New 4 Footer :-D

[michaelh]

Hi guys. Finally ive upgraded to a 4 foot tankD
now i need something in it.
I love preds and my common pleco HAS TO go in there as hes now 6".
I also would much prefur a couple of "big" fish to lots of little 1's.
Was going to do shubukins but that seams a waste plus the pleco needs a home so please filter all your ideas here!! Thanks guys and gals

 

[michaelh]

Probs should add that its 4'x15"x15"... Der.... Lol blank moments /

 

[michaelh]

No ideas then?

 

[ZoddyZod]

the problem here is anyone could suggests hundreds of different fish, so it's a bit of a stab in the dark.

Give us a clue as to what fish you've seen and the types that you would like to keep.

 

[michaelh]

Well as i said i like "big" fish lol.
Im actually fairly new to fish keeping (9 months) so im not brilliant with names. I love pleco catfish but already have a common. Other than that im quite open minded.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Well as i said i like "big" fish lol.
Im actually fairly new to fish keeping (9 months) so im not brilliant with names. I love pleco catfish but already have a common. Other than that im quite open minded.

since the maximum width of the tank is 15", you should be looking for fish with a maximum length of 8", so they have plenty room to turn.

you do know your common plec can grow to well over a foot, maybe even two foot long?

 

[michaelh]

Yes. He was a gift when i get my first tank (50l).
Now hell go in the new 1 then on to my lfs who WILL take him. I already checked lol

Ooo and the width... I hadnt thouht of that tbh lol thanks... Hmm 8" isnt really that big after all. Maybe some cichlids then? Like convicts or maybe labs?

 

[michaelh]

Ok...
Well what about heating and filtering it,like 2 small or 1 big? Should i bother with an air pump?

 

[Tizer]

Ok...
Well what about heating and filtering it,like 2 small or 1 big? Should i bother with an air pump?

air pump for bubbles? if you like bubbles yeah, as it doesnt do anything else beneficial

 

[ZoddyZod]

Ok...
Well what about heating and filtering it,like 2 small or 1 big? Should i bother with an air pump?

A good size external filter is probably the best route. Look for one that will tunr over the tank volume at least 4 times every hour.

Tetratec, Fluval and Eheim are all well respected makes of external.

For heater, a 300w would be your best option. Might be ok with a 200w.

 

[michaelh]

Other than keep a mild flow in the tank and help keep the water oxygenated? Or have i been misslead? I was just wondering if that much water will have enough oxygen jst from surface exchange as i wont be keeping plants i dont think

 

[Louiseness]

Other than keep a mild flow in the tank and help keep the water oxygenated? Or have i been misslead? I was just wondering if that much water will have enough oxygen jst from surface exchange as i wont be keeping plants i dont think

Yep should be fine as long as there's some surface ripples from the filter.

 

[Tizer]

Other than keep a mild flow in the tank and help keep the water oxygenated? Or have i been misslead? I was just wondering if that much water will have enough oxygen jst from surface exchange as i wont be keeping plants i dont think

Air bubbles wont oxygenate the water as the are not in the water long enough, but they help ripple the surface a bit, which does help. As mentioned, your filter outlet can do that job perfectly fine. So there really is no need for a noisey air pump. Unless you like bubbles

 

[michaelh]

Oh kool thanks. What you rekon about filters and heaters then? 1 big 1 or 2 smaller?