Might have a solution to overstocked tank???

[AngelMom]

Still haven't solved my phosphate problem, but we're working on that ;) (its still fluctuating between 0.2 and 1.0)

Anyway, maybe getting some of the fish out of that tank will help. So..........I reevaluated my available space (not much :) ) and have decided I can free up about 2 feet. I might be able to get a 55 gal hex tank in that space, but it looks more like I will need to go with a 34 gal hex.

Here's the question........I was planning on moving my 6 Gouramis (2 pearl, 2 Opaline and 2 Flame Dwarf) into this tank with my 2 Albino Corys (and maybe the 8 Black Neons); is a 34 gal hex big enough for the Gouramis? If not, I may have to go custom (ouch on the price!), or would the 55 gal even be too small?

My hope was that leaving the 4 Angels with the Pleco and clown loaches and a few Neons would be more appropriate for the 60 gal and the Gouramis could have their own tank. I just don't want to cramp the Gouramis if a 34 gal hex tank is too small width-wise for them (its about 18" flat to flat, 21.5" corner to corner).

[aquak]

You can do a search on this site and find where somebody, maybe CrazieEddie, gives the calculations for how many fish you can put in a hex. It's less than the number for the same number of gallons in a rectangular tank. Those dimensions are a bit small for the gouramis or any larger fish. Have you considered putting one rectangular tank over another or one tank in another room?

[AngelMom]

Considered everthing I could.

The 60 gal rectangular I have will not work with another tank over it (it is a show type tank with a cabinet and canopy).

I have no space left in the house!!! The best I can do is to get this small space, and even that is pushing it with the rest of the furniture in this room. :rolleyes:

I did find a 60 gal cube type tank that is a bit more expensive .... but it does give a little more space. It's 24"L x 24"H x 24"D.

I actually think that will work better as it gives about 6% more surface area (and swimming space) than the 55 gal hex (25 x 24) and about 51% more than a 34 gal hex (18 x 24). I doubt that I can get a 55 gal hex in that spot! :(

My only concern now is ....... is this enough swim space for the four larger Gouramis? Maybe I should just plan on moving 2 of the big ones with the dwarfs, a few neons and the catfish?

I'm hoping to do something this week in case I need to special order the tank....it could take up to 6 weeks to get and then there is the additional wait for the cycling before I can move these guys. :eek:

[aquak]

Angelfish do well in taller tanks and might be the better occupants of that tank. If I were you, however, I would consider putting one pair of the angels in each of the tanks and separating the gouramis as well. If they are not yet mature, they still may fight at some point, so the lower numbers may help. The two types will not be likely to bother each other.

[AngelMom]

Thanks!

I think I will do that. The two smaller Angels are newer and don't seem to care one way or the other about the Gouramis.

Think I'll keave the Pearls in with the large Angels as they are mellower than the Opalines.

Appreciate the input! Wish me luck.....I've ordered the cube tank & it should be here in about 2 weeks. ;)