Suitable Fish For A 65G Hex?

[wodesorel]

Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for stocking a 65Hex?

We have a chance at buying a complete tank with stand for a great price, and now I just have to figure how to put it to good use. I've never been a huge fan of hex tanks, but I can't pass this up! We've been wanting to get another community tank started, and the extra tanks we currently have aren't waterproof. (Which is fine - we have critters galore that need upgraded.)

I haven't seen the tank and am having trouble getting a grasp on how large the tank is and what type of fishes would do well in there. We're open to just about anything, though we both like larger center-piece type fish rather than smaller schooling species. (I'm also debating whether to upgrade my current 20 gallon community tank, but would only do so if there's considerable more floor space on the 65Hex for the kuhlis - does anyone know this?)

 

[wodesorel]

I'm sorry to bump this, but I could really use some insight!

We got the tank, and once I actually saw it in person I'm at a loss about what to do. I think it's too small to really do anything much more than a dozen tetra or something similar, and I really want a tank where I can have some larger fish or some oddballs. (Since it's basically the size of a really tall 20 gallon.)

At the moment I have the option of reselling it for the same price at which I bought it. (Or perhaps storing it for later use with reptiles.)

Any thoughts?

 

[laura120381]

hi there,

hexagonal tanks can be a bit of a nightmare!! the lack of swimming space compared to a standard rectangular seriously cuts down your options for fish. danios and cichlids are a definite no no. a school of tetras can actually look stunning!! you don't need to stick with neons you could have a look at other species instead. what about harlequins or cherry barbs? you could maybe think about a betta and some shrimp?? (bottom feeders are again a problem due to the lack of space). or...if you wanted something really different, what about a puffer!! hope that helps a wee bit...!!

L

oooohhhh...afterthought!! endlers are nice, quite active and good to watch. also small so you could get quite a few!!

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I don't know your thoughts on livebearers, but I have a thriving livebearer community in a 40g hex. They are fairly calm fish (I have swords and platys) and there is just enough room for them to zip and zoom, as well as have their personal space. There is also enough floor space for my albino cories, so it seems to be a pretty happy tank. My fish are looking good and happy.

 

[wodesorel]

Hubby brought up getting angelfish last night. I think tall Hex tanks are still recommended for them? Would one or two pairs with a small school (6-8) of a small cory cats be a good permanent choice? I'd also like to move one or two of my clown plecos over as well.

I keep trying to get into live bearers, but I just can't seem to like them. I had wanted to use it as a betta sorority, but there just isn't enough surface area for me to feel comfortable putting in enough lady bettas to make it work. I'm also going to hold off moving my kuhlis and hope that I find a longer tank. I don't think they'd enjoy the hex much.

And any ideas on the best filtration? It will be heavily planted, and it used to be a reef tank so it's a three-light strip on the top. I'd prefer a HOB as it would be cheaper and we could set the tank up sooner, but if canister is the way to go then that's what we'll do. I also realize for hexs that a bubbler of some sort is a must as well.

 

[laura120381]

i wouldn't recommend the angels idea personally. although they do better in tanks with a bit of height, they do still need quite a bit of swimming room. also there can be a level of aggression so keeping them in too confined a space might exasibate this. that s just my opinion though!

depending on what you are ultimately keeping in the tank, a 'bubbler' may not be absolutely crucial. they are not a necessity..though they do look quite cool!! filter wise, again it will depend on stocking. of course you will need to get a filter that can suitably filter the volume of the tank. my tank is 80l double filtered by a fluval U3 and a APS 600l p/h. I plan to be stocked to just under full capacity though hence the double filtration. if you were thinking of keeping small of few fish, a filter that will easily filter the volume will be fine. an HOB should be ok too but it is up to you. Have a look at ebay etc and see what you can find. also it might be worth trying to source some mature filter media as this will speed up the cycling process.

Good luck

L

 

[wodesorel]

We're going to pass on it. Thank you for all the help. I think it's best to just wait and see if we can't find a 75 or 90 gallon instead and have fun with stocking that properly!