10gal Next Size Up For Someone With 1.5years With Fish?

I have a 10 gal which I have a great handle on. Considering that I consider my self a beginner but want a larger tank and more fish (while keeping the 10gal) what size do you recommend? What species should I stock in it? (Currently, have 4platy, 2 mystery snails, and 3 ghost shrimp)

 

I'd start with what kind of fish you like, then go for a tank size that fits them. Any particulars you have had your eyes on?

 

For the record, in my opinion, bigger tanks are easier than smaller tanks. So as a beginner, you shouldn't think you need to not go too big.

I agree with ValerieAdams What fish interest you?

Also, what size space do you have for this tank? I would go for a 3 or 4 foot tank. The 3 footers are the 30s (not 29s) and 40 breeders and a few others.

 

I would like to work up to a 100+gal

I'm looking at my next tank being a cichlid tank with a goby or two.

 

I would like to work up to a 100+gal

Why work up to it??? Why not just do it? It would be easier than having to upgrade again later.

If you have the space, I suggest you do it now. And get yourself a python water changer so the water changes are not so exhausting!

 

I went from 2 10's up to a 55 gallon many years ago. I would have gone even bigger but the 55 was a Christmas gift. It is actually easier to take care of a bigger tank. If you have been doing well with your 10 then a 100 should be a breeze. More water to be changed but also more water to dilute fish waste.

 

Why work up to it??? Why not just do it? It would be easier than having to upgrade again later.

If you have the space, I suggest you do it now. And get yourself a python water changer so the water changes are not so exhausting!

I live in a small apt. right now. The 100 gal is in the picture once I move out.

 

I live in a small apt. right now. The 100 gal is in the picture once I move out.

That makes sense

So then again I ask....what size space do you have for this 2nd tank then?

 

3ft*5ft*2.5ft

 

Do you plan to move in the near future? If so, I would hold off and then get the 100 gallon when you move out.
If not, then I'd go with something that won't be ridiculously hard to move but still the largest you could do.

 

A 40-55 gallon tank is usually really doable. I currently have a 37g I picked up off of craigslist, and it has the same footprint as a 20 gallon long, but is taller, so if you have limited space you can look for tall tanks to give you some extra gallon-space. I agree that larger is easier, and REALLY wish I could get something in the 100-200g range, instead of having 5 tanks which are 20 gallon and smaller...so much work!

Look at the space you have, the fish you are dreaming of owning, and your budget, and go as big as you can It's often easier to get large tanks for cheap (aquaswap, craigslist, FB ads, etc) than it is to get something small and new.

 

If you're not moving for a while I would get a 55. It's a good size tank with dimensions that fit your criteria. Lots of stocking options. A 55 filled with everything will weigh from 600-750 lbs depending on what you put in it. That's about the heaviest I would want to go with in an apartment. A 75 could also work, however jumping up to a 100 from a 75 down the road might not be as exciting as going from a 55 to a 100. But a standard 75 gallon will give you 5 more inches in depth than a 55 and will have the same length and height. Regardless skip the 20 gallons, 30's and 40's and go with a minimum of 55.

 

3ft*5ft*2.5ft

If that's 60"w x 36"t x 30"d, then that's 280 gallons You could easily get a 40 breeder (long tank), or a 55g, with room to spare:

Standard Aquarium Dimensions Chart and Dimensions to Gallons Calculator

 

Its sounds ridiculous, but bigger is actually better. If you want to "work up" to a 100 gallon but its simply intimidating because you have limited knowledge, don't worry, its simple!

1: Decide what you want to keep for fish. Research tank size, numbers, etc.

2: Get new tank (whatever size that is) and pick appropriate filtration, heating, lights and substrate.

3: Add a half dozen live plants (if you're getting cichlids skip this step, lol).

4: Add in your first few fish (depending on fish and tank size this might be a single fish or a school of 20). I like to add in from least aggressive to most aggressive as this doesn't allow the aggressive fish first dibs on staking out a claim.

5: Test levels daily, do water changes as necessary. Every couple of weeks add in a few more fish (depending on the size and type along with tank size, this can vary from 1 fish to dozens).

DONE! It really is that simple, and bigger is easier to handle as the water doesn't fluctuate as much or as fast.

 

With the space I would go with a 70. I like the shape better than the 55. I wish I had done that.