40 vs 55 gallon tank

[digitalelf]

Hi everybody,

I have an opportunity to get a 40 gallon breeder or a 55 gallon for a pretty good price. This tank will be a planted community tank, so I am sort of leaning towards the 40 because of the extra depth, but the extra foot in length that the 55 has makes it look like it is so much larger than the 40. Fish would be a school of tetras and cories. I was just wondering which tank you guys would pick and why?

Tom

 

[b19fish]

55 gallon tank because you get the extra length for ur fish to swim. But really up to you hope this helps.

 

[Firebelly__girl]

I would do the 55. All fish would appreciate the depth, but I like the length more :]
and for schools of tetras, they will like the length too.

 

[mozart]

More is almost always better!

 

[OldMan1947]

The 40 has the distinct advantage of a larger water surface. That means better gas exchange and will result in better oxygenation of the water. If you are like most of us you will sometimes overstock an aquarium. The larger surface area ratio may help your fish through that time. It would also be easier to aquascape because of the larger area to position your plants and other objects.

 

[jennfier]

55 !

 

[jpappy789]

55's are great!

If you want tetras and corys they will appreciate more length and overall space

48x13= 624 sq. in. for 55 gallon
36x18= 648 sq. in. for 40 gallon breeder

So not a big enough difference in terms of footprint to make a huge difference anyways for gas exchange

 

[n0zqh]

I'd take my 40g over a 55g any day of the week. Sure the 55 may be 8" longer but the 40 is 7.5" wider. More than makes up the difference as far as I am concerned.

 

[jpappy789]

I'd take my 40g over a 55g any day of the week. Sure the 55 may be 8" longer but the 40 is 7.5" wider. More than makes up the difference as far as I am concerned.

That may be true for the fish you have. But I see in your sig you have convicts and a jag which are far wider in relation to length than any tetra or cory...

 

[247Plants]

After having a 55 and moving to a 60, though it may not seem like a lot...

I would always go for a little more depth than length.

Of course Im a planted tank guy so take that into account