What to do with Fluval Osaka 41g tank

[Lab_Rat]

I just managed to score a brand new Fluval Osaka 41g set up. The dimensions are not ideal for most of the fish I keep, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. I won't be setting it up until after I move in about 3 months, but it's always fun to figure out what to do with tanks. Any suggestions are welcome.

Tank specs:
24" long, 24" high, 17.5" deep totaling 41g
Came with a fluval 205 canister and 150 watt fluval heater
Lighting is a Hagen glo 2x24w

Ideas I've had:
1. High tech planted tank: add pressurized CO2 and try stem plants. I'd need ideas on fish as most of my fish are plant destroyers.

2. Reef tank: upgrade the lighting and do a reef tank. Use an overflow box with sump for filtration instead of the canister.

3. FOWLR: Not sure what fish would be good for this set up

 

[Taysius]

I vote a high tech planted with nano fish like CPDs, chili rasboras, forktail rainbows...

 

[spirofucci]

Sounds like you'd like to go SW. I think a reef tank is the most beautiful but of course the most difficult. I don't have a reef tank, but have always wanted one. The idea of tinkering with all the mentally stimulating theories and philosophies and actually growing live coral in your house is very stimulating. I say GO FOR IT!!!!!

 

[Lab_Rat]

Thanks for the input so far! I've already got a 24g reef going right now, but I would like to try something bigger, with higher light. It's just such weird dimensions to work with, I'm used to a lot more length.

 

[bettalover77]

high tech with smaller fish like emeral dwarf rasboras, chili rasboras, german blue rams, green neons, shrimp, endlers, dario dario. etc.

 

[platytudes]

I saw this system on clearance at Petsmart for $200 and was a little bit tempted...the thing is, an aquarium like that with that kind of furniture will make everything else I own (furniture wise) look like crap! I vote high tech planted

 

[discuspaul]

I had that size of Osaka for a year & gave it to my daughter when I got the larger sized Osaka 260 (70 gal). Love those tanks!
Not sure if you'd like to consider this if you want to go high-tech, but a planted single strain discus tank of 5 or 6 juveniles in the 3" range would look smashing, imo.
I have a low tech planted set up in my 70 with 10 juvie discus - 2 different strains - and can't stop watching these amazing personalities !

 

[850R]

REEF!

But I have to say the High tech with the aforementioned Chilli Rasboras [Or the emeralds] would look amazing!

 

[RhondaAnn]

I vote for planted. Mine is planted (not nicely & no co2) and is stocked with 4 juvie angelfish and a bamboo shrimp.
I've used it for different fish, tried setting it up different ways. I think I liked it best with cherry barbs and angelfish. The barbs color really pops with the lighting and plants.
At one time I kept a pair of Discus in there, and another time I kept fancy guppies. I had to give away most of my fish and some tanks when I took ill, so glad I kept this one. It does look nice and you do have some fun options.