Semi-newbie Question

[Sammy78]

Hey everyone my first post and question on here !! So just wanted to say Hello to all

Anyway, I have just started the whole fish hobby about 2 months ago. I basically spent as much time as I could online researching the "right" way to setup a first tank and all that. So since I started with my first tank I have so far been able to keep in my 29 gallon tank, 3 Silver Dollars and 1 Pictus Cat. I didn't get them all together, I brought home my first 2 SD's about 2 weeks after cycling my tank initially and about 2 weeks ago I got the Pictus and the third SD. All is going well with them and they seem to be quite happy in their new home. So I guess so far I am doing what I should be for them.

Today I stopped by the local "retail chain" pet supply store. Actually this is where I have bought my fish from so far, and I was kinda looking into getting 1 more fish today but, when I was talking to the lady that works at the store in the fish department she was asking what my setup was, I told her and she say's "my tank is too small for the fish I already have" She continued by saying that "each Silver Dollar I have needs atleast 20 gallons to itself" ???

I was pretty surprised she said that because like I said I did my homework before even buying my first tank and from what I researched most sources say that typically the population of your tank is determined by the gallons. So in my case for a 29 gallon I can approx hold 29 adult inches of fish. Of course there are other factors that I know exist but going off of what I have in my tank, SD's grow to about 5 maybe 6 inches and the same for a Pictus I thought I was safe with my tank...

So of course I didn't get any more fish today because I really wanted to make sure I dont overstock my tank and cause my fish to stress out or anything..........So I'm here wondering if anyone can let me know if what I was told was true and accurate??

I really am not too sure if the people that work at some of these stores know anything about Aquatics period.

Thanks, Sammy

 

[madgap]

A quick web search (I mean quick too) tells me that the lady in the store was right to advise you that way.
They are by no means a small fish....

Of course it may be possible that I read wrong, and if I did then I'm sorry to have said the above.

 

[Sammy78]

A quick web search (I mean quick too) tells me that the lady in the store was right to advise you that way.
They are by no means a small fish. and your tank can not be considered big

Thanks for the feedback,

I know that they are not the smallest fish, but they also do not grow to be the biggest either. Just so you guys know this is a starter tank for me, and the fish are all small in size right now. My SD's are all about 1.5", I do plan on getting a bigger tank in the future but the thing I am pretty much surprised about is what I was told . If she was right then basically I will need a 60 gallon tank minimum for just my SD's ??? and if I plan to get more fish then at that rate I will have to get even a bigger tank then a 60 gallon, honestly that just seems like overkill.... Dont get me wrong I really enjoy this hobby and will continue to go about it the right way and if that is what I have to do later then I will do that as my fish grow. I just want to make sure it is necessary.

 

[madgap]

It sounds to me like you have a very posative attitude towards the well-being of your fish. If you are anything like me then it wont be long before you get the biggest tank you can afford.
I wish you all the best in your ew hobby, and hope it brings as much joy to you as much s my fish give to me

 

[CPQ]

I think that even though the 1 gallon per inch rule is normally what you go by you have to take into account the activeness of the fish you put in as well. From what I've heard (I don't keep any so bear in mind I'm no expert) silver dollars are REALLY active fish and so that's probably why they need more space than the rule of thumb dictates.

 

[Sammy78]

I think that even though the 1 gallon per inch rule is normally what you go by you have to take into account the activeness of the fish you put in as well. From what I've heard (I don't keep any so bear in mind I'm no expert) silver dollars are REALLY active fish and so that's probably why they need more space than the rule of thumb dictates.

Yes they are pretty active little fish and usually swim back and forth along the front of the tank, they seem pretty happy right now but I'm sure a lot has to do with the fact that they are still not fully grown. In a few months I will hopefully be able to get a bigger tank maybe a 50 - 75 gallon.

Thanks guys

 

[loachman]

For those fish, you will certainly need a bigger tank later on.