How big a tank do I need long term?

Question

I know I need a bigger tank down the road, but for now I have a 10 gallon. Ive been testing my water, I do the weekly water changes, and the ammonia stays low. I have 4 tiger barbs, 5 serpae tetras(were donated) a bala shark, and a cory cat(I know he needs buddies, will do so with bigger tank). I know Ill need more space, but how big a tank do I need long run?

Amber · Answer

You will need around a 75 gallon tank for the bala. They need a 4 foot long tank, minimum for one, and a tank that's wider than 12 inches. Tiger barbs should have 20 gallons, minium. I do not recommend mixing serpaes and tiger barbs. Two aggressive fin nipping fish might not be a good idea.

So, what I would do is get the bala a bigger tank and move it and the tiger barbs into that tank. Then, get a tank of 15 gallons or more and move the serpae tetras and the cory into that. Then fell free to get more fish for both tanks.

Or, keep all fish together and just get a 75 gallon tank. The best set up for balas is 5 in a tank that is 6 foot long. Like the rest of the fish you have, balas are schooling fish and need members their size and of their own species.

speedy 67 · Answer

Get the largest tank you can afford. The benefits long term will pay off. More stable water temps, less stressed fish, more options for decor. easier maintenance and most importantly the water chemistry will be more balanced and any changes will be more gradual. Try not to buy a tank that will "just do" give yourself and the fish room to spare. Also it pay's to run to filters that are just rated to the tank capacity, set one at a slightly lower temperature than the other so it only works as a buffer. Also two or even 3 filters rated at a minimum of 8 times the tank capacity per hour will help keep the tank clear and clean. I have also found the more bubbles the better when it comes to unwanted algae control. A fine gravel substrate,lots of live plants and some bog wood will finish of any tank.

Anonymous · Answer

Tiger Barbs need 20 to 30 gallons and group of six minimum.
Tetras should have 20 gallons and Six minimum.
Bala sharks need 200 gallons and a  group of 5 minimum .
Corys pygmy 10 gallons other corys 20 gallons plus and ideally a group of 5 .

Zachary · Answer

The bala should be in a 6 foot tank minimum. They also should be in groups of 5 or more. At a foot apiece this fills in even a 125 gallon quickly.

Tarnvir · Answer

30 gallons for the others and 180 gallons for the shark( it grow to 15 inches

? · Answer

The shark needs upwards of 70 gallons.

The other fish are rather superficial in tank size requirements compared to the shark.

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How big a tank do I need long term?

6 Answers