New Tank soon

[David]

I am getting a new tank soon, but I don't know what size it should be. I will be getting for it one small (4") electric blue Jack Dempsey and a small (5-6") pleco. Any suggestions on what kind of plec I should get that doesn't get too big? And what is the minimum tank size for these 2 fish? Since I am getting only 1 JD there will obviously be no territorial disputes, so would a 20-30 gallon be ok? I don't want to exceed this limit; to tell you the truth I really don't have the space or the money.

 

[rvm]

I don't think a 20-30g will be big enough for even one JD. They grow to about 10", so I would think they'd probably need at least 55g. I've never kept one, but they're not small fish!!

 

[mwm]

1 blue dempsey would be happy in a 55g for sure

 

[David]

Well the one at the shop is only 3" now. I seriously don't want to buy a 55 gallon for 1 measly fish. I could get away with a 20-30 gallon for now couldn't I? I don't really have the room or funds for a 55 gallon.

 

[rvm]

Why not go for a different fish then. Some Rainbow Cichlids would be OK in a 30g, or convicts??

 

[parker313]

Yeah, convicts would be nice

 

[David]

Aww darn. I don't really like the convicts, and I have really fallen in love with the JD. Now I'm bummed out.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

To top it off, there's no way in hell a 6" plec should be in a 20-30gallon. I would not put any plec in one but a 6" is quite big by my standards!

 

[David]

To top it off, there's no way in hell a 6" plec should be in a 20-30gallon. I would not put any plec in one but a 6" is quite big by my standards!

6" is big?... I thought the bigger ones got 14" and up... What if i had really good filtration? I'm assuming that's the only drawback of having a plec in a smaller tank; as far as I know they don't move around much...