New to forum, looking into getting back into the hobby.

**coolingeffect** · 05-13-2010, 06:21 AM

Hello my name is Pat and i havent had a fishtank in probably close to 10 years. Growing up i always had multiple tanks ranging from standard community tanks with cory cats, tetras ect ect ect. Into some larger cichlids Had a 14" jack dempsey for several years, and even a saltwater tank that contained a Picasso trigger and a Dwarf Lion. When i moved out of my parents house i gave my last tank to my uncle who still has it and actually still has the old triggerfish. I recently decided that i wanted to get a tank and start enjoying fish once again. Im thinking about either buying a 37 gal with one of the eclipse filter systems. Or a 55 gallon and get a external power filter. I am not nessisarily looking to get "big fish" though i do like cichlids quite alot. I was thinking about trying to find a dwarf pike cichlid or two and surround him with Larger tetras, catfish, and such. However finding pike cichlids where i live is problematic and i almost just bought a 55gal and a green terror today. Help me figure out something relatively small (6 inches at e largest) that is still cool.

**gadget228** · 05-13-2010, 11:17 AM

Welcome to the AC...

I would go with the 55 over the 37 because you have more stocking options, thats easy but as for what to stock it with, thats hard. I like small fish that school.

**jimw/oscar** · 05-13-2010, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by gadget228

Welcome to the AC...

I would go with the 55 over the 37 because you have more stocking options, thats easy but as for what to stock it with, thats hard. I like small fish that school.

I agree. I've found in general the 55 gallon won't be that much more expensive either.

**korweabo0** · 05-13-2010, 03:21 PM

55g > 37g.

**coolingeffect** · 05-13-2010, 04:12 PM

the only reason i was considering the 37 is space restraints.

**hockeyhead019** · 05-13-2010, 05:39 PM

well you have to use what fits haha if the tank is too big for your place it's no good having the extra stockin options, however if you can i'd grab the 55 and get an external filter system, you would really have some insane options with that size tank, personally i like dwarf cichlids or schooling small fish (ie neon tetra etc)

i really don't know enough about any larger fish to help you there but you could get a pretty awesome assortment of smaller cichlids in the tank and have a comfortable community tank

**Lady Hobbs** · 05-13-2010, 05:41 PM

Welcome to AC. Love that user name!

**Wild Turkey** · 05-13-2010, 05:52 PM

Welcome!

If you are trying to save space, maybe go with a taller tank with a smaller footprint. Something like 45, or a 50 standard (these are only 3 feet wide, as opposed to the 55 which is 4ft)

Heres a list of common sizes, if you call around to different places you should be able to find virtually all of them.

http://alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm

**Northernguy** · 05-13-2010, 06:09 PM

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!

**Plant Man** · 05-13-2010, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by coolingeffect

Hello my name is Pat and i havent had a fishtank in probably close to 10 years. Growing up i always had multiple tanks ranging from standard community tanks with cory cats, tetras ect ect ect. Into some larger cichlids Had a 14" jack dempsey for several years, and even a saltwater tank that contained a Picasso trigger and a Dwarf Lion. When i moved out of my parents house i gave my last tank to my uncle who still has it and actually still has the old triggerfish. I recently decided that i wanted to get a tank and start enjoying fish once again. Im thinking about either buying a 37 gal with one of the eclipse filter systems. Or a 55 gallon and get a external power filter. I am not nessisarily looking to get "big fish" though i do like cichlids quite alot. I was thinking about trying to find a dwarf pike cichlid or two and surround him with Larger tetras, catfish, and such. However finding pike cichlids where i live is problematic and i almost just bought a 55gal and a green terror today. Help me figure out something relatively small (6 inches at e largest) that is still cool.

I would say you have this to think about,

Larger tanks equal larger weekly water changes and generally a bit more over all maintenance but, you have more stocking options and they tend to be more stable parameter wise(things generally change slower).

Larger tanks generally need slightly more expensive filtration systems but, again if you go with say 2 Classic 2217 Eheim canisters you’ll need to mess with them a lot less then say a HOB on a smaller tank.

If you want to grow plants really vibrantly a pressurized Co2 system would be needed for a 55 but not so with a smaller tank you could go the DIY Co2 route. 55 gallon Pressurize Co2 setups can be very beautiful.

Larger tanks take up more room, and if not cared for, can become quite the eyesore!

A larger tank will generally equal more work and cash but again on the flipside, larger tanks can be more rewarding and give you more options and directions to go in as far as aquascaping it and stocking it.

Good luck with your choice I look forward to some pictures.