Nano Hillstream Tank

[Githianki]

Long time lurker here. I recently purchased a Sewellia Lineolata after the store owner had assured me it was a type of pleco...I should have known better, but anyway. I have been in awe of how cool he is since I got him home, even my wife thinks he's cool. I can stand there and just watch him tool around. Its also funny to watch him stare down my 4" L137 when its zucchini time. So I want to start a dedicated tank for a group of them. I don't have a ton of space in my place and want to do it with the Mr. Aqua 13 long, it measures 35.4″ x 8.3″ x 9.4″. I am going to try a mini version of this http://www.loaches.com/articles/river-t ... old-design with small powerheads and sponges. Plenty of rocks, plants and wood for them to hide and socialize on. Before I move ahead, any concerns about what I am trying?

Thanks!

Gith

[DainBramage1991]

Have you ever considered using a 20 gallon long tank instead? They are 30" x 12" x 12", so it wouldn't occupy a much larger footprint than your nano tank. It would also give you more room to build the manifold system, and even more importantly, more room for the fish.

[Githianki]

Thought of doing the 20L route, but I like the 36" length. Hmmmmm...maybe I'll have the local glass guy cut me some pieces and make a custom size tank. When I get this going I'll post pics.

[DainBramage1991]

There are several standard sizes that are 36" long, starting with a 30 gallon at 36x12x16.

Here is a good list of standard US tank sizes, if you are interested:

http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/foru ... ic=15978.0

Of course, a custom tank would be fun to construct. No matter which route you go, please share some pics with us.

[Jim Powers]

The bigger the tank footprint the better for a river/hillstream type set up. It lets you create a more natural stream type flow. That being said, a 20L will work.

[NancyD]

Is it the front to back depth that's the issue? Weight of the tank? 36 vs 30 inches isn't much, but tank volume, 13 gallons vs 20 or more..."breeder" tanks are 3 ft by 15 or 18 inches, 30+ gallons...do you have room?