Surface area to vertical depth ratio?

[scottracy]

I have a 55g tank. I have read that the surface area to vertical depth ratio is poor. I know its due to the footprint of the tank(as stated by Oriongirl), but can someone help me understand the relevance of this? What can be done to optimize the situation if any?

Scott

[Kurt]

Not sure why it could be a problem unless you have no surface movement. That is where oxygen will be put back into the water.
But there are also other ways to get oxygen back into the water example, protein skimmer, filter that injects air. But I hear the best method if surface movement.

[dethjam316]

i think a 55's surface area to vertical depth ratio is pretty average. it's definitely not bad. an example of a bad one is a 15H or a high hexagon tank. on the other side, a 30 breeder is probably as good as you can get in terms of surface area to depth ratio.

basically, the more surface area, the more O2 exchange, the higher a bioload you can keep. what's this mean? essentially, you can keep a couple more fish in a 30 breeder as opposed to a 30 long or a 30 hex.

[OrionGirl]

I prefer the shape of the tanks that are more square--not only for the above mentioned reasons regarding the surface area, but also because they are easier to maintain. It's abear to work in the 55's--I have 2, at different heights, and neither is easy to work on. My 40, on the other hand, is easier to aquascape, and easier to work in because it's wider.

The 55's aren't bad for fish--they are easy to overstock (a 55 is not really that big a tank, especially when you're talking about larger fish like many cichlids), and they are deep enough that most single filters won't provide adequate water current through the entire tank--supplemental piping and powerheads are really needed, IMO.

[scottracy]

Thanks for the replies. I agree that they are somewhat cumbersome to work in while performing routine water changes. I currently only have one HOB filter, but will have a second up and running this week. The current filter is rated up to a 60g tank and the new one is rated up to 100g tank. Beyond that, should I supplement further?

Scott

[OrionGirl]

I use powerheads to keep water moving in the bottom areas of the tank. Not a hurricane, but enough that solid wastes don't settle on the bottom. There are 3 in each of my 55's.

[RTR]

I also have a couple of 55s, and I agree w/OG's comments. I think that working with these two old tanks is part of what turned me into an over-filtration nut.

BTW, one of my deep substrate 55s hold 41 gallons actual water volume, the other closer to 42. Take nominal volumes with a large grain of salt.

[daveedka]

I'm a tall tank fanatic because I like the look, I don't have trouble working with my 55 but I'm also 6'11" tall and wear 41" sleeves (try to buy a shirt with those specs) Circulation is much more critical in the tall tanks, but IMO not hard to create if you put some thought in it. I use a very long intake on my HOB to put it close to the bottom, power heads and piping work very well also It is simply a matter of making sure the oxygenated water gets all around the tank. Although it is often thought of as too tall a 55g is much easier to deal with than a lot of the hex tanks and tall corner tanks. I'll be getting a tank this week that is 31" tall. I'll have to see how that works out. but I love the way it looks.


I also have a couple of 55s, and I agree w/OG's comments. I think that working with these two old tanks is part of what turned me into an over-filtration nut.

I guess I could be called an overfiltration nut as well, But some lunacy can be a lot of fun.

[scottracy]

Great information. This is my first serious attempt at keeping a freshwater tank of any size and I am addicted! Searching the threads have been a definite help from ick to filtration etc. As stated in a previous reply, I am adding a second HOB this week. I ordered two online for the price one would have cost at the LFS. Like daveedka, I use a very long intake on my HOB to put it close to the substrate. I will check out the powerheads online. What areas of the tank are best to place them?

Scott