Question about my 10 gallon tank with new fish...?

[Hana D.]

I just bought an eclpse catfish from petsmart...it info said 10+ gallons and it would reach 6 inches...I think it measure about 2-3 inches... People say I need a bigger tank but I'm not sure yet...I have just set up a 10 gallon tank with 3 medium plants and 1 large plant....all are artificial (fake) with some rocks at the bottom (real) along with inside the tank is a 2-10 gallon whisper filter I just bought today also I have one angel fish a juvinille I bought from petsmart last friday (09-25-09) its tag at petsmart said 10+ gallons and it would reach 4 inches cause it was an assorted angelfish..people say its not enought just for the two ..should I return it the filter and start saving up for a 20 gallon???? It costs 71.97 at walmart for a starter kit... My birthday is coming up oct 11 and I'm turning 18 and I should ask for money to but the kit from my aunts??? I'm not planning on adding anymore fish and I don't know what to do plz help!!!!!!

 

[DougJ]

hi, your 10 gallon tank is going to be too small for the 2 fish you have in there very soon. your eclipse cat has the potential to grow to 14-16 inches. i would recommend finding yourself at least a 55 gallon tank. or choose smaller fish. there are a variety of small fish that will go fine in a 10 gallon tank like neon neon tetras and rasboras. more aggressive fish tend to be larger, requiring more space, thus increased tank size. your angel can grow to be around 8 inches tall, 10 gallons is not enough room for a fish that size. but to be honest, for a couple of months (less than 6 for sure), those 2 fish will be okay in the 10 gallon tank. just start trying to find a way to upgrade. enjoy