3 Gallon Upgrade To 10 Gallon

Hey all, few questions, maybe a few of you can give me some advice on...

First, I started 3 gallon aquarium for my 3 yr old son but he lost interest so it's on me. I'm ok with that because I always loved having an aquarium when I was younger but never kept fish alive cuz what kid knows about water changes etc anyway so now it's been few wks and I'm considering upgrading to 10 gallon. Don't want to have multipe tanks due to working raising 3 and 1 yr old child but like the old school 10 gallon. I can keep 3 gallon for when son older for his room or find use for it now, any suggestions as to what I can do with it now? Currently have 2 ghost shrimp, 2 tetra and 3 zebra danio and all doing really well, I just want to expand on them. (I know by rule too tiny of a tank, partly why I want to upgrade and also its a rd 3 gallon from Wal-Mart and it's a pain to see fish or shrimp, all distorted so I think an upgrade would do no harm since it's a minor upgrade. More shrimp. Few more small fish and maybe bottom feeder fish or two to help shrimp maintain bottom of tank. Sounds like a lot, don't think id go with all those just thinking out loud.

2nd question...without buying a stand due to budget concerns what would be good to support 10 gallon tank? I currently have 3 gallon in kitchen on a smaller dining table(we upgraded last yr so it got moved but doesn't get much use) but I'm unsure if it will hold the 100+ lbs of tank water gravel decor etc which is my only concern. I intend on buying stand if keeps going well with my new hobby in few months and fish survive and I mantain water changes cleanings etc. Do you think a small wood dining room table would be sufficient for few months?

Sorry for long message but thanks for replying. I'm looking forward to being successful fish hobbyist moving fwd. Been doing hrs on top of hrs of research since starting tank last month.



That's set up at momemt. Will move tank but want to put 10 gallon in place of 3g. Not sure if too heavy for small table

 

Welcome to fishlore!

You are right that the tank is too small. Would you possibly be able to get a 20 gallon long instead? Zebra danios and neon tetras both need to be kept in groups of 6+ as they are schooling fish.

In a 20 gallon you could do this
6 zebra danios
8 neons
3 ghost shrimp
3 Amano shrimp
8 panda cories
2 honey gouramis

The 3 gallon is really too small for any fish but you could keep some small shrimp. Neocardinia shrimp stay small and come in lots if colours.

 

Thanks for suggestion. Currently I am not too worried about stocking tank. I'll worry about that once I get placement of 10 gallon which is why I ask about if that table would be sufficient. I wanna take small steps to upgrade so 10 then maybe 20 in future so if possible lets stay on topic. I have considered keeping 3 gallon as a shrimp tank and 10 gallon as purely fish with maybe couple shrimp just as changeup.

 

Thanks for suggestion. Currently I am not too worried about stocking tank. I'll worry about that once I get placement of 10 gallon which is why I ask about if that table would be sufficient. I wanna take small steps to upgrade so 10 then maybe 20 in future so if possible lets stay on topic. I have considered keeping 3 gallon as a shrimp tank and 10 gallon as purely fish with maybe couple shrimp just as changeup.

You can't have zebras or tetras in that small of a tank. They need at least a 20 gallon. And need bigger schools. You are really doing them a disfavor by having them in a 3 gallon period.

 

That's an opinion. I agree 3 is too small. But 10 gallon is sufficient for them according to stores and many online avenues ive researched. Again let's please discuss topic and questions I asked originally. We can discuss stocking tank after. Thank you.

 

That's an opinion. I agree 3 is too small. But 10 gallon is sufficient for them according to stores and many online avenues ive researched. Again let's please discuss topic and questions I asked originally. We can discuss stocking tank after. Thank you.

Many stores don't know there stuff. They just want money. It's not an opinion. Yes they are gonna survive in a 10 gallon but not thrive. You want to do what's best for the fish right? And of course I'm going to tell you what is right verus wrong. Don't treat me like I'm dumb.

If you want fish in a 10 gallon look at ember tetras, chilI rasboras, but your zebras and tetras can't be in a 10 gallon.

 

Then stop treating me as if I am dumb. We all have the same goal in sight. I may have not had a tank in many yrs but I always kept up with the hobby. You need to not talk down to people but talk to people. I appreciate your input but STAY ON TOPIC! Answer questions I posed. I am all for discussing stocking of tank but first I need to determine if the location will work. And a possible use for a 3 gallon tank before I get to next tank size or stocking it.

 

Then stop treating me as if I am dumb. We all have the same goal in sight. I may have not had a tank in many yrs but I always kept up with the hobby. You need to not talk down to people but talk to people. I appreciate your input but STAY ON TOPIC! Answer questions I posed. I am all for discussing stocking of tank but first I need to determine if the location will work. And a possible use for a 3 gallon tank before I get to next tank size or stocking it.

Then what is the question? And don't yell at me. As a fish keeper if I see a stocking problem I will let you know, but you seem to have your mind set to one thing.

 

If you want fish in a 10 gallon look at ember tetras, chilI rasboras, but your zebras and tetras can't be in a 10 gallon.

This

 

Lol I am not yelling at your. This is a thread and we are having discussion. 2 questions from original post. Please scroll up to read them. I would retype them but I am unable to do so at this time.

 

So first, the table. It's hard to tell in photos, but I personally wouldn't put a full 10 Gallon aquarium on it. The table just doesn't look sturdy enough to hold that kind of weight.
Try looking around on Craigslist and such to see if anyone in your area is selling used tanks and stands. You might be able to find a bargain! But you can always keep the tank on some crates... or the kitchen counter... or the floor... or on your bed... we get creative here on Fishlore.

For stocking, like others have said a 20 Gallon Long is going to give you way more options. But if your heart is set on a 10 Gallon, I'd suggest upping the numbers of the fish you already have, and adding a few more shrimp. You can then turn the old 3 Gallon into a shrimp tank like you suggested. Good luck in your fishkeeping endeavors!

 

To answer your stand question, standard tanks have stands built for them your local store should have stands to match.

 

Do you have like a um...I don't know because 100 pounds is a lot to hold. Don't think coffee tables would work. Grrr hold up in thinking

 

A dresser, strong one though w.o tiny legs. Buy a 50 dollar rack I bought with 5 shelves, each shelf holds 350 pounds.

Coffee table, I have a corner one that would work wonders for a 10 gallon.

Kitchen counter, if you have room?

 

Sure you can get the ten, what fish do you currently have? Be sure to cycle the new tank. I just use a wooden table I found for my 15 gallon stand.

 

10 won't suffice for your fish. You can't keep two schools in a 10. Only 1 nano school. Just sayin'

 

Do you have like a um...I don't know because 100 pounds is a lot to hold. Don't think coffee tables would work. Grrr hold up in thinking

Mine would I think. It is octagon and no legs, so sits on the floor firmly, had doors to an open area under it, perfect for a 10 gallon. Hmm, I am getting ideas now for more fish tanks.

 

So 10 gallon tanks will weight about 100 pounds when filled with water, gravel, decoration, etc.
The best way to test for a ten gallon is.... You.
I don't mean to assume your weight or anything, but most grown adults weigh over 100 pounds. If you can sit on whatever you want to be the stand for 5 minutes, it should be fine. Make sure all edges of the tank are on the stand though.

 

A kitchen counter, if you have the counter space to spare, is a great location for a 10 gallon tank, I think. A dresser or night stand generally works well, too.

We can discuss stocking in detail if you would like, because there are going to be some issues with your current fish, not just in your existing tank, but also in a 10 gallon tank. I understand you want to upgrade your existing fish to a more suitable tank, but a 10 gallon will still not be big enough to house two different species of schooling fish. Danios and Tetras are both schooling fish that need to be in group of 6 each, bare minimum. If you were just keeping one of these species, a 10 gallon might be fine.

I know you're more interested in getting the tank put where you want it and getting it going, but wouldn't you rather know that your plan is flawed now instead of be told this information after you already spent money on the 10 gallon and set it up?

 

I may try sitting on it myself but I don't know if I should, I'm about 200 or so lbs but my wife did suggest that lol. Sounds like I may have to invest in a stand. The table was just temporary until I can build or buy one. I prefer 10 gallon for now and whenever ready for the 20 gallon I think I'm going to do tall over long. I have no room for the long or desire for sonething that long with young kids. Maybe when they are older.

 

Sit on the stable, if it seems sturdy then it can. I have used this for my 10 gallon for over a year with no problem and it has a drawer for the fish food and other stuff.

 

I don’t think he has all those fish yet, so he hasn’t done anything wrong yet, and probably won’t if he stays on the forum

 

any of these would work to:

• 
  
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So far 3 zebra danios and 2 tetras 2 ghost shrimp. I'm not planning one going crazy with stocking, I am not concerned with stocking at moment. I know how to properly do it. I know it is not properly stocked. It was for my 3 yr old to watch some fish swim around but he lost interest and now its my thing which is fine so with the upgrade I will stock it correctly. I think old dining room table will be ok for short term but I can look into stands

 

I don’t think he has all those fish yet, so he hasn’t done anything wrong yet, and probably won’t if he stays on the forum

These are the fish they currently have

Currently have 2 , 2 tetra and 3 zebra danio and all doing really well, I just want to expand on them.

 

Since the two first questions seem to be answered now I would really like to give some feedback. I agree with Sarah that the fish you currently have are not very suitable for a 10 gallon aquarium. I feel like you really don't want to invest in a 20 gallon (which does not need to cost much money at all and it does not take much more time to clean either) while this would be the best for your fish. In your first message you say you look forward to being a succesful fishkeeper and I am 100% sure you will be, but isn't this contradicting to the fact that you want to keep fish meant for a bigger tank in a 10g?

I do not mean to offend you in any way my friend. I am just saying that (in my opinion) succesful fishkeeping is not just keeping fish alive, but giving them the best living conditions to thrive. Regarding the space issue: I keep two 29 galon aquariums in my 12 square metres student room in which I live! You should be able to find a spot in your house somewhere

again, no offense intended.

 

Guys, I think we're making a bit too big a deal out of stocking. OP wants to and is ready to upgrade, and honestly I don't see the massive issue with the fish he already has. Yes a 20 would be better, but a 10 is already so much better than a 3 gallon, the fish will already be appreciative enough as is. And it's turned a bit attacking, and that's really not the best way to change someone's mind.

 

I don't feel attacked but I do feel we are getting off topic at the moment. I have 3 and 1 yr old so I don't want something to accessible to them. I intend on getting bigger thanks over the yrs but start small and work way up. As kids grow, so will my hobby. As far as 20 over 10, it's a matter of location in home and weight at moment. I will stock 10 or 20 gallon better regardless of size. I pretty much am researching this constantly. I am just trying to find an adequate support system for a larger tank than I have currently. I usually use that current table as my xmas village so that is why it's temporary and come fall I will have to buy a stand for 10 gallon or 20 gallon if I was able to upgrade to that size now but overall end goal is as stated...as kids grow, my size tank will grow. I know I did these fish wrong and I will right the wrong but again it was just for a few fish for my 3 yr old to watch swim which he lost interest so now its become my new hobby and one I look fwd to having for many yrs.

Keep all advice and input coming, I appreciate it all regardless of how critical it may seem. I take no offense. Were all learning everyday no matter how experienced. I will be a regular on here moving fwd so I look fwd to advice given and received and developing relationships with others who have same hobby.

 

I don't feel attacked but I do feel we are getting off topic at the moment. I have 3 and 1 yr old so I don't want something to accessible to them. I intend on getting bigger thanks over the yrs but start small and work way up. As kids grow, so will my hobby. As far as 20 over 10, it's a matter of location in home and weight at moment. I will stock 10 or 20 gallon better regardless of size. I pretty much am researching this constantly. I am just trying to find an adequate support system for a larger tank than I have currently. I usually use that current table as my xmas village so that is why it's temporary and come fall I will have to buy a stand for 10 gallon or 20 gallon if I was able to upgrade to that size now but overall end goal is as stated...as kids grow, my size tank will grow. I know I did these fish wrong and I will right the wrong but again it was just for a few fish for my 3 yr old to watch swim which he lost interest so now its become my new hobby and one I look fwd to having for many yrs.

I think we can all see you want to do what is best and you're trying to make the current situation better. Since you can't really go bigger than a 10 gallon tank, I think you should reconsider your tank's stock. Rather than keep the tetras and the danios, pick one, and get rid of the other. Many fish stores will take fish from hobbyists. People do it all the time. They tear down a tank, or re-do a tank, and take their existing stock to the fish store for trade in. You can probably give the fish store your danios, or your tetras, and get more of the other. Of course, this can wait until your 10 gallon is ready for fish, but just something to think about in the mean time while you're getting the 10 gallon set up. It's good that you don't feel attacked, because this website can sometimes seem like a rabid pack of wolves when a new member joins and says "hey everyone, I messed up". So it's good that you're not taking it personal and are looking at everyone's replies informationally, as intended.

Back on topic... Honestly, the table might be okay, it might not. Like someone else said, sit on the table for about 5 minutes. If you still have a table after that, then it's fine for a 10 gallon tank. If not, well, I don't think a new tank would be your most pressing issue anymore.

 

Keep all advice and input coming, I appreciate it all regardless of how critical it may seem. I take no offense. Were all learning everyday no matter how experienced. I will be a regular on here moving fwd so I look fwd to advice given and received and developing relationships with others who have same hobby.

You're going to get a lot of people who are going to keep telling you 20g. Honestly, seems like a bit of hostility and people trying to force you to get a 20. Is it best for the fish? Absolutely. Is everyone who has those type of fish going to run out and get that size tank? No. If all you want right now is a 10, go for it. That's still more space than a 3 gallon. That's a different discussion though. I'm probably going to get some "I don't agree" replies, but it seems like everyone is ignoring the real question you have asked.

I would try sitting on it. The table seems pretty sturdy, but if you don't have constant weight on it then we can't know. A 10 gallon isn't too heavy. I have mine on my baker's rack and it works just fine there. We were worried, but it's a sturdy little thing.

 

Okay so,
Get rid of the zebra danios. You LFS or petco will take them. Get the 10 gallon, get your tetra's numbers up to 6 or 8. either get one of the desks I listed earlier or buy a stand. problem solved

 

Honestly I would get a decent sized tank and a stand and find somewhere (if possible) to keep it because I’ve learned that once you upgrade a tank, there is always the possibility of getting a bigger tank and now I have 7 tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 75 gallons. All just upgrading and not wanting to leave a tank empty. Just my input. 29 gallons are a nice size

 

I'm going to ask one more ? in terms of water care products. I use tetra based ones. Aquasafe. Safestart and easybalance. I like all of them but have seen many suggest prime. Would majority suggest prime over safestart?

I'm going to look at what's available in store and what budget can afford(petco bas $1/gallon sale goin til mid-August) as I'm buying most likely stand filter heater tank gravel etc so I will weigh out all options but no smaller than 10 gallon for sure. I appreciate input on fish and returning them or exchanging them. They cheap fish so I don't worry too much about returning them but do want them to be happy and healthy cuz I love animals of all kind so I will take everything into consideration.

 

Prime and safestart are two entirely different products that do different things. Prime is a water conditioner, that removes toxins and harmful chemicals (such as chlorine) from tap water. Safestart is a product meant to help you jump start a new aquarium's nitrogen cycle. Safestart should be used only once, when setting up a new tank. Prime should be used every time you put water in the tank.

 

I'll add that Safestart should not be used within 24 hours of using Prime.

 

According to safestart it is also suggested to be used with water changes. On the bottle and research specifically on their website I have done but I was leaning towards prime anyway so ill probably change over to that once safestart runs out.

 

I just used Safestart for the first time yesterday and found this incredibly helpful
Q & A With Tetra about Tetra SafeStart

 

According to safestart it is also suggested to be used with water changes. On the bottle and research specifically on their website I have done but I was leaning towards prime anyway so ill probably change over to that once safestart runs out.

when you get the new tank use the safestart before you put the fish in and then use prime for water changes

 

According to safestart it is also suggested to be used with water changes.

They just want you to keep buying more. Honestly, the only product that should be used at water changes is one single type of water conditioner, such as Prime, and that's it. So many new hobbyists think they need to add a water conditioner, and a bacteria product, and stress coat, and all these other products every time they change the water. But in fact the cocktail of chemicals they end up creating ends up being quite harmful to fish. I've seen too many new forum members come on here and say "all my fish are dying, help" and come to find out they're dumping a bunch of chemicals into the tank every time they do a water change.

 

Yeah, once your tank is established, there's no need to keep adding new bacteria when you do water changes. I can maybe see dumping more in if you were to throw away your old filter without rinsing it in the tank first, but you shouldn't really be doing that anyway.

 

I'm doing much research on filters past couple hrs or so, anyone have input on this one or brand? I'm voing to buy 10 or 20 gallon tank filter and new gravel(my son picked out brightest color in store and I don't like it lol) this evening or tomorrow to get fishless cycle going since takes a while. I'll worry about plants and decor once it's goin a bit before I transfer new fish(I will probably keep ones I have in 3 gallon unless I decide to keep it up for shrimp only. Nonetheless I'm goin for tank filter and gravel today and hood with led light down the road once cycle starts up. Any input on this filter or any others? Always looking for input. Thanks.

 

A lot of people really do like the aquaclear filters. I've never used them myself. I prefer sponge filters. It just depends on how much flow you're looking for and how much waste the fish you plan to get will produce. Like, if you get a betta, you want as little flow as possible, but if you get corydoras, they like a good amount of flow.

 

Ok. Gravel color? If u see my 3 gallon my son oicked out multicolored and bright, I'm thinking maybe a background as well as blue/black/purple/dark green. Combo of those colors, not all just want 2 colors. Background I'm undecided, ill see what store has and how complicated to cut and attach. Anyone have pref on backgrounds and gravel color or color combinations?

 

Ok. Gravel color? If u see my 3 gallon my son oicked out multicolored and bright, I'm thinking maybe a background as well as blue/black/purple/dark green. Combo of those colors, not all just want 2 colors. Background I'm undecided, ill see what store has and how complicated to cut and attach. Anyone have pref on backgrounds and gravel color or color combinations?

I like black gravel (poop doesn't show up) and a black background (fish stand out more and you focus in the tank rather than the background). Out of those choices I would do a mix of dark blue and dark purple with a dark blue background. Keep in mind fish generally feel safer with a dark substrate.

 

I just saw this thread, and figured I'd put my 2 cents in.. As far as buying the decorations and all the tank accessories, if you can wait a couple days, amazon is the way to go. The filters I like sell at walmart or the big name pet stores for around 15 bucks for the small 10 gallon version. Ive seen it for 18 at a small lfs. I got one from amazon for under $7. If it's something you don't need right away, shop around. Also, I found a great tv stand that I use for my 20 gallon on craigslist for $10. A small one that would have been used for a box tv is perfect for a smaller tank, and it can hold the weight. Those suckers aren't light, lol. Anyways, good luck! I know some FL folk can get a little overzealous at times, but they mean well, and we all just want what's best for our fish.

 

Thanks. Yeah I will probably do most of ordering online, just wanted to get cycling up and running. Bought 10 gallon tank, aquaclear 20 filter and gravel. Going to get hood and heater in futute. Couldn't afford all at once but since cycling takes while I am going to get that started and in wk or 2 buy hood with light and apI test kit. For now I'm gonna visit lfs or use test strips I already have til I get the master kit.

 

I'm using a aquaclear 20 for my tank. Its still cycling but its had no problems so far.

 

I have aquaclear(trial came with 3g) about to get tank together for 10g, but I want to use prime moving fwd I think. Can prime wait to be added or do I have to delay starting cycling(adding water) until I have it and can add it or since fishless cycle doesn't matter when I add the prime(ill pick up within next few days)

 

Thanks. Yeah I will probably do most of ordering online, just wanted to get cycling up and running. Bought 10 gallon tank, aquaclear 20 filter and gravel. Going to get hood and heater in futute. Couldn't afford all at once but since cycling takes while I am going to get that started and in wk or 2 buy hood with light and apI test kit. For now I'm gonna visit lfs or use test strips I already have til I get the master kit.

A ten gallon is great fir many fish:

Asian Stone Catfish
green neon tetras
Ember tetras
CPDs
ADFs
Dario Dario
Bettas (all types)
Shrimp
Rosy loaches
Guppies
Endlers

And loads more. Unfortunately none of the ones you currently own are suitable (except the shrimp, obviously).

 

To see if your table can hold your tank just sit on the table, a gallon of water is 8 pounds but your probably gonna add decorations so it will probably add up to 10 pounds per gallon of water.