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I just aquired 3 BPs from a friend and I need some advice on tank size

Tue, 12/22/2009 - 04:16 — AandA

Hi - the 3 BPs my friend gave me (she left the country) are in a 10 gallon tank which is way too small. They are about 4 years old and 5-6" in length. Needless to say they need a bigger home right away. How large of a tank should I purchase? How long will these fish typically live? finally, I am moving in 2 weeks - I know this tank is small but will they be okay until I get into my new place and set up ther new tank. I haven't owned fish since childhood so any other tips regarding transporting the fish and setting up the new tank are welcome. I just finished reading "Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies" as a starting point.

Comments

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 12:18 — shaz

tank size

the general rule is, 30 gal for 1 parrot and 10 gal for every one added, so as you can see 50 gall is recommended as a minimum size, so you are only 4 gal short, if you are prepared to do weekly 50% water changes ( or smaller more frequent ones) and test weekly for quality, you should be ok, size isent everything, water quality, extra filtration,and suitable hiding places are very nportant, otherwise you may have to give one away,keep the decor to a minimum as it all takes room, provide hiding places, let us know how it goes

Tue, 12/22/2009 - 15:02 — hollyca75

I'd go with a 55 - 75 gal

I'd go with a 55 - 75 gal tank

Transport depends on how far your moving, but will go something like this:
Dont feed fish the day before or the day of the move.

Move fish on last load, having new tank set up at new place if at all possible
Put each fish in its own 3-5 gal backet, 2/3 full of water, secure in your vehicle so it wont tip and slid, cover with something to prevent jumping, preferabbly something dark in color. Keep them in the interior of vehicle with you, keep radio low, heat on if its winter where you are.....
Keep as much tank water as possible, keep old gravel and filter pads WET, along with any deorations- this will help preserve your good bacteria.
Set up new tank and take care of fish first thing when arriving.

Use as much of the water from the move as possible- in case water chemistry is different at your new place- since your not feeding them for a bit- there will be less ammonia in the bucket water....

they may " faint" during this process... Mine did when I brought her home, then was peeking at me threw the bucket- when she knew I was looking would "faint" again.... Just be as genle as possible, and everything should go ok.

I

Fri, 12/25/2009 - 16:34 — AandA

Re: I'd go with a 55 - 75 gal

Luckily I am not moving far at all and they will not have to be in a car. I was going to use a 46g tank - I didn't realize they needed so much room and the apt is not that large. I don't want to cramp them. Is 46g too small for the 3 fish? Unfortunatly I am bound by the size of my New York City apt and they are typically tiny.

Thank you for the moving tips re the water and the bucket - very helpful.

Tue, 12/22/2009 - 12:59 — mazzy1221

Re: I just aquired 3 BPs from a friend and I need some advice on

A minimum of 55gal but I would go with 60gal. a 60 is a bit taller but the same in length and width.