Sorority?

[x-Twinkle-x]

I have a spare 45L (how much is that in gallons lol?) & Im not sure what to do with it! It's round like a BiOrb but its not a BiOrb lol, & it has a light and I can buy a heater and filter for it. Should I attempt a sorority? Or something else??

Thanks

 

[stang1]

45l works out at about 12G so you should be fine adding a small sorority in there.

 

[x-Twinkle-x]

Ok thankyou Stang, how many females would be happy in there?
Would it be neccessary to add the filter or will it be ok if I just did regular water changes?

Also.. could I move my dojo loach over to there as well??

Thanks

 

[stang1]

Dojo Loaches prefer unheated tanks, can grow to about 10" and need a tank size of a bout 40G+. I'm afraid that you may have to rehome him if you haven't got a coldwater tank or a tank big enough for him. Although they can thrive in warmer water, it will shorten their lifespan. They also prefer to be kept in groups as they are a sociable fish.
You could get away with about 5-6 females in that size tank but make sure that it has plenty of plants.

 

[x-Twinkle-x]

Ok thankyou, actually I read earlier that living in heated water can shorten a dojo's lifespan so I was thinking of rehoming him anyway!
What do you think about the filter and heater for the sorority? Is it really neccessary?

 

[stang1]

I keep all my Bettas with a heater/filter and prefer it that way so my opinion may be a little biased!
I do a water change every 7-10 days in my boys tanks of about 25% and found this to be sufficient. As long as the filter creates little or no flow then your fish will be fine. I don't knock anyone who chooses to keep their fish without a filter, I just find it works better for me.
I also think that a heater is necessary in any tropical fish tank. It is difficult to maintain a steady temperature without one and constant changes in the temperature could stress your fish. A heater will help keep your tank at a constant temperature, therefore leading to much happier fish.

 

[x-Twinkle-x]

Ok thanks for your help Stang!
Well as Mace really doesnt like his filter in his new tank, I have decided to move that 1 to the sorority and buy a heater from the LFS!
Will update with pics once its all sorted!!