What Size Tank Do Fish Prefer?

[Roan Art]

Cue cute car commercial: "Wider is better"

I would go with either the 65g or 75g, depending on the type of fish you intend to house. The 75g is a great size for schooling fish: 48"x18"x20". The 65g is a better size for tall fish, such as silver dollars or angelfish:36"x18"x24"

Always try to get the biggest footprint you can, but remember that depth is important. There's no point in getting a tank if your fish can't turn around in it.

The 55g is only 13" deep. That pretty much limits you in what you can put in it. Certainly not any fish that grows more than 8", they won't be comfortable and some won't be able to turn around.

Roan

 

[patoloco]

For fast swimming fish and long bodied, you must consider longer and wider tanks. Height in not that important. If you are keeping fish like angels, discus or any other taller than longer fish, tall tanks will do better for them.

As a rule, the biger the tank, the better. you can not provide too much space to your fish, and bigger masses of water are easier to maintain.

Also, for a show tank, taller is better, since you'll have more viewing area, and you can stock it with surface, middle and bottom dwellers to give a very impressive look.

 

[Debisbooked]

Cue cute car commercial: "Wider is better"

There's no point in getting a tank if your fish can't turn around in it.

Roan

That's exactly what I am thinking! Thanks.

 

[Debisbooked]

Thanks for that succinct answer, tbone. My sister has a 55g for years and even before I started in this hobby I thought it looked awful skinny.

 

[Debisbooked]

i prefer tanks that are larger by height.

Thanks CBTF. They call me stubby around here, as in short, stubby arms, so that is one reason why I have nixed the tall tank idea.

 

[Aqualung]

The footprint of a tank is much more important than the height in general. Of course taller bodied fish would appreciate the extra height though. I don't like 55 gallons at all - you could safely stock more fish into a 40 BR than a 55. A 40 BR has the same footprint as a 65 gallon. 75 is a great size, and I hope to get one someday when I have the space and can afford to buy one with the equipment that I want.

 

[pophead]

obviously the bigger one
I have a 55gallon planted and I think its way to short(front to back). I would much rather have a tank with the dimentions of a 75gal.

 

[Debisbooked]

Ok, it's down to the wire now. I get a new tank this weekend.

Ok, I am going with the 75g thanks to all you guys who voted and advised me. Now, I can do one of two things. Bid on a tank combo on ebay ($305 right now) or go to Jacks in Columbus for their sale. I do like the tank on ebay (its in MI and it comes with tank, stand, hood, lights, 2 Whisper filters, python, decos and a few other things). Either way its about equal driving time. I called jacks and she quoted me a complete set, including stand, at about $575.00. That is over my budget. I didn't hear all the stuff that comes with the complete set, but I could tell I do not want some of it or I already have some of it. She said the stands rarely if ever go on sale. I would hate to miss out on this ebay auction (ends thursday) if Jack's stands are really high in price, but I would hate to miss out on a new stand of moderate price if I go with the ebay one. I am sort of picky about this. I do not want one of those plywood types or see-through types. I like real wood with real doors. I wish I could see their stands on line. Does anyone know what kind of stands they have and their prices? I'm thinking the stand will have to be $200.00 or less. Also, does anyone have an opinion about wooden hoods? They look nice but are they a hassle?

 

[jhj]

They probably quoted you the price for a 'freshwater kit', trust me, you do not want that. The price for the tank, glass canopy and light is $144. I picked up a wood stand from Petsmart for $129. The stand is a proper wood stand with doors and everything, i think the sale may have ended and the stand may have jumped up to $139. Remember, Petsmart will accept competitors coupons, so if you have one from any other store, you are in luck. If you are an American Express cardholder, they sent out a new postcard this week, which is actually a coupon for Jack's; $5 off $30 or more, not much but every little bit helps.

Personally I would stay away from a used tank, but if you want to go that route check out craigslist.org, select your city and do a keyword search for 'aquarium' or 'fish tank' in the 'For Sale' section. Infact check this out, this tank+stand+etc is in the columbus area and the asking price is $400. I m sure this person would go down on the price since he/she has been trying to sell this for a while now. The stand that you see in the picture is the Petsmart stand, I own the same one.

I hope that helps.