selecting a tank size

**JasonH** · 08-20-2012, 01:13 AM

Need some advice on which tank size i should purchase. It has been suggested that I purchase a tank no smaller than 55 gal, and no bigger than 90 gal. Have looked at a 56 gal, 30" long x 18"deep x 24" high, 60 gal, 48" long x 13" deep x 24" high and a 90 gal, 48" long x 18" deep x 24"high. The 60 gal tank just does not seem to be very wide compared to the 56 and 90 gal. So I am wondering if I should go with a tank that is bigger in depth as it would be easier to place the decorations, and if i decide to get larger fish later on they would have more room to turn around thus being more versitile. All thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated thanks.

**Rocksor** · 08-20-2012, 01:17 AM

If you decide to go the big fish (12-14") route in the future, your best bet is to do the 90g. Even if you don't go that way, get the 90g if you can afford it. A larger tank is easier to maintain than a smaller tank (as long as you don't overstock it).

**sheamurai** · 08-20-2012, 01:18 AM

Honestly? Get the biggest tank you can fit into your house, and afford. It gives you SO MUCH more flexibility in what you can stock, plus, it saves you the cost of upgrading down the road. Almost EVERYone ends up wanting a bigger tank, and it always costs in equipment. Save the dough and buy ONCE. Not sure why someone would tell you not to get bigger than a 90, assuming you would want something bigger.

I upgraded my tank 6 times before I ended up with what i think are now my permanent tanks. I wish someone had told me this when I started!

**Lady10Godiva** · 08-20-2012, 01:25 AM

I have the 56 gallon column tank you have listed at 30*18*24. The problems I have with this tank is that with the center brace on the top the larger hang on the back filters do not fit. I have 2 penquin 200s rated for a 50 gallon tank and a eheim ecco 60 canister filter rated for a 60 gallon tank. The other issue I have is that the tanj is 24 inches top to bottom and the standard 30 inch that comes with it isnt strong enough to grow live plants at the bottom of the tank. Now I have a 24 inch t5ho fixture with 4 bulbs with 96 total watts and now my plants grow great.

A standard 75 gallon tank might be a happy medium for you. It has the same 48*18 footprint size as the 90 gallon but it isnt as tall (which makes it harder for live plants or if you happen to have short arms it can be harder to reach the bottom).

Good luck!

**JasonH** · 08-20-2012, 02:50 AM

Thanks for your replies you all have given me some more info to base my decision on now. I was a little confused when told not to go bigger than a 90 because I was originally looking at a 120 and 150. Also was planning on staggering my purchases out as to build my aquarium properly and getting my tank set the way I want it before adding any fish.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-20-2012, 02:53 AM

The only difference between the 90 gallon and the 75 is an added 4 inches to the height. Nearly all fish are more concerned with the footprint of the tank as they swim back and forth, not up and down. Personally, I'd prefer a 75 gallon over a 90 gallon as far as being able to reach into it for cleaning. (I'm short.) It would be 48 x 18, as well.

If it's possible and the money is not the problem, then I would go with the 150 gallon you were considering so you have the 6 ft in length rather than only 4 ft.

**kross** · 08-20-2012, 05:35 AM

If a 150 gallon tank is what you want, and you can afford it, and have space for it, absolutely go for it! It may seem counter intuitive, but bigger tanks are easier to maintain than smaller ones, except for the fact that water changes take longer. More water volume means the water parameters stay stable longer. A Python-style water changer is an absolute necessity.

As others have said, it makes no sense to buy smaller than what you want, only to have to spend more money later to upgrade to what you really want. And big tanks are perfectly fine for beginners.

**pjaldave** · 08-20-2012, 06:02 AM

I would totally get away from tank that are taller than 18". They're just pain in the butt to clean. And if you ever want to do a planted tank in a tall one, you need even more light so that it penetrates the water and is usable by plants.

**Dennis Bissett** · 08-20-2012, 08:54 AM

Go for the biggest tank that space and finances permit - and look at how the shape fits the space you have available. Bigger is easier, stabler, and saves upgrading later

**ameliaaahx** · 08-21-2012, 03:01 AM

sheamurai is 100% right with the upgrade thing... I only started in January this year and already I've upgraded 3 times. And I still know that the 30 and 70 I have at the moment are only temporary until I have the time and money for bigger tanks.

And the python thing is right too... Haven't been able to find one and waterchanges on my 70 take forever.