which has a larger footprint?

senorh

Hi I have a lot of noob questions. I am thinking about transfering my multis ( shell dwellers) from a 26 gallon bow front to a 20L tank. They are beginning to overpopulate the bottom of the bow tank, I was thinking that even though there is less water there will be more room. Does this make sense to you? or am I just deluding myself, the bows measures 24x15x21 and the 20 L is 30x12x12. Both have a footprint area of 360 but to me the 20 l seems like it has a larger footprint.

Or is it better just to depopulate the bowfront and use my 20L for something else.

any comments would be appreciated

thanks

Angel079

Hello & Welcome tot he forum.

I don't think I can quite follow you on the shell dwellers...You have them in a 26g now and wanna move them to a 20L (=5g) because they out crowed the larger tank...how's moving them to a 5g gonna help that?

If the tank measures 30x12x12 INCH...that's not 20 liters then; that equals 18g (so about 70 liters)

I'd make that decision based of what else lives in the26 bow front. If no one else lives in that, leave them where they are, moving is stress and you can avoid that and as you said yourself the footprint is the same anyway.

senorh

For shellies, the foot print is very important. I was thinking that the rectangular shape would give the aquarium a larger footprint. The stay on the the bottom all of the time

Angel079

I understand that, if you had a 10G vs a 55g tank, i'd also tell you move them to the larger one. But in your case they're both the same size - So why stress the fish with moving then!?

iamntbatman

Well, the bowfront doesn't have a footprint of 360in^2. The tank is 24 inches long, yes, but the 15-inch figure is just from the back of the tank to the apex of the bowed front. In other words, the bowfront tank has a significantly smaller footprint (although exactly how much smaller, I can't say, since I don't know the exact shape of the bowfront) than the 20 long.

That said, if you already have the 20 long you may as well make the switch but if you're buying an upgrade you may as well go the extra mile and get something that has a really big footprint (like a 40g breeder or something). Be aware that moving the fish to a new tank is likely going to cause issues when it comes to territories and whatnot, so be prepared for that, especially when doing your shell placement.

senorh

thanks everyone for the replies. there are so many babies, I am concerned if i move them they will die. I am not sure if the moms can tell their babies from the other babies. Now they are hovering over the shells watching out for their babies.

Angel079

With fry involved, I'd def not move them. The smallest of a difference in water parameters on pH, KH or ANY no's Ammonia can quickly kill your fry. I'd not move them until they're free swimming and a decent size/ age.

senorh

Angel, thank you. I will wait until they are bigger

senorh

well I did transfer everything into the 20L and the footprint is much bigger due to the curve. The fry all went in their shells and the moms in the shells next to them, I got them all very quickly. I tested the water an hour ago and it is fine. I transfered the rocks, substrate , filter and shells. I will keep a close eye on it for the next couple weeks to make sure that if it goes through a mini cycle. I am not sure where to post pictures, so i will post them here Sorry If it isn't the right place, the photo category stickie says post in the appropriate area.





thanks for all your help

Angel079

Nice, thanks for sharing the pictures!
Love your black/ white sand mix there!