55g corner (hex?) vs. regular 55g

[gvildawg]

I have an opportunity to buy a 55g corner tank w/stand and all accessories for $200 or less. Seller claims he put $700 into it when he bought everything new a little over a year ago. Other than the obvious difference in shape is there any other major differences I should be aware of? Are the corner tanks usually more expensive than a regular 55g rectangle?

[FtwayneFish]

I belive they usually are b/c the shape. They are normally referred to as "show" tanks. I have a 55g hex. you can see everything really quick and well. But after owning it for yeaaaars now its old to me at least. I wish I had a 55g long's worth of footprint. You dont have as much area with a hex. It limits the stock and plant levels. Its also very hard to get to the back of the tank from the front. I dont think the fish really can swim "long" ways. I belive it would be perfect for angels or discus, fish that perfer more up and down room.

Take a look at my tank and pics. You can get a idea of a layout.

[gvildawg]

That's a good looking tank. I totally understand what your saying about it not being good for bigger fish since it is much more vertical than horizontal.

[FishyMatty]

with a hex tank you need to add oxygen with a bubbler
because there is much less surface area. As well as limiting swiming room for larger fish

[tennesseemom]

I have a 55 gallon corner tank (3 sides, not 5 sided hex) and really the only complaint I have is because it's so deep, it's really hard to get things to stay at the bottom. Other then that it's fine!

[FtwayneFish]

I did have to add a airstone- only after I went with a canister that had no surface agitation. the AC 300 HOB seemed fine for years.

[jm1212]

a 55 gallon hex tank will really limit your available surface areas.

they are usually more expensive because they require more work to make, and the plastic rims around the top are also more expensive because they are not the normal mass produced rectangular shape. also, stands designed for kex tanks are usually more expensive, again becuase the hex tank is not in the mass-produced "norm".

it could be a pretty cool tank though.

[Bk718]

personally i dislike hex tanks, like jm1212 said they really limit of what you can do with it..

[Star_Rider]

agree with what most have already said. a 50-55 corner tank will not have as much surface area and this may limit the stocking ot the tank somewhat.(smaller surface area at surface means smaller gas exchange)
compared to the rectangular shape.

[ntiggr2]

I have a 44 gal corner hex and the only thing I dislike about it is trying to reach the bottom. Wet up to the shoulders.
The thing I like most is being able to see clearly from all angles with no distortion.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

[seandelevan]

I love mine:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b279/seandelevan/tank.jpg

[jpappy789]

a 55 gallon hex tank will really limit your available surface areas.

they are usually more expensive because they require more work to make, and the plastic rims around the top are also more expensive because they are not the normal mass produced rectangular shape. also, stands designed for kex tanks are usually more expensive, again becuase the hex tank is not in the mass-produced "norm".

it could be a pretty cool tank though.

I agree, the stocking will be limited but it depends on what you are planning on getting fish-wise. I personally think that regular 55 gallons are perfect tank sizes.