Help Decide

[snake007]

http/www.allpondso...ur-colours.html

http/www.seapets.c...t-complete.html

3 Convict Cichlids
2 Firemouths
1 Pictus Cat
1 Senegal Bichir

 

[scotty]

to be honest don't know much about the tanks,i have heard people say the APS tanks have not got the greatest finish.by the looks of it the APS has better lighting.

the filter that comes with the marina is for tanks of 76 litres

 

[snake007]

How many gallons/ litres is the APS tank?

 

[three-fingers]

IMO both are far too small for pictus catfish and bichir is on the larger side too, but it's simply down to a choice between quality and size. The Marina is better quality, the APS tank is larger...but from what I've read the finish isn't nearly as nice, and it may need a touch up of silicone.

Both would need some sort of filter upgrade, the Marina at least of sponges to replace the chemical media cartridges that come with it, and the APS tank has a trickle filter so would need an extra pump to improve the flow for your relatively large fish species.

For the species you mentioned I would reccomend something more in the range of 300-400L though .

 

[snake007]

IMO both are far too small for pictus catfish and bichir is on the larger side too, but it's simply down to a choice between quality and size. The Marina is better quality, the APS tank is larger...but from what I've read the finish isn't nearly as nice, and it may need a touch up of silicone.

Both would need some sort of filter upgrade, the Marina at least of sponges to replace the chemical media cartridges that come with it, and the APS tank has a trickle filter so would need an extra pump to improve the flow for your relatively large fish species.

For the species you mentioned I would reccomend something more in the range of 300-400L though .

Thanks I understand that but as this is for my bedroom, its limited in space so thats why I was going for a smaller tank but one that can hold those species.
For the APS tank I calculated the measurements and 300 litres instead of the 200 they said .

Would that tank suit this stocking -

4 Bolivian Rams
8-9 Tiger Barbs
3 Firemouths
10 Pepper Cory

 

[three-fingers]

Should be fine size wise for all those species if it's 300l S APS ) provided the cichlids have enough nooks and crannies for territory, and they don't breed (so maybe try for all females) - I would probably only go for a single firemouth though, as they are pretty big.

Preferring cooler water, peppered corys wouldn't be the optimal cory to go for- but there are loads more to choose from so that shoulden't be a problem .

 

[snake007]

Thanks, what if I replace the corys and risk it with a senegal as I believe 55g is the minimum and the tank is about 65g?

 

[micko]

If a senegals minimum tank size is 55G that would be very bad stocking. IMHO is always best to move up higher than that minimum guidelines.
Know nothing about Senegals so cannot add anymore than that.

 

[three-fingers]

Having seen fully grown Senegals I would never keep one in a 55g, and its more about overall floorspace rather than volume anyway. Since the APS tank is taller than wide, it doest have the greatest floorspace.

Given your listed cichlids (4x3"+ and 1x6"+ fish) will compete with it for territory, it would be pretty cramped.

If you must have the Senegal, I'd only go with the firemouth and choose a larger species of barb, but IMO unless you are studying bichirs or are already pretty fanatic about them, you'd get a far more active and interesting tank with smaller bottom dwellers.

 

[Wills]

Go for the biggest capacity tank you can and go for the alternative stocking you suggested Though I would go for a different type of schooler, like Ruby Barbs or some kind of Tetra. You could also look for Ellioti rather than Firemouths as they are a little smaller and a little calmer. And also look a bit better IMO. I would just get 1 FM/ Ellioti as well as said they get quite big and if its a bed room tank you need things to run as smooth as possible you dont want to see a problem last thing at night and first thing in the morning.

Wills

 

[snake007]

Thanks alot

Ill go to my lfs and have a look at what they got and will change stocking list around, the absolute maximum I can go up to in my room is a 4ft as I already have a 4ft common boa viv.
I might go second hand, ill have to look closer to march but if I cannot go for a 4ft then I will go for the marina 160L and buy a suitable external filter, Can you recommend one for me?

Hopefully I will be able to get a 4ft closer to the time.