Tank Preferences

[NightWolf]

Recently, I purchased a 36 gallon bow front aquarium for my three cynops orientalis and my white cloud mountain minnows.

The dimensions are : 30 x 15 (at the middle) x 21

However, I am debating on taking it back and paying an extra 20 dollars to instead upgrade to the 46 gallon bow front aquarium.

The dimensions are : 36 x 16 (at the middle) x 21

My questions are, do you think this would be a smart decision, or is the 36 gallon perfectly fine? Is there a noticable difference/benefits between the two sizes? Would the chances of my newts breeding increase if I were to go with the bigger tank?

All comments and advice are greatly appreciated, as I want the optimal conditions for my newts.

 

[Azhael]

Three C.orientalis would find a 20gallon tank, paradise on earth xD
I´m always inclined to say that the bigger the tank, the better, but perhaps for just 3 C.orientalis, a 46 gallon is a waste of space. If, however, your goal is to breed them, you could end up with a gorgeous colony in a 46gallon tank after a few years. I´d say, if you have the space, go for it.

From a maintenance point of view, there won´t be much of a difference, but if you have temp issues, going for a larger tank will proof very benefitial, since it will be much more stable.

 

[Yahilles]

I would advice you to not put minnows in, newts become more shy and hide more often when fish are in their tank.

 

[NightWolf]

Thank you very much for the quick replies! Chances are I will end up purchasing one or two more newts down the road. As for the minnows, thank you for the suggestion, I will take them out to see if in fact they do become more brave. It should be an interesting experiment! Currently, I am working on a project for my new tank,

http://www.caudata.org/forum/members/nightwolf-albums-projects.html

Here are a bunch of photos if anyone is interested, or has any advice. I will be covering the piece with 3-5 layers of good quality grout, then it will be painted/dry brushed, and then it will be sealed with aquarium safe silicone (more then one layer).

 

[Azhael]

Chances are I will end up purchasing one or two more newts down the road.

Ah...bugger....xD

 

[NightWolf]

Should I not? If you think it would be better not to purchase more down the road, I wont.