I told you that last post would be dangerous...<
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>Here''s what I''m thinking:<
>I currently have a 36x18x18" (180L) malawi tank, which I''m finding is a lot of work, especially because I have a back condition (came up after I got into this). <
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>The space in the loungeroom where I keep the tank is just over 5ft, but also next to the back door. I also need room for the cannister filter which won''t fit on the stand under the tank, so all up I''m thinking I probably shouldn''t go for a 5fter.<
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>Maybe a 4x2x2 would be a better idea, as it''s more compact but still 2 and 1/3 times the volume of my current tank. I realise that a longer tank is supposed to be better with malawis, but I''ve seen some damn cool deep ones too with some very happy fish.<
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>So my question is, if a did move from a 180L to a 430L would I be likely to see a benefit as far as maintenance is concerned? I would be keeping (or trying to, at least) a similar bioload to what I have now (but realistically with a couple of additions).<
>Also, would my Cf-1500 be adequate filtration for this sized tank (AOA site says good for up to 600L).<
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>Finally, and I know this is a hard one, but as I''m planning on selling off my 3fter if I do make the change, what kind of deficit would I be looking at? I''d be selling a perfect condition tank, stand and light, and wanting to purchase the same in the larger size, at display quality. I know this always has a lot to do with how much people want to get rid of stuff. I figure that a 4x2x2 tank, stand and light is worth roughly double a 36x18x18, so whatever I''d be likely to get for mine is probably the same as the deficit...?<
>Any help is very much appreciated. My girlfriend will hate me for even thinking about this, but if I can convince her (and myself) that it''s for practical purposes and won''t cost too much then we''ll all be happy.<
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>Thanks guys,<
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>Daniel.
Daniel, <
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>If the change is to reduce maintenance because of your back, then I dont think it will serve its purpose. <
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>Most of the comments in the previous post were in effect saying that it is easier to keep a larger tank because the water parameters remain more stable, which is true, but, you still need to do water changes, clean the glass and siphon the gravel. <
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>Sure you can probably get away with them being less frequent but a bigger tank means more glass to clean, more gravel to siphon and more water to change.<
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>Why dont you start thinking of practical solutions to your problem. <
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>To help with the glass, get half a dozen adolescent
istlenose- you will never have to clean the glass again. You can also reduce the amount of algae growth by reducing the amount of light in the tank, so turn the light on later and off earlier. Glass problem solved.<
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>Filtration. Some filters require more maintenance than others. Internal powerheads can be a lot of work. Get yourself a good quality cannister or aquaclear. Use efficient filter media like Matrix. You will only have to clean it once every 3 or 4 months.<
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>If you want to reduce the number of water changes you need to do, think about reducing the bioload on the tank or think about using plants that can help absorb the nitrates in the water.<
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>Gravel maintenance - less gravel in the tank means less gravel to clean, so remove some of the gravel.<
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>There a number of things that you can do to help yourself out here, certainly easier and cheaper than changing over your entire tank. <
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>A standard 3 footer should not be too much work if it is set up properly.<
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>Michael
Thanks for the reply Michael,<
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>I realise that there is more work involved in a larger tank, in terms of cleaning etc., but a lot of the problem is also the time and effort it takes to look after a tank when things aren''t working. I''m beginning to realise just why a 3ft tank isn''t really suitable for malawis, as I''ve got it fully stocked to reduced agression which amounts to a large biolaod in a small area. The majority of the fish are smallish but will outgrow the tank in a little while. I also have a fireblue male that''s terrorising everyone else because he''s defending 3/4 of the tank space and as a result there''s a couple of unhappy fish in there. <
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>Basically a tank that is more suited to the fish that I''m trying to keep sounds like it would be a lot easier to handle.<
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>I realise this is just my thoughts, but the forum''s here for advice, right? (just reminding myself)Again, I appreciate the suggestions Michael.<
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>Daniel.