The red candy-like button…err…big new tank

[Jin]

I’m sure everyone is starting to think, “Damn this guy & his questions!”

I have enough wall space for a 48” tank.  I was thinking of going for a 90 gallon.  I really wish I could find a bow-front that was bigger than 72 & smaller than 110, but I’ve never seen one.  Anyway, the largest tank I’ve had up to this point is a 29.  That tank is going great except for the previously mentioned snail invasion.  Measures, in the form of 4” clown loaches, have been taken to alleviate that issue.

Okie, back from another tangent…

The 48” tanks I’ve found so far are 55, 75, 90, 110, & 72 bow-front.  I was thinking of going with the 90-gallon variety.  Are there any real pros/cons to any of these sizes that anyone has encountered?  What new things should I keep in mind?  I love live plants & was planning on using them yet again.

As for the fish, I was going to transfer some of my larger fish from my 29-gallon tank (angels, clown loaches, & maybe my pearl gouramis) & added a few new faces.

I was thinking of going with a few varieties of cichlids, such as electric yellow libidos, since I’ve never really had them before.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks.

 

[dattack]

Tried to get the tank that has the dimensions that is most optimal for lighting.  I guess you have already chosen the 48inch kind.  Now try to find the tank with the best front to back dimension.  This will give up enough room for aquascaping with rocks and plants.  Therefore don't buy the 55 gallon.  Considering now the depth of the tank really depends on what your preference is but make sure your lighting is strong enough to penetrate a deep depth if you are planning to have plants.
That being said, the bigger the better.  With bowfronts, you might have to get power compacts for lighting because the shape is odd and using straight bulbs might not get enough light in every corner.

 

[woody]

Ive got a 72 Bow marine in my living room the perfect showpiece not too big not too small. Worth the extra cost. I am currently setting up a standard 75 gal cichlid in my basement. the 90 is the same footprint just taller. the reason I opted for the 75 was just because of cost. My LFS had one handy and I was able to get my price. It has plenty of room for aquascaping. As far as the mixture your planning, I really dont think the electric yellows will be ideals mates for pearls and angels. Good Luck

 

[Jin]

dattak – I definitely agree with your comments about the depth.  75, 90, & 110 all have the same depth, the ones I’ve seen anyway.  They are just different heights.

woody – Thanks for the thoughts.  I’ve decided that 100 is too big.  The 90s at the LFS here are ~$90 more.  I can hack that on my current budget.  Hmmm, I heard the yellows were quite peaceful.  Have you had a different experience with them?

So, I think it’s between the 90 & 72 bow-front.  I’m sure I’ll be pondering this for a a few days at least.  I really want to get going on this.