40g breeder vs 55g

[shuwae]

I have a empty 55g and was wondering if it is better to put the hillstream loaches in the 55g or just keep them in the 40g breeder that they're already in? I have a total of 2 powerheads and 2 filters for water movement/filtration. I only keep hillstream fish (stiphodons, sewellias, gatromyzons) that are under 3 inches. So is the length of the tank better or width (depth)?

40g breeder: 36x18x16
55g: 48x13x21

[DainBramage1991]

In my opinion, there are a couple of important points in favor of keeping them in the 40 breeder. The first is that the 40 actually has a larger footprint (648 square inches) than the 55 (624 square inches), and is better suited for bottom dwelling loaches because it is low and wide rather than tall and narrow. The second, and possibly less critical depending on how patient you are, is that the 40 is fully cycled already. Setting up the biology in a new tank is a time consuming process, particularly if you choose to do it "fishless" (which I recommend).

As for length vs width, both are important. However, with small fish like hillstream loaches, a low, wide tank is much more suitable even if it is a foot shorter than the 55. With a tall, narrow tank like the 55, you would have lot of unused water column.

If I were in your shoes, I would keep the hillstream loaches in their 40 breeder, and set the 55 gallon tank up as a community tank with a mixture of various fish to occupy the bottom, middle, and top. Botiine loaches such as yoyos, golden zebras, or other similar species would be appropriate in small numbers in such a tank provided that their needs were met (water movement, cleanliness, chemistry, etc.).

That being said, there is no reason why your hillstreams wouldn't be able to thrive in a properly set up 55 gallon tank. I just think that the 40 breeder is more suitable.

Good luck.

[NancyD]

I've never had a breeder tank, 55g's & stands, lights are much more available & less expensive But I like the size of breeders, more footprint & shallower depth = more scaping options & easier to work in. I wouldn't switch them but nothing wrong with 2 hillstream tanks either...My favorite tank size is 75g, 48 x 18 x 20

[shuwae]

I was planning on getting a 75g or 90g but they cost over $240 for the tank itself. Used tanks, locally, are priced too high especially the larger ones. I see 10 gallon tanks go for $80 . Also, if I get a 75g+, it will have to be in the living room where a lot of my parents' friends' play. The kids are young and climb on furniture and it's hard to control them as their own parents can't even control them. I wouldn't want that much chaos for the fish.

It's just that I am tempted to get some sicyopterus from Frank and want enough room for them. I think I will just stick to the 40g then. I already have another tank, 15g for the growing fry so may have to give/sell this 55g as I told myself I only need two tanks. Too busy to have anymore right now. I was just thinking about the river set up and thought the 55g would be more like a river tank with the available length.

Breeder tanks are pretty hard to find locally too unless you buy the whole kit from Petsmart, which I rarely go to. Never seen one in Petco or my LFS before. I just find it funny how they have stands for the breeder tanks but never sell the tank itself.

I appreciate the replies, thanks!

[NancyD]

That's funny, Sho, I don't think I've ever seen a stand for a breeder. & my DIY skills aren't up to stands, lol. I was told before I moved that Cali is the land of cheap used tanks but I haven't noticed it. I still have several tanks I haven't gotten around to setting up yet, 75g for botia is next...Did you get rid of your 20g long?

[shuwae]

Yep. My brother is using it for his grow outs. The 15g fits my shelf so that was the biggest I could go on the sewellia grow out tank. I do not build my own stands too as I will most likely hurt myself. I'm not a creative person . I buy the metal ones that Petco sell in their stores or the wood ones my LFS builds which is usually on sale under $200 for the 75g and under tanks. I can never find cheap tanks locally as most local fish keepers are koi owners who have ponds. We do not even have a local fish club even with a population of half a million people.

[DainBramage1991]

FYI: If you are ever looking for a stand for a 40g breeder tank, it has the same footprint as the standard sized 50 gallon and 65 gallon tanks (36" x 18"), and therefor uses the same size stand. They should be readily available through most aquarium retailers.