Looking for a new tank

[DGalt]

I currently have a 6 gallon Eclipse system 6 tank with a gibby, 5 neons, and a betta (he gets along with everyone ). I need a new tank, but it unfortunately isn't supposed to be bigger than 10 gallons (I'm at college and they have restrictions for the resident halls). I figure I can get away with something around 15 gallons, but not much bigger than that.

I got the Eclipse system originally because it was simple and it looks nice. The whole keeping the filter hidden idea is a nice solution to the hanging power filter thing (at least I think so). The problem is that not only is the tank getting too small for the guys in there, but good old Vacuum (yes that is my pl*co's name, no I'm not very creative ) is getting kinda messy and the filter doesn't seem to be able to handle it.

I could just upgrade to the next size in the Eclipse system (12 gallons), which will cost me about $100, but I want to consider other options before that.

I could use some suggestions since this is my first tank, so my experience is rather limited. I'm not looking to spend a ton, but I'd like to consider alternatives to the Eclipse system.

The tank itself is kinda a no brainer (at least I would think so). I'm more concerned about the filtration system. I have a heater already that would be able to handle the upgrade in tank size, so really the filtration system (besides the tank itself along with the cover or whatever) will be my biggest expense.

I've read a bit about different filters. Seems like I would be looking at a power filter or a canister filter. I'm not really sure what the difference between these two (besides the fact that canister filters seem more expensive). I know I've read in a few places that canister filters are good for particularly messy fish. I don't really know if the pl*co comes in this category (never had goldfish, which seem to be the best example of a "messy" fish).

Alright, this post is getting too long. I look forward to whatever suggestions you all have. Thanks in advance.

Dan

PS. I know that the gibby is going to get way too big for a 15 gallon tank. This is just a temporary fix. I'm hoping to get an even bigger tank when I move out of college in under a year (like 8-10 months) to accommodate how big he's going to get, but right now that isn't an option.

[MatsP]

If "Gibby" means

Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

then I would suggest you go find a way to smuggle a 120g (that's one hundred and twenty) tank into your dorm. Or get rid of the fish before it's killed all else in your tank (not on purpose - it is not evil in any way, but by creating lots of muck in the water). It will be way over your tanks capacity within months, if it's not so already.

For getting the most volume out of a smaller tank, use an external power-filter (e.g. Eheim 2215 or TetraTex EX700) - that will give you one or two gallons of more water without increasing the actual tank-size. [I presume there is no restriction on what kind of filter you use for the tank, right?]

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Mats

[Bas Pels]

I I know that the gibby is going to get way too big for a 15 gallon tank. This is just a temporary fix. I'm hoping to get an even bigger tank when I move out of college in under a year (like 8-10 months) to accommodate how big he's going to get, but right now that isn't an option.

Actually, I think Matts is quite conservative with his 120 gallon tank.

My gibbys grew from 1.5 inches to 8 in a year. Now, another 3 years further, they are some 14 inches. No problems, the smalles tank I have them in is 800 liters - over 150 US gallon, I think. This tank measures 2 meters - that is almost 7 feet

[MatsP]

My gibbys grew from 1.5 inches to 8 in a year. Now, another 3 years further, they are some 14 inches. No problems, the smalles tank I have them in is 800 liters - over 150 US gallon, I think. This tank measures 2 meters - that is almost 7 feet

800 liters /3.8 -> 210 gallons, so, yes, it's quite a bit over 150g.

And yes, I was just trying to make the point that the 6g (or 15g tank) would be FAR too small. And yes, even a year is a bit too long to keep a gibby in a small tank.

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Mats