systems are rather nice. I would get it if I was limited to space.

[zackish]

I actually really wouldn't recommend following that 1 inch per gallon rule. With smaller fish like tetras and such it might be somewhat accurate but anything other than that it's highly innaccurate. If you want to upgrade I would say go with a 10 gallon tank. Keep it simple and just get one of the complete kits for like $50, cycle it, and add fish. You can go with a school of tetras or something.

[RobbieG]

Zackish is right - the 1" rule doesn't work for a lot of fish especially larger fish & dirtier fish. It pretty much only works for 1" fish.

A common example are oscars they get to be like a foot long - using the 1" per gallon rule you could keep one in a 12 gallon tank - in reality you probably couldn't fit one into a tank that size.

Stocking levels depend on the the specific fish (size - temerament - behavior - cleanliness) - the type and amount of filtration and the amount of water you can change every week.

If you pick out a tank and filter and post some fish you really like I'm sure someone here would be happy to tell you how many you could have or what they would go well with. Or if they might not work out for your setup.

Congrats on your first tank and welcome aboard!

[troy]

My brother had all sorts of trouble with the aqua pod 12 gallon. Also it is made for saltwater so you'd be waisting your money on things you don't need for a freshwater setup.

[tropfish]

really nice tank! i agree that the one inch rule only applies to thin, torpedo shaped fish up to 2-3in.

[modster]

I agree with troy. It's a better idea to buy your tank and filter from your LFS.

[falcompsx]

How are the eclipse systems? What kind of stock could i put in a 12 gallon system?

[Kuli_Loach]

Eclipse are ok, red sea is the best but they are meant to be nano reef tanks. I would buy the kit as someone suggested or buy a tank set-up your LFS sells.