Theoretical Stocking Options

Aphotic Phoenix · Mar 1, 2010

I've been wanting a small (less than 100 lbs.) planted shrimp tank for a while, and while browsing a local petshop I came across a "6.6 gallon" kit (I think the volume is a bit less than that so we'll call it a 6 gallon), with some rather interesting dimensions: almost 24"L X 7"W X 9"H (60 cm L x 18 cm W x 23 cm H).

Now, normally I think that 6 gallon tanks really aren't appropriate for most fish. They are too short in length for proper swim space, and don't have a lot of surface area for gas exchange. This particular tank however really has neither of those problems. Of course, the water volume still presents a major limiting factor...just like any other small tank, it will be harder to keep stable.

In theory do you think a tank like this would be appropriate for a school of small fish species (under 1" or 2.5 cm) such as Danio margaritatus or Boraras maculatus?

I'm not really planning to put fish in there, but I do find it to be an interesting theory exercise. I'd love to hear other peoples thoughts and opinions.

fishfinderdave · Mar 1, 2010

yea they are odd dimensions....

for a tank that size, u cud possibly just about get away with having small fish in there, but not many...
personally id use a tank like that to house shrimps! i.e (rock shrimp) (cherry shrimp)
or as a desk top peice filled with different live plants...

FISH-FRY · Mar 1, 2010

Aphotic Phoenix said:
I've been wanting a small (less than 100 lbs.) planted shrimp tank for a while, and while browsing a local petshop I came across a "6.6 gallon" kit (I think the volume is a bit less than that so we'll call it a 6 gallon), with some rather interesting dimensions: almost 24"L X 7"W X 9"H (60 cm L x 18 cm W x 23 cm H).

Now, normally I think that 6 gallon tanks really aren't appropriate for most fish. They are too short in length for proper swim space, and don't have a lot of surface area for gas exchange. This particular tank however really has neither of those problems. Of course, the water volume still presents a major limiting factor...just like any other small tank, it will be harder to keep stable.

In theory do you think a tank like this would be appropriate for a school of small fish species (under 1" or 2.5 cm) such as Danio margaritatus or Boraras maculatus?

I'm not really planning to put fish in there, but I do find it to be an interesting theory exercise. I'd love to hear other peoples thoughts and opinions.

You can plug more information into this:

AqAdvisor

And then perhaps you can do some searches based on smaller sized fish here:

aqua-fish.net

I could put in all kinds of tiny fish but then you'd lose out on all the fun.

What brand is that tank and would you happen to have a link?

Aphotic Phoenix · Mar 2, 2010

FISH-FRY said:
What brand is that tank and would you happen to have a link?

It's a Petco "Bookshelf" tank. I generally dislike acrylic tanks because they scratch too easy, but the shape was really irresistible, and it actually has a 15W T8 ballast which is better than what is generally included in a kit tank. I don't want to go high tech with this one anyway. The filter is junk however so I need to pick up a replacement, and it doesn't come with a heater (but I already have an extra one). I do have to give Petco credit for something else: the picture of the tank on the box shows it decorated, but empty of fish! How rare is that?

They are only sold in store, but I managed to find someones planted tank journal with picture of theirs: http

/www.plantedtank.net/forums/tank-journals-photo-album/99750-6-6-gallon-bookshelf-aquarium-2.html

Like I said before...I'm not really planning on having fish in mine (I don't want my baby cherry shrimps to get eaten!), but I think it would be alright for a few select species of fish for someone with reasonable fishkeeping experience.