New Tank

[OldMan47]

The concept of organ growth after the fish stops growing is very appealing for people trying to tell you not to put fish into a tank too small, but it is a myth. Fish do not grow well in a space too small, period. The fact that fish can be stunted is borne out by the poor growth we see in fish not given enough space for normal growth. The idea that organs do not stop growing is not supported by any evidence that has been presented, but is a popular idea given substance by the sheer number of times that it is stated.

 

[erk628]

The concept of organ growth after the fish stops growing is very appealing for people trying to tell you not to put fish into a tank too small, but it is a myth. Fish do not grow well in a space too small, period. The fact that fish can be stunted is borne out by the poor growth we see in fish not given enough space for normal growth. The idea that organs do not stop growing is not supported by any evidence that has been presented, but is a popular idea given substance by the sheer number of times that it is stated.

Thanks OM47!

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, that sounds likely OM, after that question I went out and did a round of searches in the scientific literature that I could find and in every case of discussion of "stunting" (and there's a fair amount out there on that topic!) it seemed just that the fish were not growing big enough - the literature would discuss how their sizes were too small for the average for their age. There were a few articles that discussed odd morphology caused by various things but in none of these cases were oversized organs ever mentioned.

I'm sure I've repeated this myth in any number of my posts, so I'll try to stop doing that. It doesn't appear for now that there's any support for it. Which I suppose will raise the question in the minds of some as to whether the fish is being harmed or is in discomfort when housed in too small a volume.

WD

 

[drobbyb]

The concept of organ growth after the fish stops growing is very appealing for people trying to tell you not to put fish into a tank too small, but it is a myth. Fish do not grow well in a space too small, period. The fact that fish can be stunted is borne out by the poor growth we see in fish not given enough space for normal growth. The idea that organs do not stop growing is not supported by any evidence that has been presented, but is a popular idea given substance by the sheer number of times that it is stated.

Very interesting. I have repeated this myth myself. A lot of people have said that it was true, and I just assumed it was. Thanks OM for the correction.

 

[Assaye]

ok, looks like angel fish are out then.

ok, how about some corydoras? how many wud u sugesst?
plec, wot type of plec wud look nice and not get too big for the tank?
i also like black widow tetras & ruby sharks.

wud quite like a busy tank,fish very active, not "full of fish".

tank is now set up and into its 3rd day of its fishless cycle, will put some pix up later on tonight.

liam

Hi there!

Yeah, angels will get too big. You don't want to risk hurting them if you can't upgrade or leave them in a small tank too long.

Corys are great you could probably have 6-8, depending on how many other fish you have. 6 is a good minimum, though, and they should all be the same species (so don't get one of each colour).

Plecs - bristlenose or bulldog plecs are inexpensive and stay small. If you want something a bit nicer and are prepared to pay £20-£40 you can get some small L number plecs. Post in the plec forum for specifics. You don't want anything that gets bigger than about 6 inches.

Ruby sharks will get too big (for a non-bottom feeder) and get pretty aggressive when they mature. You'd be best waiting until you have a 150+ litre tank for one of them.

Black widows would be fine you could have 6-8 of them.

How about a pair of dwarf gouramis? The males are very colourful and they don't get too big.