View Full Version : Dimension question about tanks
I'm planning on upgrading to a 120-150 gallon tank from 55 real soon. Would a 48" tank in the 120-150 gal. range be ok for fish like Tangs or should I look more into 60" or 72"? Thanks
FloridaBoy
04-16-2005, 11:05 AM
If it's tangs you love, and you have the room, then choose the 6 foot glass box. Most of them are race horses; the yellows, sailfins, powder blues... they love to race from one end to the other, even a larger tank would be nice. IME the blue, hippo or hepatus is more passive in movement, often using a ledge or cave just to curl up inside and snooze. In the wild the blues live in colonies and hover above a coral head, when you come close they all dive into the coral branches and hide; it's really funny. I looked for hepatus when we were snorkeling in Guam some years ago, but couldn't find them (dang it). Be advised, all of these can be highly intolerant of lesser quality water, DOC's, so research your charges, diet, etc.
YoFishboy
04-16-2005, 2:42 PM
Generally speaking, a longer tank is always better, for both freshwater and saltwater fish. There is more surface area, more swimming room and more room to dissipate aggression.
Thanks guys. I've had a yellow tang for two years now and he definitely is a swimmer. :clap: I want more room for him and figured on getting 6 foot, but was hoping to use the lighting I already have. Pretty expensive, but 6 foot would give them much more room. Thanks for the responses!
also is there any real importance between heighth and depth(front to back)? Is 17" of water not enough or is it better to have 24-25" of water?
YoFishboy
04-16-2005, 10:59 PM
Again, I look more for surface area - longer and wider are more important to me than depth. I have a 75g acrylic that is 5 feet long, 16" deep and 18" wide - works great and and it looks good, proportion wise. However, you can stack more rock in a a taller tank, if that's your goal. That's what I did for a 90g show tank with mbuna in it - its only 4 feet long but 24 " high and 18" wide. So, it's really a function of what your goal is. I guess the bottom line is, get as big a tank as you can get! That's the funner choice!