firemouth tank size

[Bderick67]

IMO no way should anything growing over 2-3" be kept for life in a 20 long. Such a short tank is ok for rams/appistos or smaller plecs like bristlenose. Anything growing 4" or more should really be kept in a tank at least 17" tall, which is what a 30 gallon is...36" x 12" x 17".

A 29 gallon is the absolute smallest I would consider keeping a pair of friemouths in. A 29 is the same footprint as a 20 long (30" x 12") but is 18-20" tall instead of 13" tall. I would upgrade if necessary depending on how cramped the pair looked as they grew into adulthood.

Not sure I am following your logic. You are saying that a tanks height needs to be 4 times the length of the fish?

 

[Jason_S]

Not sure I am following your logic. You are saying that a tanks height needs to be 4 times the length of the fish?

Not exactly. My main point is that I don't think such a large fish should be kept in such a short tank. Even though a lot of cichlids are primarily bottom dwelling fish, that doesn't mean that they don't appreciate some swimming space. Besides, with a pair you need to have space for the female and the nest, and then swimming space above for the male to guard. if he stays too close, this can cause friction etween the pair.

 

[Toby_H]

Then while I agree with your suggestion to increase space... I do not agree that hight is all that important...

I have several 48" x 18" @ 13" tall tanks... which I feel very comfortable housing fish longer than 4" in... I've also seen 72" x 18" @ 13" tall tanks...

On the other hand I do agree that taller tanks with a smaller footprint can be decorated to maximize the use of the upper levels compensating for a slight loss of floor space...

 

[Jason_S]

Then while I agree with your suggestion to increase space... I do not agree that hight is all that important...

I have several 48" x 18" @ 13" tall tanks... which I feel very comfortable housing fish longer than 4" in... I've also seen 72" x 18" @ 13" tall tanks...

On the other hand I do agree that taller tanks with a smaller footprint can be decorated to maximize the use of the upper levels compensating for a slight loss of floor space...

to each their own...that's just my opinion. if you take a tank that's 13" tall, add gravel (usually 2-3" for the average aquarist) you're already down to only 10". now take, say, a 5-6" firemouth which is probably going to be at least 3" in height and you're looking at a 6-7" span for it to be able to move up and down.

For a breeding setup it would work. Then again, a lot of what people use as a "breeder setup" isn't exactly ideal for the fish.

I would definitely take a 48" x 18" x 13" tank though....I would love to have a tank like that to grow out fry in.

 

[darth pike]

While I wouldn't want to keep a 6" fish in only a 12"/13" tank myself, remember a lot of the fish we keep that reach this size or larger come from creeks/streams/ponds this depth.

I agree with Jason_S on not keeping a fish 4" or larger in a 20 Gallon Long, but becuase it's not long/wide enough ... not becuase of height.

 

[davidefc]

It depends what size T.meeki you have, for life, I say atleast 36" long, 15" wide, IMO height isn't as important as width or length. But it has its advantages, more water volume....

I have 1 pair of T.meeki F1 Rio Subin in a 2ft by 15" tanks for now, they are 3.5" tops and will be moved out when bigger. Filtration is a internal filter and a 380ltr sponge filter.

I also have a pair in a 3ftby18" foot print, they are what I call a Firemouth:
Male is wild caught from Laguna La Perdida and the female is F1 same catch location.

The males a monster Meeki lol.

 

[Bderick67]

Not exactly. My main point is that I don't think such a large fish should be kept in such a short tank. Even though a lot of cichlids are primarily bottom dwelling fish, that doesn't mean that they don't appreciate some swimming space. Besides, with a pair you need to have space for the female and the nest, and then swimming space above for the male to guard. if he stays too close, this can cause friction etween the pair.

While I wouldn't want to keep a 6" fish in only a 12"/13" tank myself, remember a lot of the fish we keep that reach this size or larger come from creeks/streams/ponds this depth.

I agree with Jason_S on not keeping a fish 4" or larger in a 20 Gallon Long, but becuase it's not long/wide enough ... not becuase of height.

So what do you provide for large 12" plus cichlids?

 

[gomezladdams]

I like the 40 breeder or 55g for a fish firemouth size,though Im sure a 30 long would work for a compatable pair.

 

[robnice16]

Yeah I think a 30 gallon long wouldent be dat bad... as long as they r a pair