long or tall???

[corinda]

I am thinking about getting another tank.
i am not sure if i should get a 30 long or 29 tall.
What one is best. i have a 29 g tall tank and a 33g
long. they both have the same lighting, but the 33g
is brighter. what one is best? why is it best? what fish
like which tank?

 

[Doomhed]

longer is better as tanks go. it is more swimming distance as the fish is concerned. they can get much more exercise out of the long tank.

 

[corinda]

Really, i was thinking that they would like deeper ones, not sure why

 

[Layla]

I would get the long one. It's better for the fish to swim like Doomhed said and you can keep more fish in it because there's more surface area for oxygen to get in the water.

 

[corinda]

What size tank do you like best?

 

[catfishmike]

tall tanks are a real pain in the rear when it comes time to clean

 

[Layla]

Originally posted by corinda
What size tank do you like best?

The biggest I have is a 30 gallon but I would like one much bigger if I could afford it right now! But I wouldn't want it to be really tall, because it would be a pain to siphon the gravel and you're restricted on how many fish you can have by the surface area.

 

[corinda]

what do you mean restricted on how many fish by surface area?
Say someone had a 30 tall,they could not have as many fish as if the had a 30 long? why?

 

[Layla]

This place explains it a little better than I can http://www.h2ohome.co.uk/Tropical/TropicalFishkeeping/stockingrates.htm

Basically the surface area is where carbon dioxide is exchaged for oxygen, so there will be more oxygen for more fish in a long tank with more surface area.
If you have filters or airstones that create turbulence on the surface though, that will help too.

 

[corinda]

so if i go to the site. they can explain whay i need to know about tanks and sizes thank you !!!

 

[bobrob]

If you wanted fish like angelfish it would be a good idea to get a tall tank but if you want fast moving active fish go with the long.

 

[Torpedo]

Definitly go long not high. Fish like to swim back and forth not up and down.

Doing a gravel vac in a tall is a pain in the butt...hard to reach the gravel. Plus if you want to rearrange the decor it makes it tough.

More water surface increases oxygen in the water since there is more water surface in contact with the air.

 

[angel51431]

So how do you judge how many fish is the maximum, so to speak, to put in the tank between a long and a tall tank? I know of the 'one inch of fish per one gallon' theory, but I'm guessing it isn't relevant, since the decision is between a long/tall tank?

I was thinking of getting a 30 gallon myself, and was deciding between long and tall. I see now that I was right in my logic of swimming space and gravel cleaning. I'm proud now

 

[RedTurquoise]

Just casting my vote! Go long, not tall! Maintanence is easily with a long!

Also, check out this article for stocking guidelines:

http://www.myfishtank.net/articles/howmanyfish.php

 

[beaver8888]

i personly like longer tanks just cause it has more display and more plants can be anded with out crowing them i would go wit long over high

 

[corinda]

thank you for all your help. GOING WITH THE LONG 30G OR LONG 50 G OR 55...............oH I WANT A...................

 

[fishman0]

get the long I have a tall tank and it's such a pain to put in new plants or take out dead pieces of plants. And unless you have a hanging light you can't see the bottum very well, if you have patience get the tall.

 

[corinda]

i think i want a long one but also about 20 in tall i like that size because of under gravel filters.

 

[geoff]

What type of fish are you wanting to keep?

A pair of angels? Get the tall

Several schools of tetras? Get the long

 

[corinda]

I do not know yet, I like to get a tank. Set it up. Put plants and what ever else i can find. and after i have had for a while then i go to pet and fish shops to see if i like any fish i see.. not good with salt water...