Which of these 3 tanks should I get?

[HungryGoldfish]

A 30 gallon extra-long: 48" by 12" by 12" $50

A 40 gallon long: 48" by 12" by 16" (height last) $50

A 40 gallon breeder: 36" by 18" by 16" $95



The price isn't that important to me, I list them in case anyone is interested.

Thoughts: The 30-gallon extra long: I like the 4 foot length, but I think that the 12 inches in height will look a little short given the length. Just typing that sentence makes me realize I will probably not get the 30 gallon extra long.

The 40 gallon long: A great sized tank. I always liked these. The footprint is great (just like a 55gallon), but not so high. I always thought the 55's were a bit tall.

Not heres the competition: 40 gallon breeder. This is tough. I really like the extra depth in this type of tank (I have a 75 and love the deeper aspect of it), but I'm sacrificing length.

It's tough: the 4 foot 40 gallon tank, or a 3 foot deeper tank. It's a toss up right now, and I really want to make the best choice.

The tank will be a simple community.

[OrionGirl]

I have a 40 long and really like it. It's good for decorating, though my plants tend to grow too tall quickly--I've removed most tall plants as a result. Otherwise, it's a great tank.

[tomm10]

Forget the 30 unless you want to do a river tank. That's all those dimensions really suit.

I think I'd be tempted to go with the depth of the 40g breeder. You lose that foot in length but it would be a really nice deep tank, proportionally. 12" in depth is pretty slim for a 4' long tank. Again, like the 30 it would work if you had a specific aquascape in mind but the 40 breeder gives better proportions.

My $.02 :D

Tom

[boyohboy]

Originally posted by HungryGoldfish
A 30 gallon extra-long: 48" by 12" by 12" $50

A 40 gallon long: 48" by 12" by 16" (height last) $50

A 40 gallon breeder: 36" by 18" by 16" $95



Well, I think between the 30 gallon and the 40-gallon-long, there's no contest... of course the 40! They take the same space (foot-print) and cost the same, no reason to not take the 40.

As for the 40-breeder... I too like tank with more deepth. Since money isn't ur concert, why not get a 50gallon or something that's 48"x18" :p
Seriously tho, 48" length is better than 36", if other things being the same IMO, since it's MUCH easier to get a strip-light and bulbs from hardward store to DIY a light-canopy. For example, the Sylvannia Gro-lux bulbs (and most other suitable bulbs too) have only 24" or 48" in everywhere I've seen locally.... so a 36" tank would be abit tricky. Get a 55 gallon :p

[aquariumfishguy]

I would go with the 40 - long. I say this because most fish do better when they can come to the surface easily. The majority of longer tanks can allow for extra surface area which equals a better gas exchange for oxygen. It's better for the fish if you get the longer tank, but it's your choice.

[RTR]

The 33XL is an ideal river tank, I've done two of those. It is also great for breeding colonies of the smaller African Cichlids, or for planting for species schools of small Rasboras or Tetras. I've also used them as sumps/veggie filters for 40-longs above them with breeder Cichlids.

40-longs are also good tanks for planting, not as disprortionate as the 55s, and easier to light but still allowing swimming distance for schoolers.

The 40-breeder is the easiest to aquascape, and I do have plenty of 3-foot fixtures (the same as used on 30-longs, the same proportion as 40-longs but only 3'). They are also great breeder tanks (surprise!).

So it boils down to intended use of the tank and purely personal choice.

[Hans]

if you get the 30 breeder, you can upgrade to a 65 breeder someday using the same stand and hood and stuff, plus depth is so much better then length, think of the caves and lawns you can make, and also, i want a tank that is 4 feet deep and 4 feet long, that would be cool to look at

[HungryGoldfish]

I appreciate your responses. Thank you. The hard part will come when I tell my wife I'd like to get another tank.......

Oh, BTW, my upper limit is 40 gallons because it's going to be on the second floor of my house. 40 gallons is my limit for peace of mind.

[blitzen25bm]

for communities the 40 long would be nicest i think. i personally would get the breeder because of the width and i can have bigger fish. btw where do you live? 95 bucks for a 40 gallon... wow, why is it so much more when its only 2 inches taller

[dethjam316]

i think i paid $65 for my 40g breeder sans hood. does your price include a hood? that would make sense...

it's a great tank. aquascaping is easy with the extra width...i almost prefer it to my 55g. at some point i'm going to add a 30g breeder in the lower section of the stand, too.

[PumaWard]

My votes for the 40breeder, more surface area for plants and fishes :)

[HungryGoldfish]

I live in Michigan just a little south of Novi.

The $95 Breeder tank **does not** come with a hood. The tank, however, is made by All Glass. I believe it is the consensus that excepting Oceanic, it is the best made tank on the market.

Do you have any suggestions where I might find a cheaper tank in Michigan?

[aquariumfishguy]

Hey, your in my neck of the woods....:D

Try Petsmart, or Petco. Pet Supplies Plus is also good.

[dethjam316]

95 is pricey for a 40br. mine is an all-glass as well...found the receipt...it was 69.99. i wouldn't pay that much for one. i'd get the 40g long...more bang for your buck. spend the extra cash on other stuff...and, that way, as was pointed out...standard lights will fit the tank.

[HungryGoldfish]

In case anyone cares I got the 40 gallon long.

I went to buy the 40 gallon breeder, but they were both damaged. One has a glass chip, like a bowl-shaped piece of glass when has been chipped away but didn't go all the way through. The other has cracked glass in the corner.

[fishpoor]

I like the 30 gallon extra, because it gives more footprint for hiding places. I'm a raphael,pleco,loach freak and they all like to hide. and lots of swim room for a school of tetras or rasboras for something to look at.
that said.I'm from Michigan and last month bought a 50 gallon for $65 in Clio (something's fishy). Up here that's within $5.00 of the going price. Sorry, didn't price the ones you're looking for. but that should give you an idea. Birch Run also has a pet store, the prices run about the same