50g or 65g tank...

[Akysten]

I'm looking at either a 50g(36x18x19) or a 65(36x18x24) tank.

I really like the looks that the extra height of the 65 offers, but my "justification" for this tank is for growing out fish from my attempt to "breed". However, I can see this eventually being a display tank... which is why i'm not considering a 40g.

My other tanks are 60tall (48x13x24) and a 37t(30x12x22)

Other considerations:

- I already have a Eheim 2213 canister.... which wouldn't be enough to handle the 65. I COULD return it, but cost is a consideration.

- Marriage Politics, I would get a 75g if it would work into this. This also plays into the "breeder" argument. I don't think I could swing another tank as a "display".

- I also don't want to look like too much of a fish nut... though 4 tanks will look this way whether they're big or small I suppose. I am what I am...

- Same surface area means same fish capacity... though perhaps a little more crowded.

- I would really like to use this tank eventually for a school of Rainbow fish... but that's down the road.

- With the 18" depth, i would love to aquascape this tank and maybe turn the 37 into the grow out.

- The 50g is about $30 cheaper than the 65.....or about $50 cheaper than a 75g(which makes me sick..but.. you get what you can get) However, lighting and filtration would cost me more money.... see the "politics" section... Cost is an issue.

Thanks,

 

[podheadx]

I guess Id go with the 50, you already have a filter that would go with that tank, and its a little cheaper.
Im not a fan of tall tanks, but thats just me.

 

[HylaChristine]

Where are you located?

 

[Akysten]

Mid Atlantic Region.. why?

I actually like tall tanks for plants, but that's probably because my other tanks are 24" and 22". Dropping to 18" would take getting used to.

Still, I'll likely go with the 50... It's all about surface area.

 

[Akysten]

RANT:

It's funny though, people don't want to sell their used tanks for much less than what I can get them for new. Sure, I never pay full retail...

One wanted as much for their used setup as I could get one for new! Granted knowing the right place, and having the right discounts(entertainment book coupons), and having internet closeouts of last years models help... but it was the SAME setup, with BETTER better lighting, for $10 less than the minimum this person would accept for their tank.

When I sell my tanks, and I am SURE I'll be selling them someday... I'll sell them for a reasonable price. It's not uncommon for me to sell my older stuff.. when it comes to $100 vs $200, I'd take what I could get and clear it quickly. Aquariums are NOT something I expect to have resale value... I think of them like cars, set it up and the value drops 50%.

 

[drgold]

I had a 50g and upgraded to a 65. It looks nicer and water quality (nitrates) improved slightly. Remember, it's not ALL about surface area. Water volume dilutes waste. If volume didn't matter, everyone would have a 4" deep tank, right? Get the bigger tank right away, especially if you'll be breeding stuff in it. If you have to resell the 50 for an upgrade, you'll probably get less than the $30 difference in buying a 65 now. My 2c.

 

[Akysten]

Thanks.. too late now..

I went with the 50... and my reasoning was this:

- It was only $78 new...

-This is my 3rd tank... my wife has agreed to a third tank as long as it's a "breeder" and smaller than what I have. If I bring home a tank with more capacity than my BIG tank... there would be hell to pay.

- If i were to get a 65, I could get a 75g setup for the same price.. actually.. cheaper. If I'm going to push the limits with the 65.. might as well go with the 75g at the same price.

- I already have a filter for the 50, but not a 65, I would also need additional lighting on the 65, so I figure it would cost me a lot for startup.


But to be honest with you, I'm really sorry i didn't order the 65.