I just had my 31st birthday this weekend and I've decided my present to myself is going to be a larger tank. I've had my 27 gallon for 20+ years now, and want to try something bigger. Petco has their dollar per gallon sale going right now, and I got a $75 gift card for my bday so I'll probably use that. I'm trying to decide between the 40 breeder, and a regular 39 gallon. I'm going to be planting, so I like the greater area on the bottom of the 40 breeder, but it also seems a bit shallow and I'm not sure if I like that. Is it hard to find a fluorescent hood for the breeders? That's another factor, I don't want to end up paying out the wazoo if supplies for the breeder are more expensive. Any thoughts?
First new tank in 20 years! Help me decide between a 39 gallon, of 40 breeder
- Thread starter Accipiter
- Start date
Hope you had a Happy Birthday! I think it would be hard to find a hood for the 40 breeder tank. You may have to go with getting a glass top and then just buy a stripe light for the 40 breeder. Why don't you buy a 55 gallon tank instead of getting the 40 gallon tank or the 39 gallon?
I reeeally want a 55, but I have no room to put it anywhere! I tried to figure out a way to squeeze it in, but the 39 is the biggest tank I can fit in the space I have.
What are you planning on planting?
If you don't limit yourself to a hood then all need to worry about is finding a 36" light.
If you don't limit yourself to a hood then all need to worry about is finding a 36" light.
I really prefer my 40g breeder over my 55g... I imagine the 39g will be not as long or wide but taller than the 40g breeder.. overall the 40g breeder gives you more space for your fish/plants IMO.
40g breeder stands are impossible to find.. I had to make my own though.. 36" lights aren't rare though, hoods may be however.
40g breeder stands are impossible to find.. I had to make my own though.. 36" lights aren't rare though, hoods may be however.
40B being shallow is advantage to plants, the lights are closer to the plants which means faster growth. You may have to trim more often but more maintenance is part of the planted tank. Glass top and 36" light would be what i would do for a top not a canopy. just my 2 cents.
I prefer 40 dimensions over 55 as well. I don't think anyone sells plastic style hoods for them but I've never looked to hard, light strip and glass versatop or diy 1/4" netting tops have been how I always went with them. Petco does sell a stand that fits them for like $55-60.
