Re: Tank Size??

[WndrKdnomo@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/6/98 12:24:01 AM, szucs@total.net wrote:

<<I would like your opinion about using 10 gallon tank instead of 15
gallon tank.>>

It is certainly possible to get away with using a 10 gallon tank in most
instances, but you might want to stay with the 15 gallon anyway.  In most
Apisto., as well as Pelvicachromis species, the female wants the male to stay
out of her territory.  Since her territory resides inside of his,larger,
territory, the idea is for him to continue to defend his territory from
intruders, while staying out of the females smaller territory while she
defends the eggs.  In a small tank there may not be enough space for the male
to retreat to, and the female may kill the male.  It all depends on how much
of the tank the female considers to be her territory.  In the fifteen gallon
tank there is more margin of error.
     The other consideration is about raising the fry. In a  smaller tank
feeding the very young fry may be easier, in a 15 gallon there may be more
naturally occurring infusoria/rotifers, etc.  As the fry grow, the larger tank
will be helpful in getting maximum growth rates, and the larger the tank, the
easier it will be to maintain acceptable water quality, ( but even in a larger
tank, the more water changes you do, the better).
      These are some of the trade-offs, you have to make the decision as to
what works best for you.
HTH
Jeff 
WndrKdnomo@aol.com