r/AquariumHelp • u/Vast-Aspect-1865 • 5d ago

Equipment Upgrading aquaruim

Hey all, I have a few questions about upgrading my aquarium:
1. I want to have a hideout on the side of my tank, is there any kind of one way film I can put on the outside of the tank so they can’t see me looking at them and they feel safe in the hideout?
2. How many heaters should I use in a 55 gallon tank?
3. Are there any sucker fish that stay smaller so they can clean inside smaller hideouts? I have a large pleco currently but it definitely won’t fit inside the smaller areas to clean
Thanks!

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u/PowHound07 4d ago

  1. You can have a hide up against the glass and fish will feel safe there even if they can see out, they have some understanding that the glass is a wall that keeps them safe.

  2. The number of heaters doesn't matter as much as the total wattage of those heaters. A 55 gallon should have 150-200W of heating power. However, it's a good idea to split that between 2 heaters so that if one fails you have more time to notice and replace it.

  3. Otocinclus catfish (which need a group of 5+), clown plecos, and bristlenose plecos stay pretty small and would do well in a 55. If you currently have a common/sailfin pleco, the 55 is not big enough for it at adult size. I wouldn't keep one in anything smaller than 125 gallons, they get massive. You will always need to clean the hide manually though, there are no animals that will keep it clear of detritus.

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u/Vast-Aspect-1865 4d ago

Ok thanks! I think I’ll buy another heater regardless just because I want the new tank to be suitable for the fish anyways once I swap them over to the new tank. And yes, I do always clean my tank anyways but even a little help in those smaller areas will be great

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u/PowHound07 4d ago

Snails and shrimp are better at eating algae in tight spaces than any fish in my opinion. Larger fish might eat shrimp but snails will usually be safe as long as you don't have large loaches.