How big of a tank do I need?

[3dsmax]

It's been a year since I started a freshwater tank, although people may say it's not a good idea since I was going to do a saltwater anyway, but I learned a lot and prolly spent/wasted(ye that happened too) a lot less money. Now, I think, I am ready for a simple FOWLR aquarium. I realize that I won't be able to have angels and butterflies so here is what I came up with as a initial fish list:
5 Blue green Chromis (should be peaceful and stay in a group just like my tiger barbs right now)
1 yellow tang (big and fairly cheap, although it is semi-agressive I dont think it will find any fish that resemble it)
2 false perculas (cannot really decide between false percula and maroon - whichever is hardier I guess)
1 some kind of sand-sifter gobies (saw those things in local LFS - loved them)

I know a lot depends on filtration and setup but territory is also important from what I've read on www.wetwebmedia.com. I need to know how big of a tank will I need to have so that all the above fish and maybe more will not be fighting for the territory.

[cubalz]

I would say that at least a 55, but would go to more of a 75 gallon tank especially for the yellow tang.



UOTE=3dsmax]It's been a year since I started a freshwater tank, although people may say it's not a good idea since I was going to do a saltwater anyway, but I learned a lot and prolly spent/wasted(ye that happened too) a lot less money. Now, I think, I am ready for a simple FOWLR aquarium. I realize that I won't be able to have angels and butterflies so here is what I came up with as a initial fish list:
5 Blue green Chromis (should be peaceful and stay in a group just like my tiger barbs right now)
1 yellow tang (big and fairly cheap, although it is semi-agressive I dont think it will find any fish that resemble it)
2 false perculas (cannot really decide between false percula and maroon - whichever is hardier I guess)
1 some kind of sand-sifter gobies (saw those things in local LFS - loved them)

I know a lot depends on filtration and setup but territory is also important from what I've read on www.wetwebmedia.com. I need to know how big of a tank will I need to have so that all the above fish and maybe more will not be fighting for the territory.[/QUOTE]

[salttanker]

I would say go with the biggest tank your wallet can handle. We always want more, so it's better to get it now than later. I bought a 90G, but now I wish I would have sprung for the 180G. You have a list of what you want now, but that list will grow as you move forward. There is so much out there regarding fish that you have to be too selective if you get a tank too small. Just a thought.


Mike

[Pet Lover]

;; Get the biggest you can possibly can. I have a 125now and it still is not big enough. I started w/a 30long and it grew. You will definatly want MORE and I learned you never have enough room or money so do what you can instead of upgrading all the time and stressing your fish out.
Most important thing- BE PATIENT!!!!
I wasn't years ago and my husband says I have lost enough money to have a brand new Harley Davidson.....
Good luck!!!

[rededteck]

It depends on how much space you have and your budget. A 55, 75, and 90 gallon are 4 feet long. The difference would be in width and height

Once you reach the 125, 150, 180, 220 you are in the 6 foot range, again difference in width and height.

The examples above are the most common size tanks you can buy.

At a minimum I would go with a 75.

You will find a wide tank is desirable when stacking rocks.

Good Luck

[salttanker]

You could decide on what type of fish that interest you, then base your decision on the fish requirements. If I would have done it that way to begin with, I would have ended up with a 225G.

Mike