Stocking question?

[tigmades]

Okay, so I'm definitely going to get a 60" x 15" x 15" tank. I'll fill it at least to 12", but I'm thinking of having it up to the 15" height to have more water to make keeping it cleaner easier.

I currently have 6 juvies that I plan on going there, however I have a feeling I'll fall in love with some of my newborns (some? who am I kidding?! All of them!!).

I know the tank is nice and long (though not too wide), so as the numbers increase it's more of a matter of doing water changes to keep the parameters clear.... so how many would you put in there?

I'm fine doing 2x weekly water changes of 20% or so. I just have to know if I need to steel my heart and not plan on keeping any of the newborns as this tank will be my limit!

 

[Minniechild]

Nice tank! Those parameters, I'd possibly go up to eight with heaps of hides and plants to keep everything stable(depending on their temperament- you've demonstrated you're fantastic with the water changes, so no need to add in there ). I had a 4ft by 15 inches by 18 inches, and I had 6 in quite happily (one sadly passed away from a heart attack), but consistently had 5 for two years. Of course, after that, I went up to a 6x2x2ft tank...That's currently at 11, eventually MIGHT go up to 13 (there are two babies who I have become very attached to) depending on how their temperament develops/where the adults are at when it comes time to decide on housing.
I suppose the best advice I can offer is: How big can you get away with? If you can get an even bigger tank, save up and get an even bigger tank- it'll save you a LOT of time and money in the long run!.

 

[tigmades]

Haha originally my tank was going to be 48 x 12 x 12, but I just kept increasing the dimensions... My dad and I are building a shelving unit/fish stand for my room and it will be 64" x 16" (we've already started cutting so no adjusting it now!), so no too much room to make it bigger. Also where it will be going I can't make it bigger due to leaving closet accessible and needing at least some space to get out of bed ! I definitely want to wake up with my critters beside me! I'll just have to get a 6x2x2 on top of what I have after I move out

 

[Elliriyanna]

remember if that kinked baby makes it he will need his own tank

 

[tigmades]

If I'm not allowed another tank, I'll happily empty my feeder fish/shrimp one for 'im! And then once I know if it's female or male, I'll give him a tank friend

 

[Elliriyanna]

sounds like a plan

 

[tigmades]

Anyone else mind giving a second opinion?

 

[Kaysie]

Eliminate your bed, get 2 tanks. lol

Really though, you can keep a ton of axies in there. 8 probably won't be a stretch at all.