33 gallon long

owenodin

AC Members
May 17, 2011
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Northeast
I am fairly new to the hobby (6 months-ish) so pardon all the questions and thanks in advance!

I am thinking about getting a 33 gallon long tank (48 x 13 x 12).

I have some bottom dwelling fish that could use a longer footprint (4 young clown loaches, mainly) and I am curious if the 33 gallon, for my purposes, would work similarly to a 55 gallon (48 x 13 x 20)?

Does anyone have one of these tanks and could comment on what they think of it? Otherwise, do others think this is a useful tank or is it too long and shallow to be a wise choice? I like that it will be easier for me to light the tank appropriately and to change the water, compared to a taller tank. I also like the weight difference, as I am concerned with the 500ish pounds that the 55 will bring to my apartment.

Another option would be a 40 long (48 x 13 x 16) but I suppose I don't really see the need for the extra 4" of water at the top. Maybe that is poor thinking?

Assuming this tank will work, I was thinking an Aquaclear 50 for this tank. Would that be sufficient or would the AC 70 be worth the extra $?

Final question: What sort of stocking changes will be necessary between stocking the 33 and stocking a standard 55? Can I somewhat stock for a 55 but go light since I'm losing the 22 gallons of upper tank space?

Thanks again!

owenodin
 
Clown loaches need more along the lines of 75 gallons...

Thank you for responding, homedog! I am aware that clown loaches need a lot of space as they grow up, and I do intend on getting them a tank of something along that size once they are older. They are pretty tiny right now, and I've been told I have about 2 years before they need something in the 75-125 gallon range, if I can get them 4 feet of swimming space for now. I'm more interested in thoughts regarding a 33 gallon long in general.

The tank would only be a temporary home for the clowns, but once they outgrow it, would be a tank I would want to continue to use for other fish. I don't want to buy it if it's not a good choice of size.
 
Yea, I had never seen one before, but my LFS has a couple that they got recently, and I thought it seemed like a good idea for tank dimensions. I guess my question is really -- how important is the depth of the water?
 
Someone just posted a 33g L planted the other day - http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?252241-33-Gallon-Long-Planted-Tank!!!!
Might try talking to the OP.

Personally, I think they are awesome! I had never seen one before... not sure I would put a CL, let alone 4 in a tank that small for long... even if they are still small, clowns require a lot of room and will grow to 4" fairly quick. They can become stunted if they don't have the space they require.
 
I have a 33 long in my stable of tanks. It is one of my favorites for 2 reasons. 48 long, and only 12" in height. It is great to work in with the lower height, yet long enough that many types have room to swim. For a temporary tank, I think they'll be fine. Plus it will be a nice tank to do something else with once the Clowns move up to a bigger tank.
 
something ive wondered. would this be ok for a red tailed shark? anyway i wish i could find 33 longs. i like short tanks better then high.
 
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