Hello all, I'm new here and new to aquariums. I am looking at geting a square 30 gal tank by Oceanic Systems, or the 46 gal bow tank 36x16x21. I am wanting to know if these are good tanks for a newbie, also is this company pretty good? I am favoring the 46 gal one, please help.
Newbie Question
- Thread starter Bryan
- Start date
The best thing to look for is a big foot print. That means look for the biggest width and length you can afford before worrying about height. The bowfront will have a bigger foot print than the square tank. Longer is best as it means more room for swimming. Also the biggest tank you can afford to start with is the best. It means there are more options for you in terms of fish.
When you do decide on the tank then start to look at fish. This site is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to stocking tanks. Do you have any specific fish in mind?
When you do decide on the tank then start to look at fish. This site is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to stocking tanks. Do you have any specific fish in mind?
Are thier any other companies out their that have tank-stand combo's that are in good quality wood, and in glass??
You can get dressier tanks, in terms of finishes and that sort of thing, but in terms of quality, I've never had a problem with any of the mass-produced tanks. I'd spend more time shopping and thinking about filters, heaters and ultimately fish, than I would concern myself about the tank. I've even bought more tanks second hand than new and have never had a problem. One thing I would recommend, though, is take the tank and set in your basement, outside, wherever, and set it level, and fill it up with water. Let it stand for a day or two to see if it leaks. If it passes for a couple of days, you should be good to go...
The general rule for tanks, is bigger is better (or size DOES matter). All things equal, I'd do a 46g tank over a 30g tank. Generally, they look better the bigger they get. Bowfronts are nice and if I get another 75g tank, I'll probably go bowfront. But, if you are planning on putting your tank in a corner, then a square tank may be the best bet. So, the tank choice issue is the same you'll get for just about any question you pose, "It all depends".
So, what kind of fish do you want....
Val
Edit: Woo Hoo, my 300th post. A big deal only to me...
The general rule for tanks, is bigger is better (or size DOES matter). All things equal, I'd do a 46g tank over a 30g tank. Generally, they look better the bigger they get. Bowfronts are nice and if I get another 75g tank, I'll probably go bowfront. But, if you are planning on putting your tank in a corner, then a square tank may be the best bet. So, the tank choice issue is the same you'll get for just about any question you pose, "It all depends".
So, what kind of fish do you want....
Val
Edit: Woo Hoo, my 300th post. A big deal only to me...
Local Aquarium Society
I suggest contacting the local Aquarium Society, they may know of a local tank builder that will do good work cheaper than the tanks at the stores.
I just found out that there is a good aquarium builder in my town.
I suggest contacting the local Aquarium Society, they may know of a local tank builder that will do good work cheaper than the tanks at the stores.
I just found out that there is a good aquarium builder in my town.
Yes yes yes yes yes.....!!!
My thoughts exactly. Even though I only have a 30g, I can put just about any semi-aggressive cichlid I want in it because of it's 36" length, which is the standard minimum tank length needed so the fish don't stress from feeling "trapped". You will be able to put similar fish in the 46g, but just MORE of them (due to the increased height/volume). If you want aggressives in your tank, the minumum is a 55g, but 90g and up is where the fun really starts!