upsizing my tank

[Chillyfish]

iv got 2 gsp in a 18.7 (us gallon) tank and want 2 upsize it for the puffs,
i can get a 33.6 gallon tank of free, and i think this is the biggest i can get for the space, i no they should have 30 gallons to themselves but does that mean i need a 60 gallon tank?
there both bout 2+half inches, maybe 3 inches.
also iv got the fiter matured, so when i do change tanks, can u just put the water,substrate, bog wood, plants straight in, connect the filter in,then top up the difference of the water, then put my puffs straight in??
as always comments + ideas gratefully recieved

[PolishPuff]

also iv got the fiter matured, so when i do change tanks, can u just put the water,substrate, bog wood, plants straight in, connect the filter in,then top up the difference of the water, then put my puffs straight in??

Yes, and you can add most of the water from the old tank as well. I think any thing above 18 gal is badder for them even that new tank that you will be getting.

[Chillyfish]

18 gall is badder?? do u mean better? is that exceptible for 2 gsp?? (a 33 gall tank? or should it be bigger?)

[PolishPuff]

yes, what I was trying to say that 33gal is better then 18gal and no I don't think that this 33gal will be good for 2 GSP. But like you mentioned

and i think this is the biggest i can get for the space

[Chillyfish]

wat size would u recomend??

[robert_hollis]

If he decided to go full marine with the GSPs, and used the 18g tank as a sump, and loaded up on the LR, would that work out for him? Just thinking of possibilities...

Personally, I'd either take the 33g, and rehome one puffer, or go ahead and get a bigger tank (if that's possible).

-Rob

[PolishPuff]

+1 55 gal should be fine

[bigfatfish]

chillyfish, mine is a 55 (UK) gallon - I got a really good deal on it. Still expensive though! My old GSP live for 10 years in a 20 gallon & was definitely stunted by it.

[Chillyfish]

I just measured my puffs, there about 2 inches, sorry! Do I still need such a big tank??

[bigfatfish]

Its not really the size of them, its the waste that they produce, so unless you're prepared to do massive water changes weekly or twice weekly, I think they would become sickly or not reach their full size. Mine are maybe, 1.5" (they have doubled in size in less than 3months!) & everyone laughs at such little fish in a massive tank - but wait till they are full grown, they will need all that room then! & GSPs are active, inquisitive little fish, so the more room the better for exploring & mucking about!

[Chillyfish]

Thanks 2 the help of bigfatfish, Florence + Russell now call a 55gallon tank, Home!!!
Pics soon.Happy new year all

[bigfatfish]

Glad to be of help!! Can't wait to see the pics. Let me know if you have any cycling issues, cos you can still have some of my filter media if there are any problems.

[Chillyfish]

I might still, wat combination of media r u usein? I took out a course black sponge+ put in the bottom basket,then sum more sponge and carbon in the middel basket, then ceramic tubes +fine wool in the top basket, that was all out the old filter. But the 4 sponges it goes through down the side r still the ones in there? I washed them+ put on some cycle stuff, but they might muck it up?
Wats in urs? Maybe swap a couple sponges? Or have u bought any other bits?

[Pufferpunk]

I agree, if you only have the room/finances for a 30g, then definitely rehome one of them. I think even a 55g is too small for 2, especially if that is as large as you plan to go. My single GSP would have been happy in a 55g by himself.

[bigfatfish]

Don't forget PP that we are in the UK, so our 55 UK gallons is actually 66 US Gallons. So I reckon that 33 gallons for each fishy is pretty good!