I'll NEVER Choose This Size Tank Again

[@CichlidCharmer]

Smash the like button why don't you? What's your go to size tank for your setups and why?

[@badmotherhumper]

Curious, Why dont you use sumps? video idea?

[@jeff4703]

I made do with a 20 gallon my whole childhood and I have some great memories of some cool setups and fish --including African cichlids --, but once I moved out on my own and could afford my own stuff I have always favored the 75 gallon. I am in the process of setting up one now after a long hiatus (kids are getting older and don't have as many guinea pigs, snakes, rats, etc. -- it's my turn now! ) Of course, I love the larger tanks -- your tanks are awesome! -- but I love the portability of the 75. It is just small enough that two normal sized adults can easily move it. I also did quite a bit of moving into various abodes back in my 20's and 30's and the 75 is also just small enough to navigate up and down apartment/condo stairs. My plan is to start with juvenile mbunas and keep them for the first two years of sexual maturity. After that, I will just donate them back to my LFS. In my opinion once africans put on more serious size they need a much bigger tank to not looked cramped and for the setup to look more natural.

[@beardedmotu2007]

Big Blue Frontosa Crew… with the Clean Up Crew 75 + … but that 180 🤩 💭 🐟 dream Tank You

[@Gumpaveli]

75 gallon great start out for me, but my 135 is perfect for me.., its long and tall great for my Vieja and sailfin pleco. My ideal tanks are 150 and 180 they’ll great for my Oscar’s and common pleco. Great channel very entertaining!!!

[@michaeleber4752]

I feel I am blessed. When I retired I moved to Medellin, Colombia and sooo glad I did. Getting large aquariums and buying whatever you want is difficult but every home here in Colombia have concrete floors. So I never have to ask "Can my floor support the weight?" I designed an aquarium that is 215 gallons and will be built sometime in February. It fits into a specific space in our living room. It will be stocked with a combo of wild and bred discus, wild geophagus, wild coryadora and wild tetras.

[@HansKrause-k6r]

I hope you like geophagus, because they like Cory’s and tetras as a snack.

[@Jdubswateringhole]

I love the call out to Andre. He helped me get back into the hobby years ago and helped answer endless questions when I started breeding. His stock is top of line.

[@CichlidCharmer]

It sure is. I'm a HUGE fan now. Already loved his fish, but now... 🔥🔥🔥

[@LiveWireKCP]

Agreed andre is the man. Was worrying when others say, "You are putting 28 cichlids in a 150g tank," lol andre is super helpful and already planning a 240g with his fish or course.

[@brycek6881]

@@LiveWireKCPwait is that too many? I have 40 in my 120 and they all seem happy and healthy but some of them as still juvenile

[@LiveWireKCP]

@brycek6881 i dont think so. Andre broke it down for me and helped me choose the best tank mates for my setup. So hopefully everything goes smooth I get them Monday.

[@WarrenVenter.]

Now that my 115 gallon has been fixed. I'm loving having a larger tank. Smaller tanks are cool but there's something about larger tanks. Your 10ft tank is a dream size tank snd looks great.

[@CichlidCharmer]

You're right, there is really something special about big tanks. I thought after I'd had the 10-footer for a while I'd even want to go larger than that, but it seems just fine to me still 🤘

[@drewandres2065]

Great video, love the music you’ve added to this. Keep up the great work.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks, Drew. I'm having a good time with the tunes 🎶

[@DCunha78]

Great video Dave. I love all your tanks. Your stocking and aquascape are perfect in my opinion.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it.

[@TheSalient1]

Love your high quality videos always a treat

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@zacharnold6350]

This was eye candy man an the music went with the fish so will great video wish I could see them in person

[@CichlidCharmer]

Oh man, that's awesome to hear. Thank you!

[@sergstone1708]

I had 29 gallon, then upgraded to 40 which I was proud of and finally got my 55 a few days ago and I feel like the 55 tank is huge...now after watching this video I am so humbled. I feel like I own nothing. 😢

[@CichlidCharmer]

I had a 55 for most of my life. You can have a lot of fun with your tank. Don't worry, if you're as crazy as the rest of us you'll wind up with MTS and tank overload lol

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

@@CichlidCharmerexactly. I started out like that and now have 15 tanks😬

[@alfredodeeric]

I cannot wait to break the hundred gallon mark. The 55, 75, and 90 are awesome but man are your tanks incredible! Thank you for sharing, gives us something to aspire to!

[@CichlidCharmer]

I never thought I would have tanks this big. And when I saw other people around here with big tanks, they always looked like they just dumped a couple of big fish in a big tank without much thought to the aesthetic appeal of the tank. I definitely didn't want to be like those people. Thanks for the kind words.

[@alfredodeeric]

@CichlidCharmer maybe they're the weird ones and we're just normal 🤷‍♂️

[@damianbiondo812]

O. . . .M. . . .G! What beautiful tanks you have. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@CichlidCharmer]

My pleasure -- thanks, Damian

[@ARod-br2ui]

At 3:01 can I ask where you purchased that plant and what type is it???

[@CichlidCharmer]

Ah, that's one of the plants I bought from lower40farms on Etsy. The black plants in Alcatraz are also from there. I don't remember the name of the plants though.

[@kenlaidlaw-b6l]

Amazing tanks & great video. 👍

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you 🙏

[@stefanosahretis5075]

All beautiful tanks David . You can always use the 55 as a sump for Alcatraz.

[@FishTankMonsters]

You hands down have the most beautiful tanks I absolutely love your tanks and I appreciate your passion thank you

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you!

[@scotp6362]

We agree on the 55-So glad the salesman talked me into a 75. Now I have 3 of them. I love my 180. However, I just bought a 125 for a rainbow set up, and if you are not housing bigger fish, the 125 is awesome especially considering the price difference from a 180. If money is not an issue, always go bigger! You can put little or big fish in the 180 or larger!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Oh yes, a 125 is a great tank and you save a ton of cash. I want Attica to become a 125 from the 75

[@shrek9840]

Great video quick question though in the 20 gallon what were those smaller schooling fish you had a bunch of? Thank you

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! Those little guys are my geophagus Altifrons. You should Google them. Most gorgeous fish I've ever seen when they mature.

[@PewSplat]

I think the extra depth of an 18”-24” tank gives you the option to add a HUGE internal background filter while still giving bigger fish enough space to be fish. Super simple setup, No external hoses, no possibility of leaks (unless the tank leaks), smaller pump requirements, crazy Easy maintenance, smaller footprint etc. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but hey, neither is a 55 😅

[@henrikmadsen2176]

@6:25 Looks like a lot of space between the Hardscape and the Back-glass ?? If true, then why?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Good observation. It's actually pretty centered, but I wanted to keep those jagged rocks away from the glass, plus I wanted to give them some room to roam around the structure if they like

[@dennispeleg7843]

Great content Dave. Hope all is well brother. My opinion, a 125 gallon is a great starter tank, if people have the room. It gives fish the room needed without feeling and looking cramped in a 4ft tank. If room is an issue, then I'd say 75-90 gallon are great as well for starters.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Totally agree. 125s are great. In fact I plan on up sizing my 75 to a 125 sometime. Good to see you, Dennis.

[@Tonycoins-t3k]

Fantastic video thank you for your professional expertise I have a 55 gallon with 1 adult Oscar 11 inches I dream to have a bigger tank but unfortunately we're I live in not allowed to I watched hundreds of KZbin aquarium videos and by far your definitely one of the top 3 on KZbin in my opinion your tanks have also a sci-fi movie look to them like many others your imagination set up for the your tanks are works of art thanks for keeping it all the way real we rocks with you here in chill town jersey city respect ✌️

[@CichlidCharmer]

I sure appreciate that! I'm always trying to make them look better and have a more cinematic look to them. It's a learning process for sure

[@jeremymoore450]

David, As always your tanks are amazing. That 435 gal I only wish I could afford and have a place for that tank. My biggest tank is a 120 gal acrylic CA SA tank. It’s 5ft long. I do like that it is a ft longer than the 100 gal tank I originally had my CA SA tanks in. I also noticed the aggression is less when the tank is longer. I have a 55 gal planted tank and looking at it I do wish I would have bought the 75 gal instead. The stand I have could hold both of them. But oh well I guess. My MBUNA tank is my pride and joy right now. The old 100 gal that I had I added black silicone to all the corners bottom and top. Even on the outside. The silicone was getting really tiny on some of the corners and I was worried about leaks. I beefed up the stand and restrained and put a back on the stand. I sanded it also before staining it. It looks so good. The MBUNA tank has a bunch of rock caves and the added weight of those and the sand I didn’t want the stand to crack. I like to be safe than sorry so all the corners and middle supports are beefed up with an extra 2 x 4 so plenty of support. I love the way MBUNA interact and go in and out of the caves it’s so cool. The fact it’s a tall tank does make it an issue to reach the bottom. I have to drain it down to reach the bottom. But they like tall tanks and don’t need much swimming space. Appreciate the video brother. ❤😊

[@CichlidCharmer]

That's quite a project, Jeremy. And you're right, the mbuna diving in and out of their caves is so incredibly interesting! I had no idea I would enjoy that aspect of them so much until I just recently rescaped.

[@brycek6881]

What lens are you shooting on? I have a johannii just like that but your camera makes him look 13" long!

[@CichlidCharmer]

For the fish I use my S24 with the ultra wide lens almost 100% of the time.

[@MiamiObi]

I have two 210's. One American and one African. I also have a 75 gallon tank that I am not sure what to do with yet and a 20 gallon hospital tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Are your two big tanks next to each other?

[@MiamiObi]

I wish! The orientation of my living room wouldn't allow that. At least that's what my wife tells me lol​@@CichlidCharmer

[@quiettime1195]

Fill the 75 with guppies 😂

[@Daniel-x4z]

Nice fish love the smooth filming and close ups.😊 Yeah 10ft is abit much lol. Im way to lazy I've had a 125 years ago now im happy with my 55 in my living room.couple angels school of neons and a plec.everybody gets along and don't eat my plants. But i still giggle at the feeder goldfish at the store and tell em don't worry your about to get a bigger tank..

[@CichlidCharmer]

Sounds like a great couple of tanks. I want a 125 to replace my 75 then my 75 can maybe replace the 55. Thank you!

[@YellowMafia]

What filtration are you running on the 435? Sump?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Yes. It's a seamless sump from Custom Aquariums

[@sparrowsfish]

Love the music selections in this video!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! I get all excited when I get to the music selection part now.

[@marinejosh1993]

I was brought here by kg tropicals and im forever grateful

[@CichlidCharmer]

What a great team those two are. Thanks for checking my channel out!

[@johnjr47]

Beautiful tanks I like the 180 I like to know which tank is Customer Aquarium tanks ? I have a second question to ask you I have a planet tank on order it is a 36 x 24 X 20 I am looking to buy a Fluval canister filter, a 407 or FX 2 which one would you buy and why?

[@CichlidCharmer]

I haven't really investigated the fx2 since I mostly need bigger filters or polishing filters, but I think 2 407s or a 407 and a HOB would be great. One set up standard and the other a polishing filter. But check out this video comparing the two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXK8YaVolrCmqtksi=qDg8I8Uoq5aEbpl3

[@johnjr47]

@ Thank you 😊

[@alfredodeeric]

I've got a 90 gallon with some American cichlids, 75 mbuna, and a 55 planted with Angela's and geophagus. Oh and a 10 gallon guppie tank

[@brandhark7935]

55 gallon tanks to me are totally pointless. Just get the 75, you're literally "almost there" and a lot the filters will still work with both a 55 and 75. Most stands I see will also work with both. Just bite the bullet and get the 75. I feel like there's just a few more options for fish too.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Almost there... 100%!!

[@RobertLamberti]

The three biggest are my favorite! What food do you feed the San Quentin? Is it cichlid pellets with garlic guard and vitachem here too?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks. Yes it is. All Northfin, but a variety of Northfin. They also get zucchini and raw shrimp occasionally. Buck gets night crawlers

[@RobertLamberti]

@@CichlidCharmer thanks! I've been considering a true parrot myself after seeing buck

[@CichlidCharmer]

Such a wonderful fish. I can't recommend enough. They sure are skittish at first though!

[@lukeboswell8627]

Mines a random size of 48x15.5x21. All the advice on 55 and 75 I've got to try a split down the middle

[@HapiPETSWM]

My favourite tank size is 180, just because it suits my needs and provides sufficient space for lots of fish and rocks or plants. JUDGED! Lol jk. 55 are good for small fish, the moment you have an 8-10” fish in it, it’s basicallly full and too many decorative pieces can happen fast. If I was into danios and Molly and guppy, sure, but I gave away those tanks and fish and Christmas presents to people in need, yes NEED! Lol, all your fish always look so happy. All in all the best tank fits your needs and the fish you plan to care for. But bigger is always better if you have space and a little cash to start it up. A quick update here, and it makes me sad that already moved nearly 200 fish, I may have made the difference in the decision and choice in selling my home. Turns out, given the market I can BUY my home out right and basically live on minimum expenses! I’m still waiting for confirmation but I basically overhauled my entire house roof to basement ceiling to floor. I did research on market value and after speaking to the realtor I’m pretty confident that I’m not going anywhere! And my birthday is coming soon even so what a change and turn around this has been, 2024 basically slashed and gashed me but given the change and the approaching date of some other things ending. Should I have made a video to document it? Maybe but personally I looked at like an open book, the pages aren’t written yet and not even known so it is hard to tell what can happen next week… so absolutely it’s a message people need to hear and learn to avoid spiral thinking and walking into a panic is as easy as breathing and doing good things to limit over thinking and or deal to pent up energy. So I’m softly reopening and restarting so tanks and some clients and plan to continue on once things settle. It’s not that I don’t think people couldn’t understand but if they didn’t get Jordan Petersons metaphor of cleaning your room well, I’ll just avoid that target 😂, stay happy and healthy my friend!

[@CichlidCharmer]

That's such great news, Will! So you can buy the home you're living in and stay right there with your fish friends. I think a video documenting your life would be incredible. Even if it was only something that you had access to. I think you would be grateful later for it. I'm glad things are going so well for you!

[@HapiPETSWM]

@@CichlidCharmeryou know what, you’re right. If things do go the way they sound I think it is absolutely worth the time and effort to make a video, now I did miss nearly every part of the drama, but I was there and do recall things that clearly. Even if they go half as good as I’m hoping I still think it’s worth the time. I don’t think it’s a story that’s the first of its kind, but with every struggle came a solution, even if a part of that solution was the way I was thinking. Honestly strike me down on the spot if I ever told anyone I ever thought things were gonna as positive as they could potentially be, but like I said just now, a part of that issue was the fact I was stuck in a place of pain and I didn’t understand how to deal with those things but for some odd reason I found myself no longer wishing for things. In that wishing was a part of the thing that made me vulnerable to begin with to the slope, I didn’t waste my time or go into dangerous habits but, my thoughts were a dangerous habit, sure I would get up and get everything done but instead of being satisfied or willing to let it rest I doubled down thinking, surely, I, was more important to the world around me than the things that occurred. But from what I hear, I either got lucky or managed to stay ahead of the tiger chasing me. Either way, it was metaphorically tackling that tiger that actually made me finally feel satisfied, in that I wasn’t lost to my feeling or thoughts of what others think or do anymore. Now I have a dream, because I found passion I’m willing to sacrifice for, in that I don’t think without fear of first being the reason why my pets and fish cease to be and secondly willing to give time and effort and go out of my way and comfort zone to support and give them, happy healthy lives. That’s why I always say now, stay happy and healthy my friend.

[@thetankboss24]

I agree 55 is horrible it’s just too narrow for me the 60 gallon breeder works very well too i knows it’s only 5 more gallons but the width is amazing on it.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Makes for a much more spacious feel, I agree.

[@Pascal-the-Rascal]

That 435 though... I have always had a soft spot for Oscars, and chocolate cichlids, and I have had a few of both species, but man do I want a tank that I don't feel is a bit too small for them. Will never happen though, because of 1, I don't have the space for a tank the size of a small lake, and 2, I certainly don't have the money for it. My biggest tank is a 250 litre (not gallon) with some Peru angels, red phantom tetras, Rothman's bloodfin tetras, Mastacembelus circumcinctus, Pakistani loaches, and Ancistrus. Oh well, at least there are beautiful videos like this for me to enjoy, and I can keep on dreaming.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you for enjoying my tanks 🥰

[@Pascal-the-Rascal]

@CichlidCharmer What's not to like 🙂 Beautiful tank setups, and beautiful fish that have a lot of space, clearly kept by someone who knows what he's doing. My four tanks are nowhere near your tanks, but they're mine, and I enjoy them 😁

[@CichlidCharmer]

I'm sure there are tons of people who would like yours over mine. Thanks again😍

[@RipitRon]

Of coarse my favorite tank is my 540 Gallon, I have to pat myself on the back, it was well thought out, Water changes is a Breeze, The Sump is an additional 120 Gallons and it has (2) Double stack NuClear filters powered by Iwaki 100's. The down side was the tools to net and clean. I had to make them myself because the tank is so tall. Next up would be my custom 170 gal which is 76" Long, 20" Deep and 36" Tall yes its more like a 230 Gal but with all the decor it actually only holds 170 Gal. This is my Mbuna Tank and has a Universal Rocks background with Universal submersible rocks stacked from end to end and from Bottom 2/3 of the way up and some Univeral Rocks Floating rocks turned upside down and screwed off to the top of the tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Sweet sounding tank 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheSalient1]

My go to are 125 gallon, my favorite size

[@CichlidCharmer]

It's a great size tank

[@Finsandflowers]

EXACTLY my thoughts on the 55gal.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Great minds... 😎

[@ithedespiser]

12:34 My nostrils gets moist from the inside when i pray sincerely "May that day never come" 😢🙏

[@CichlidCharmer]

Aw thanks 👍

[@BREAL0922]

Beautiful tanks, my man... I have a 75-gallon. I call peaceful river 2 Discus 3 electric blue acara 3 keyhole cichlid 11 Rummy nose tetra 1 clown loach 1 beautiful Alibono heckelii. And nobody wasting nobody.😂

[@CichlidCharmer]

Sounds very serene. Good name! Thank you

[@Bullitt1768]

Ive been out the tank game a few years now and my current house don't have room. When I do get back into it, Im doing a 180 gal guppy tank😂😂.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Lol that's the way to do it

[@Bullitt1768]

​@@CichlidCharmer Miss my tanks, I just can't risk the chance of a tank failure in my home. I had a 75, 36 bow, and 3 10 gals.

[@CichlidCharmer]

​@@Bullitt1768understandable

[@Liz-g3s]

Apologies, addicted to 55s, though 75s would better suit my angel, diamond tets, and congo's (separate tanks). Been lining them on walls. Small house, got tanks cheap. But again 75 or 125 would be better, maybe someday. Thanks for journey.

[@Liz-g3s]

And pretty tanks too, how fun

[@CichlidCharmer]

Lining the walls with tanks sounds absolutely lovely.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you!

[@petercsigo3314]

I respectfully disagree because I had a 60-gallon, exactly like a 55-gallon little bit taller. I was going to upgrade for the 75 gallon but I don't see the point, and I upgraded to the 125-gallon. Plus, who comes up with these fish tank designs? As for you don't have a green thumb. Well, that's why you're the photographer, lol.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Hey if it works for you that's good. I was always bothered by how thin the 55s looked as a kid and early adult, and I never even saw a 75. Once I saw it I was amazed at the difference it made. Thanks for the comment!

[@lanphan159]

Just Subscribed because I don’t want to Die

[@CichlidCharmer]

Well done. Thanks for playing it safe 😁

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

So where do you keep your giant American cichlid tank? That sucker has GOT to be heavy!!! I cringe filling up my, in comparison, miniscule 90gal bow or eency weency 75gal.

[@CichlidCharmer]

It's right in the entryway. There is enough room that it doesn't look awkward or crammed in. I actually chose this house plan because of the great opportunity to put a big tank there. I had extra support added so that spot can hold up to 6500 lbs.

[@Jimsfish]

Some day I want 100 gallons or more tank

[@CichlidCharmer]

You'll be so thrilled when you do. So different than 75 and under.

[@shindama]

I have a 150 and wish I I got a 180

[@CichlidCharmer]

I just about always want a bigger tank lol

[@DanielMiranda-lu2bn]

I bought a 55 and regret it, thinking of turning it into a peninsula tank so i dont spend mor eon a 75

[@CichlidCharmer]

I'm right there with you man.

[@pollylewis9611]

10 gallon not included in this video too funny, I put away mine hopefully not to find more fry, please no more fry. I know everyone is tired of hearing about my custom 90gal 48x18x24 it is perfect for me I don't need a stool to work in it and still can have a few smaller cichlids to watch and enjoy their psychoses. One of my least favorite from the past was the 125gal, it was too narrow I felt really bad for my Oscars and huge Pleco all squished in it. Well now for my all-time tank I would never buy again is this new reef tank a 60gal cube 24x24x24, I just had to have one after seeing all the pretty saltwater pictures. It is a really strange size to work with, and don't even think of getting a stand, oh there is one made for this tank but I wouldn't put a 10gal on it, good thing I have crafty sons, and one built me a really nice one. It is hard to figure out a reef rock structure, size and how many livestock can fit, anyway lessons learned, or I just need to be patient. Great video, love the format with music added, your tanks and fish are so beautiful leaving me drooling for a bigger tank....nah just kidding well maybe. Thanks for all your info and cursing haha love it.

[@CichlidCharmer]

The end of your comment "well maybe" so funny. Too bad about your cube tank. It looks great though. I think a 125 is good for a lot of smaller fish and maybe up to 10 inches depending on the fish. I think my 180 is even too small for an Oscar with other fish. That's why I didn't have one until San Quentin. But that's me. And I'm kind of a weirdo lol

[@pollylewis9611]

@@CichlidCharmer Well if you're a weirdo what does that make me, no wait don't answer that...I can't wait to see your guys when they all are bigger especially that Black Nasty, I have wanted one for years but not a big enough tank in my house ever for one sigh!

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@pollylewis9611 Seems like they aren't growing at all. Slow growers I guess!

[@jeremy3824]

I always urge people to stay away from 55s

[@Test-br8jz]

Skipped right over the 40

[@CichlidCharmer]

I don't have a 40. Never have. Good tank though.

[@92083Barb]

i like anything over 8 feet

[@CichlidCharmer]

I do too ❤️

[@luisabellon5869]

Spectacular!!! You need a Wild Discus tank!! Contact Rodrigo at La Paz Aquatics. He is importing some next month including a few Golden Semi Royal for me.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Good suggestion. Thanks!

[@HansKrause-k6r]

Gee! You take a fish from its natural environment and then subject it to a sterile enclosure. Lake Tanganyika doesn’t have plants but all of it’s oxygen come from algae and air exchange due to it’s prevailing winds. The algae, sandy and rock strewn substrate keeps the water clean and do you really need a heater inside a house. Their temperature range is usually what we like to live in, 24 degrees C average and 29 degrees C at the extreme. Can’t say this was informative.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Pedantically punctilious

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

Plant antichrist😆

[@MetalFret.]

🤘😃🤘

[@moiseszamarripa2932]

👍

[@Renzelcichlids]

Second